Moving from NYC suburb to Charlotte or Raleigh area (Durham: rent, condo)
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Any suggestions and comments on moving to these areas are appreciated. My husband is in IT and I'm an RN. We doubt we'll have a problem finding jobs. We're interested in a 30-45 minute commute at most. We'd like to live in a quiet suburb w/good schools (but only for resale purposes I guess). We'll probably rent for awhile first (to get to know the area where we end up working).
We're in our mid 50s and live a simple life; dining out, going to the beach (lake?) for the day or weekend. So we don't want to live too far west of RTP and would prefer closer to the coast. We know little about areas east of Raleigh-Durham and/or Charlotte from these forums.
Last edited by CCU RN; 04-14-2013 at 01:34 PM..
Reason: want to add something
If you are set on living near the beach, I would check out Charleston. It has everything, ie. great restauants, cultural activities, beaches, and as much action or quiet as you wish. But, if it is between Raleigh and Charlotte, I would go for Charlotte due to the closeness to the lake and mountains. Keep in mind that there is only one point at the lake where the public can legally swim. Otherwise it is just walking in parks beside the lake or boating. Either is not a bad choice.
Dear CCU RN, Have you checked out the Wilmington (NC) area? My husband and I are also from a NY suburb (Westchester Co). and have been trying to figure out where to locate in NC (also looked at Sun City just over the border from Charlotte in SC). We have pretty much narrowed our search to the Raleigh area, Charlotte area or Wilmington. But that 's still a lot of territory to cover and consider. Wilmington is a nice, small city close to the ocean. We almost bought there in a planned community called Brunswick Forest, but we sort of chickened out. It's a little out of the way, we thought (about 100 miles southeast of Rt. 95). But we haven't ruled it out. We like the Charlotte area and being a little further west because I have family in KY. But we are worried we'll miss the coast. I've never lived more than about an hour from the ocean. Not sure if Lake Norman will cut it!
Dear CCU RN, Have you checked out the Wilmington (NC) area? My husband and I are also from a NY suburb (Westchester Co). and have been trying to figure out where to locate in NC (also looked at Sun City just over the border from Charlotte in SC). We have pretty much narrowed our search to the Raleigh area, Charlotte area or Wilmington. But that 's still a lot of territory to cover and consider. Wilmington is a nice, small city close to the ocean. We almost bought there in a planned community called Brunswick Forest, but we sort of chickened out. It's a little out of the way, we thought (about 100 miles southeast of Rt. 95). But we haven't ruled it out. We like the Charlotte area and being a little further west because I have family in KY. But we are worried we'll miss the coast. I've never lived more than about an hour from the ocean. Not sure if Lake Norman will cut it!
I moved to Charlotte from Florida and I definitely miss being able to practically walk to the beach, but many people from Charlotte drive to the beach every weekend. It's completely normal.
WOW. I live in Rockland and go to the Jersey shore a lot. My in-laws live in a condo in the Pt. Pleasant area and I LOVE the beach. And, yes, I want to live within an hour of the beach; not 2.5 hrs if I live in Raleigh or Charlotte! I figured living an hour west would be a safe harbor from hurricanes. However, Sandy proved me wrong!
I heard there are many New Yorkers living in NC. My cousin has lived in the Charlotte area for many years now and loves it. We are definitely looking forward to lower taxes, warmer winters, and, dare I say it, southern hospitality! Let me know how you progress with your search! Thanks.
Thanks everyone for your advice and responses. I do like the ocean, which is why I'm sticking with the eastern seaboard. I'm not one to favor the mountains over the "shore" (as we call it up north). Although mountains are beautiful, I'm more inclined to relax at the beach. I hear Asheville is a great place to live, but too far from the coast.
I spend many days at the Jersey shore (Sandy surely hurt us in many ways, but we'll recover for sure). That said, are there any towns east of RTP and the Raleigh area which are safe, not too rural; perhaps an hour the most commute to RTP?. We may work in that area.
Also, any thoughts about the Wilmington area would also be helpful. Thanks again. This thread is very helpful to this naïve New Yorker!
Thanks everyone for your advice and responses. I do like the ocean, which is why I'm sticking with the eastern seaboard. I'm not one to favor the mountains over the "shore" (as we call it up north). Although mountains are beautiful, I'm more inclined to relax at the beach. I hear Asheville is a great place to live, but too far from the coast.
I spend many days at the Jersey shore (Sandy surely hurt us in many ways, but we'll recover for sure). That said, are there any towns east of RTP and the Raleigh area which are safe, not too rural; perhaps an hour the most commute to RTP?. We may work in that area.
Also, any thoughts about the Wilmington area would also be helpful. Thanks again. This thread is very helpful to this naïve New Yorker!
Wilmington is a lovely small city. It has beaches and most ammenities one would want. Personally, it is a bit too small for me and I had an issue with a drug crazed homeless person close to the wharf where the USS North Carolina is docked. This occured around noon. I am suspicious what it would be like at night there since it was next to the area where entertainment and restaurants are mostly found. Nevertheless, it is certainly worth checking out and my experience may be just an unlucky, rare situation. I have heard some good things about Sun City. It is pretty close to South Charlotte. I may be a bit biased, but IMHO Cornelius (at the lake) is by far the best option. By the way, there are two major hospitals within five miles of Cornelius, numerous doctor offices, and assisted living facilities, etc.
I read with interest your comment about Cornelius. I am interested in visiting Bailey's Glen, a new and "in the process of being built" 55+ community there. Do you know anything about it?
It's being built by a small developer, which makes my husband nervous. He feels much safer with a large builder like Del Webb/Pulte who built Sun City.
I'd love to know what you love about Cornelius! Thanks!
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Where Should This NYer Move to in NC?
By the way, there are two major hospitals within five miles of Cornelius, numerous doctor offices, and assisted living facilities, etc.
Cornelius
