Indianapolis or Charlotte? (Columbus, Atlanta, Economy: credit, houses, employment)

[indy771]

Originally Posted by McdonaldIndy

Those cities are within a 6 hour drive of Indianapolis.

I agree 100%, Indy is located within close proximity to much more big cities than Charlotte, you could also add Nashville to the list which's a 4 hour drive from Indy compared to 6 hours from Charlotte.

This might not be a big reason for people to move/stay in Indy but its convenient for short weekend trips.

[lhcstl]

Originally Posted by 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 :-()

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Thank you for your insight. Govenor Pence is doing such damage to Indiana!

[indy_317]

Originally Posted by lhcstl

Dear all, there is a nice job opportunity that comes my way in Charlotte, NC. Does anyone know something about the two places? I am not sure whether or not to take it, or to stay here in Indy.

I've heard pretty good things about Charlotte. NC itself is nice. You get mountains and beaches. I have heard that property taxes, at least in the mountain west area, are high. If you end up going, best place for a picnic is Waterrock Knob off the Blue Ridge Parkway about 20ish miles from Cherokee.

A few years back Chiquita moved their HQ from Cincinnati to Charlotte. I heard that Charlotte's airport was better for business (more direct flights to various destinations).

[unusualfire]

I guess being better no longer comes into play since they are leaving Charlotte too. I guess it was a good 2 years being there. lol

[grmasterb]

Originally Posted by 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 :-()

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[theurbanfiles]

From an outsider:

Weather:
Perhaps Charlotte because I'm guessing Indianapolis has somewhat humid summer temperatures unlike those along Great Lakes, with Winter Temperatures around the same as Great Lakes Cities. Not a big edge here though. Charlotte summers are truly awful.

Arts/Culture:
Strikes me that Indianapolis has a big edge here. The Indianapolis Museum of Art is among the Top 12 in America and is free, and it is just one of several terrific museums and theaters within walking distance of what appears to be a livable and vibrant downtown.

Economy:
Charlotte's still might be better now on the basis of having BOA, but it appears BOA is currently in risky straits. Generally the best economy is a place where you can find relevant employment though.

Sports:
I give Indy the edge here because not only are sports a bigger part of the fabric of the community, but there are more opportunities for seeing college sports close at hand (including next week's Final 4), and I am sure that the Indiana High School Basketball Championship is the closest sports can come to being a religious experience.

Outdoors/Nature:
This one is kind of a toss up. I am quite certain that Indianapolis has a city park system which can blow Charlottes out of the water. However Charlotte does have mountains like closer, along with Lake Norman, and the OBX and Smokies can be weekend trips from there, so there's that. You could call this one a push then, though Indy still gives more opportunity for everyday enjoyment.

Location:
Indianapolis has much more of a proximity to other large cities, and sits as much more of a crossroads between regions of the country. I'd pick Indianapolis for this one.

History/Streetscape: I'd say neither city is the best, but Indy is a clear winner. I haven't personally been to NoDa in Charlotte, but it strikes me that Indy has longer established mom/pops, some nice Victorian neighborhoods, and an incredibly vibrant and connected downtown which wows visitors.

Traffic/Livability: I would guess Indianapolis is more affordable yet offers a decent amount of gainful employment, offers more higher education access close at hand, and has lower level of traffic.

To Charlotte's credit, the perks are being able to work in a corporate area at BOA, access to the Smokies, more moderate winters, and a high quality theme park near town in Carowinds.

Based on all these factors though, I'd still pick Indianapolis in a heartbeat if given a choice.

[theurbanfiles]

I also see a lot of people posting that with Charlotte, you get the mountains and the beach. You may take the occasional weekend trip over there, but I doubt many would be willing to consistently pile on the 2+ hours needed to get to Mountains or 3+ hours to go over to the beach. So really, you end up getting either. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if relatively flat Indiana's highest point in Crown Hill Cemetery is higher than any spot in Charlotte. You could also get from downtown Indy to Indiana Dunes and Mammoth Cave which are bizarre and unique features in less time than it would take to get to the OBX from Charlotte.

I would also point out that while Wilmington and Asheville are definite foodie cities, consensus about Charlotte is it is more Applebee's country among many I have heard.

Another unique advantage Indianapolis has with being less transient, is that of having more of an identity. And that likely doesn't just include sports.

[Shakeesha]

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.

Six hours is not close. Atlanta is larger than all of those metros except Chicago, and it is within four hours. Charlotte has more direct flights to large cities and a larger airport, so no you're not going to win here. Charlotte is also close to the mountains and the beach, can't say the same for Indianapolis #BoycottIndiana.

[grmasterb]

Originally Posted by Shakeesha

Six hours is not close. Atlanta is larger than all of those metros except Chicago, and it is within four hours. Charlotte has more direct flights to large cities and a larger airport, so no you're not going to win here. Charlotte is also close to the mountains and the beach, can't say the same for Indianapolis #BoycottIndiana.

Indy still has more large metros within a 3 hour drive. #GlassHouses

[theurbanfiles]

Yeah, what do you know lol.

Highest point in Indianapolis: 916 ft.

Highest point in Charlotte: 746 ft.

Charlotte does still have a little bit shorter commute to the Pisgah Mtns. Or Asheville. But on a regular basis Indianapolisites can get more hiking in. Also, as cities , the only major advantage I can see for Atlanta over Chicago, though Atlanta in it's own right is a pretty good city is weather during the winter (id still say overall it's about even) and the fact that you can do some serious hiking in the winter, and maybe cost of living though I don't know. The rest Atlanta can't help, Chicago is a legacy city and perhaps one of the 10 most important to the world's social, cultural and economic future.