Indianapolis or Charlotte? (Columbus, Nashville: transplants, 2015, homes)

[Serious Conversation]

Originally Posted by Toxic Toast

Based on what I know about Charlotte, the only thing they have that I wish Indy had is light rail. Nothing else about Charlotte's location or weather does anything for me.

It is almost April and we're not even going to break 40 today or tomorrow. It's going to be a bit warmer next week, but the weather here is just too cold for me.

[jammwill]

Originally Posted by Emigrations

It is almost April and we're not even going to break 40 today or tomorrow. It's going to be a bit warmer next week, but the weather here is just too cold for me.

This is pretty abnormal weather for this time of year... Usually it's quite a bit warmer here by late March.

[ischyros]

Originally Posted by Emigrations

It is almost April and we're not even going to break 40 today or tomorrow. It's going to be a bit warmer next week, but the weather here is just too cold for me.

2 years ago we were in the 80s and already having to mow the lawn. I don't really mind putting off lawn mowing season a few more weeks. lol

[lhcstl]

Originally Posted by Emigrations

I think they're pretty similar.

Cost of living is going to be slightly higher in Charlotte. NC is a pretty high tax state.

Economy is going to be pretty similar. Charlotte has the banking/finance, while Indy is more well balanced.

Retail and dining options are going to be fairly similar. South Park mall in Charlotte is similar to Keystone. Both cities are sprawling and suburban.

Sports are nearly identical. Indy has the Indy 500. Both have pro basketball and football teams, though Indy's teams are better.

Charlotte has a much newer feel overall, especially in the city. Indy has its downtown, but there is a lot of older, rundown properties and blighted feel than in Charlotte IMO.

I think Charlotte is by far in a better location, better weather, and better outdoors opportunities. Charlotte is reasonably close to the beach, and just an hour and a half or so from WNC mountains and skiing. Atlanta is pretty close by if you need a bigger city. Indy obviously has Chicago.

Thanks a lot! Your comments are very helpful!

[lhcstl]

Originally Posted by Toxic Toast

I've never been to Charlotte, so take this comment with that in mind.

I have a neighbor who moved to Indianapolis from Charlotte a couple of years ago. She describes Charlotte as "Indianapolis if it had light rail and better weather."

That's a nice insight. Thanks!

[lhcstl]

Originally Posted by indy771

They're similar in many ways, but if you're going to use air travel a lot, Charlotte has the edge in this category as they have more direct flights than Indy.

Yeah, I can see that too. Thanks!

[lhcstl]

Originally Posted by bilgewater

Currently live in Indy. I've spent a decent amount of time in Durham and Chapel Hill. Would move our family there if we had a chance.

The biggest obvious problem there that I could see was the traffic. Massive population increase in the research triangle without the accompanying light rail or expanded highways. It's awesome to hear that Charlotte has light rail, which presumably alleviates clogged traffic.

And of course the hot hot summer.

But there is the ocean. And the foodie culture. And the natural beauty --rolling hills and mountains, ocean to the side-- and historic vibes really has south central Indiana beat, to my eyes.

Show me your best, Hoosiers. I wanna fall in love again.

Thank you for your insights, bilgewater!

[Shakeesha]

Charlotte is a new city. The roads are new, there are more transplants, and the infrastructure is new. You will find several new upscale shopping areas, urban developments, and gorgeous homes. The city is known for banking, NASCAR, and an overwhelmingly business friendly environment. There are many family friendly museums and attractions, better weather, and closer proximity to large metros and diverse terrain. The city has recovered from the recession and is growing much faster than Indianapolis. There really is no comparison, Charlotte is reaching a new tier while Indianapolis is stuck in the past (the governor's anti-lgbt law that was just passed doesn't help Indianapolis either :-()

Fierce Backlash Mounts Over Indiana's 'Religious Freedom' Law

[bilgewater]

Originally Posted by McdonaldIndy

Closer proximity to large metros?
You couldn't be any further from the truth there.
Chicago
St Louis
Louisville
Cincinnati
Detroit
Columbus
Cleveland
Milwaukee
Those cities are within a 6 hour drive of Indianapolis. Charlotte doesn't come even close.
Please give an objectionable opinion and not some personal bias.

Goodness, when did 280 miles become "close proximity"? It sounds like you found his/her opinions very objectionable, not lacking in objectionable characteristics.

[Serious Conversation]

Originally Posted by McdonaldIndy

Name large cities with 1.5 Million people near Charlotte then.

Raleigh metro, but that's really it.