Best places to live in North/South Carolina?

[pjtoadie]

I need some help from people who know the Carolinas. My wife and I are considering moving south from Ohio due to my wife having more opportunities in the education field. Ohio is really on the decline for education and North Carolina and South Carolina are on the rise. So what are the best neighborhoods to raise a family? We're probably looking to rent a house for awhile. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[big dog cowboy]

Not to hijack the thread, but I moved from Ohio 11 years ago. Best thing I ever did. Unfortunately my in-laws still live there so I have to visit once a year.

[Wolfpack]

Moved from Ohio in 1996 to Coastal SC and was best thing I ever did.

Schools are hiring here as there is growth. I am in Beaufort which is down near Hilton Head/Savannah.

[jobberone]

Upstate SC from Clemson to Spartanburg is good. Columbia is nice but hotter. Charleston area is my favorite. Beaufort, Georgetown and Myrtle Beach good, ok, and decent. Depends on the school district. PM me the school districts and I'll tell you what I know.

NC I know less. Charlotte area including Rock Hill SC is ok. I don't care much for eastern NC. Asheville is nice. Durham and Chapel Hill very nice. Western NC is more isolated but I like it esp if you like the mountains. Gets a little cold for me but I used to ski. The northern area of the state is like rural SC.

[RastaRocket]

I guess I can use this thread as well. Currently moving to North Carolina from Dallas.

[pjtoadie]

Not to hijack the thread, but I moved from Ohio 11 years ago. Best thing I ever did. Unfortunately my in-laws still live there so I have to visit once a year.

You're not hijacking the thread! Where in Ohio did you live?

[pjtoadie]

Moved from Ohio in 1996 to Coastal SC and was best thing I ever did.

Schools are hiring here as there is growth. I am in Beaufort which is down near Hilton Head/Savannah.

Thanks Wolfpack, will check out Beaufort!

[pjtoadie]

Upstate SC from Clemson to Spartanburg is good. Columbia is nice but hotter. Charleston area is my favorite. Beaufort, Georgetown and Myrtle Beach good, ok, and decent. Depends on the school district. PM me the school districts and I'll tell you what I know.

NC I know less. Charlotte area including Rock Hill SC is ok. I don't care much for eastern NC. Asheville is nice. Durham and Chapel Hill very nice. Western NC is more isolated but I like it esp if you like the mountains. Gets a little cold for me but I used to ski. The northern area of the state is like rural SC.

Wow you really know the Carolinas :bow: It's still in the early stages but when I find some school districts I will send you a PM, thanks!

[Yakuza Rich]

I lived in Myrtle Beach for 5 years and for the most part, really enjoyed it. It's a lot more 'northern' in terms of people so you won't feel like a fish out of water. Good weather and generally a good place to be.






YR

[Yakuza Rich]

The place I've always heard good things about is Raleigh. I've only driven thru there a few times, but I've talked to many people that either really liked it or loved it so much that they wish they didn't move away. Charlotte really turned around in the past 10 years. It's turned into a nice little city instead of some over-cramped snorefest with not much to do. You can get some great houses at some great pricing 20-30 minutes outside of the city.

Wilmington I would generally avoid. Not much going on there and that's where the Hurricanes tend to hit (along with the outer banks).

Columbia is a dump, same with Orangeburg. Charleston is very nice although I think people picture it as the nicest southern city ever and in reality, it's like every city...some great places, some very bad places.

I'm not really a big fan of Hilton Head. It's not what it once was and getting anythign done on that island takes forever. I would definitely check out Raleigh from what I've heard.





YR

[pjtoadie]

The place I've always heard good things about is Raleigh. I've only driven thru there a few times, but I've talked to many people that either really liked it or loved it so much that they wish they didn't move away. Charlotte really turned around in the past 10 years. It's turned into a nice little city instead of some over-cramped snorefest with not much to do. You can get some great houses at some great pricing 20-30 minutes outside of the city.

Wilmington I would generally avoid. Not much going on there and that's where the Hurricanes tend to hit (along with the outer banks).

Columbia is a dump, same with Orangeburg. Charleston is very nice although I think people picture it as the nicest southern city ever and in reality, it's like every city...some great places, some very bad places.

I'm not really a big fan of Hilton Head. It's not what it once was and getting anythign done on that island takes forever. I would definitely check out Raleigh from what I've heard.
YR

Thanks YR! I have heard the same things about Raleigh! What suburbs in Charlotte are good?

[big dog cowboy]

You're not hijacking the thread! Where in Ohio did you live?

Dayton.

Used to be a great city but it's been going downhill for so long now I don't think it will ever recover.

[ologan]

Depends on what type of terrain and/or weather you prefer. Jobberone is right about the GSP (Greenville/Spartanburg SC area). It's a great place stuck between the low country heat and the mountains cool. furher west from there,but not by much, is the Anderson/ Clemson/ Seneca area.
If you like the coast, Charleston area is neat, albeit hot and muggy in the summer.
In NC, I would say that the coast area around Savannah (one of my all time favorite towns!) is great if you like the coast. Again,hot and humid in summer.
A lot further west is Asheville, NC and the areas on towards Murphy, NC, in the mountains. Being from the Ohio area, the cold in winter shouldn't bother you too much. Super area!!!! All kinds of little towns to enjoy....Sylva, Cullowhee, Cashiers, Franklin.....and it goes on and on. You can find some really good deals in housing in the area at this time.

