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Natives: What has improved with growth in the Triangle?
What do you think of RTP? What do you think of the diversity (Northerners, Californians, Mexicans, Indians, etc)? Is there a chain (gasp) that has made it's way to the Triangle that you enjoy?
I'd say just the plethora of shopping and diverse dining options. I can't really think of a specific new chain that has me all excited though. I thought I'd be "into" Trader Joes when it came here, but I'm still scratching my head on that one.
One of the things I enjoy is the ethnic stores. When I was a kid we had to buy Old El Paso tortillas in a can, and while I know some of the Californian and Texan immigrants still don't think our Mexican food is that great, I still think it is WAY better than it was. We also have a great selection of Asian and Indian groceries and restaurants that we didn't have before.
The other thing that I really noticed coming back is the greenways. The greenway system has improved a lot in the last 15-20 years.
Grew up in Eastern NC, moved away for 20 years, ended up in Durham. The ease at which one can get from the Triangle to the coast has GREATLY improved. But the trip is not nearly as interesting. You use to spend alot of time behind tractors and pass a lot of cotton, soy bean, and "baccer" fields. Now it's a tunnel of pine trees that fly by at 80 mph... um I mean 70 mph. I miss the mom & pop stores w/ Sundrop in a bottle. But I love that I don't spend all day in the car.... especially now that I have kids in the car with me.
Charlton- You are no native. Native means born here. I will not comment on the question. Most on this board have no earthly what this place was like in 1968 or 75 or 87 etc. I will be glad to tell you.
"Inside the Beltline" (becomes more desirable as time goes by)
Similarly to above: Historic neighborhood preservation
Museums
Performing Arts
Restaurants
RDU Airport (was pretty much nothing 35 years ago)
Access by car (actually connected to the Interstate System)
Public entertainment venues (stadiums, arenas, concert venues, etc.)
Hotels
Access to the beach! (okay...so it's similar to "Access by car")
Parks and Recreation (greenways, city parks, city pools, programs, etc.)
Housing choices beyond just single family homes and apartments
Access to "Lakes" ....Falls Lake and Jordan Lake in particular (man made since then)
Hospitals
That's all I can think of off the top of my head at the moment. A lot has improved but it's always a give and take when it comes to "improvement".
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