The Carolinas

[thewishfire]

Hey everyone. My mother and I should be moving later this year. We're not really sure where we want to go yet, but are considering either North or South Carolina. Can anyone here that lives in either state tell me a bit about it? What's good or bad about yours state?

*Are the taxes high?
*Any areas that are recommended or to be avoided?
*How's the weather? Any/many tornadoes?

Anything you can tell me about these states would be greatly appreciated. If we decide there's a possibility of moving there we will be visiting in the next two months. Thank you!

 

[bcvgal]

A good web site is www.visitnc.com. It will tell you about the different areas of the state. Are you wanting beaches, mountains or in between?

 

[SC Minnie]

It really depends. Are you going to be looking for work? If so, in what field? If not, then you could live in a more rural area where it is beautiful in either state. Also it depends on what kind of climate you enjoy- mountains or beaches. Taxes here are not as high as they are where you are from but if you live in a larger city like Charlotte, Raleigh, Columbia, or Charleston they are going to be higher.

I love the weather here. There are all 4 seasons but winter is rather short and we don't get snow every year but we do get it. The summers are hot and humid but most homes and businesses have AC. The Carolinas have tornados, hurricanes, and even very mild earthquakes but all are rare.

 

[stm61]

depends on what you're looking for, as the above posters said. Taxes tend to be a little lower in SC then NC. You probably don't have kids, but if you might in the future you really need to look at the local schools. You can have a really good one right next to a really bad school. See if you can get insurance quotes, ours actually went UP when we transferred from NJ! I couldn't believe it, we were getting an $800 discount from Allstate that didn't transfer. Food prices are a little higher here, can't get those Shop Rite prices at Bi-Lo or Walmart. Other then that, I love it here! I'm in the same general area as SC Minnie. I would make sure you have a job first, if you need to, I've been looking for 4 months and haven't found anything yet, but I'm not exactly in a high demand field.

 

[thewishfire]

Thanks for the help you've all given me so far.

One thing I forgot to mention is that I will be looking for a college to go to, so we'll be looking in areas that are close to school. As far as jobs go, I will need to get one as soon as I move so I can continue paying for my car and insurance, but since I'll be in school I'm not expecting a 'career'.

We aren't sure what area we'd like more.. mountain, beach, etc. but I suppose we'll get a better idea once we actually visit. Off the top of my head I'd say that I'd like the mountains better, but I'm flexible.

 

[shortbun]

I'd say Charlotte for jobs and some colleges. Raleigh-Durham area also has several colleges but fewer higher paying jobs. I know both areas pretty well. I'd probably choose to live in southern Charlotte but I do not know your income level or what your available cash is like. Are you going to buy a house, rent an apartment or what?

 

[SC Minnie]

There are numerous colleges in both states- from large UNC & USC to the small private college. DD used to have a site for colleges that you could enter your state and desired major and it would pull up the schools that offered it (private and public).

 

[Swimnoid]

IF you are looking for a college I'd do that first then look at what area the best colleges for your major are located. I always thought DD would end up in Wilmington for college (on the beach) but ended up in Boone at Appalachian State (mountains) and adores it!

 

[christineann]

North Carolina has an abundance of great colleges and universities.

Swimnoid, my son just finished at App, and my daughter just finished her first semester there. We LOVE everything about it! Go Mountaineers!

 

[ZPT1022]

IF you are looking for a college I'd do that first then look at what area the best colleges for your major are located. I always thought DD would end up in Wilmington for college (on the beach) but ended up in Boone at Appalachian State (mountains) and adores it!

WOW, my best friend from high school went there. Quite the change from uppity CT but she loved it there! Never thought I would ever hear about it again though!

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

Hey everyone. My mother and I should be moving later this year. We're not really sure where we want to go yet, but are considering either North or South Carolina. Can anyone here that lives in either state tell me a bit about it? What's good or bad about yours state?

*Are the taxes high?
*Any areas that are recommended or to be avoided?
*How's the weather? Any/many tornadoes?

Anything you can tell me about these states would be greatly appreciated. If we decide there's a possibility of moving there we will be visiting in the next two months. Thank you!

I've got one word for you... Asheville. Good (though not great) college options; gorgeous mountains; urban luxuries; decent job market. Here where I live (near Greensboro) it was 60 and sunny outside today. You just can't beat that for the last week of December. As a lifelong resident of NC I wholeheartedly welcome all newbies to the beautiful state. It's too great of a place not to share.

 

[thewishfire]

I've got one word for you... Asheville. Good (though not great) college options; gorgeous mountains; urban luxuries; decent job market. Here where I live (near Greensboro) it was 60 and sunny outside today. You just can't beat that for the last week of December. As a lifelong resident of NC I wholeheartedly welcome all newbies to the beautiful state. It's too great of a place not to share.

My great uncle moved to Asheville recently and he loves it there. In fact everyone I know thats moved South in the past few years has really liked it a lot. I can't wait to visit! I'm going to start looking at schools (even if I do end up at a Community College until I get settled) and planning what areas we should look at soon.

 

[TLHB70]

Here where I live (near Greensboro) it was 60 and sunny outside today. You just can't beat that for the last week of December. As a lifelong resident of NC I wholeheartedly welcome all newbies to the beautiful state. It's too great of a place not to share.

I totally agree with you!!!! I LOVE it here!!!!!!!!!!!

I live in Union County, just south of Charlotte. I live close to the SC line. I just love it here!!!!! I am originally from Louisiana. We moved here in 2003. I have to tell you that it is now "home," and I have no desire to ever move again. I love NC!!!! It is beautiful!!!!! The people are friendly!!! The weather is great!!!!!!! You have the benefit of being close to the mountains and the coast. I could go on and on..........