[jnday]

I lived in Myrtle Beach for 5 years and for the most part, really enjoyed it. It's a lot more 'northern' in terms of people so you won't feel like a fish out of water. Good weather and generally a good place to be.






YR

I just read an article that backs your claim. Seems that there has been a population boom caused by people moving from the North to the Carolinas. The native population has took a 10% decrease in the last few years. It seems this area is the new Florida.

[pjtoadie]

Dayton.

Used to be a great city but it's been going downhill for so long now I don't think it will ever recover.

Yeah I'm familiar with Dayton and you're right it used to be a great city! I live in the Cleveland area and I am sick of it :D

[Yakuza Rich]

I just read an article that backs your claim. Seems that there has been a population boom caused by people moving from the North to the Carolinas. The native population has took a 10% decrease in the last few years. It seems this area is the new Florida.

Myrtle Beach was a very popular area for northeast tourists (and Ohio and Michigan) starting in the 90's. I went to Coastal Carolina University, which is just outside Myrtle (I actually lived in Myrtle while going to school there) and my fraternity usually had 50 active members and about 40-45 would be from above the Mason-Dixon line.

If you're within Myrtle city limits, it's almost exclusively northern folk like myself. Once you start to get outside of there like Conway, Socastee, Little River, etc. it becomes very hardcore southern. I would say about 75% despise Yankees like myself for no reason other than to do so, the other 25% get along swimmingly.






YR

[pjtoadie]

Depends on what type of terrain and/or weather you prefer. Jobberone is right about the GSP (Greenville/Spartanburg SC area). It's a great place stuck between the low country heat and the mountains cool. furher west from there,but not by much, is the Anderson/ Clemson/ Seneca area.
If you like the coast, Charleston area is neat, albeit hot and muggy in the summer.
In NC, I would say that the coast area around Savannah (one of my all time favorite towns!) is great if you like the coast. Again,hot and humid in summer.
A lot further west is Asheville, NC and the areas on towards Murphy, NC, in the mountains. Being from the Ohio area, the cold in winter shouldn't bother you too much. Super area!!!! All kinds of little towns to enjoy....Sylva, Cullowhee, Cashiers, Franklin.....and it goes on and on. You can find some really good deals in housing in the area at this time.

Thanks for the info! I think I want warm summers and cool fall/winters with not much snow. How do you feel about the Charlotte area?

[pjtoadie]

Anyone familiar with Huntersville, NC? I read somewhere that it's one of the better suburbs in Charlotte.

[Hostile]

To this day the most beautiful place I have ever been is Highlands, NC in the Western region and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Small town built around a few mountain lakes and creeks. The drives to get there have multiple waterfalls to enjoy. Dry Falls you can walk behind. Bridal Veil Falls drops on one side of the road, goes under the road and down so you are drying over it. Cullasaja Falls drops 250 feet in a series of drops. That is between Franklin and Highlands.

The other route into town that I know of is from Hendersonville to the East. The Falls I remember from that ay are Whitewater Falls, which does require a hike to get to, but is worth it. 411 foot single drop. Highest dropping waterfall in the Eastern US I believe. Had a great wooden bridge across the creek at the bottom. There was another Falls that I think was called Sliding Rock.

It is a rather short distance drive to either South Carolina or Georgia.

I have dreamed of owning a cabin there for a long time.

[Hostile]

Anyone familiar with Huntersville, NC? I read somewhere that it's one of the better suburbs in Charlotte.Huntsville and Matthews are both upper end suburbs there. I lived in Charlotte for a little while back in the 1980's.

[pjtoadie]

Huntsville and Matthews are both upper end suburbs there. I lived in Charlotte for a little while back in the 1980's.

Thanks Hos! So would you recommend the Charlotte area?

[DFWJC]

We moved from Ohio to NC many years ago. So I was in Ohio through 8th grade and then NC all the way through grad school.

North Carolina is amazing compared to most places in the US, but most certainly compared to Ohio (and I actually enjoyed growing up there). Mountains, beaches, good weather...etc.

There's a broad range in NC of areas to live, so you'd have to decide to you want to be in small community, in a city, near the beach, near the mountains, near both, near major universities, near pro sports? Once you figure that out, I'm sure plenty can help you.

[Kangaroo]

I need some help from people who know the Carolinas. My wife and I are considering moving south from Ohio due to my wife having more opportunities in the education field. Ohio is really on the decline for education and North Carolina and South Carolina are on the rise. So what are the best neighborhoods to raise a family? We're probably looking to rent a house for awhile. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Have not lived their was stationed there for a couple months and know some people that where assigned there but Columbia, South Carolina i would pass on. That is the home of Fort Jackson (lackson Jackson). The problem with Jackson is it is a TRADOC base training so you get all the new recruits in there for Basic and AIT.

[Hostile]

Thanks Hos! So would you recommend the Charlotte area?
I sure liked it man. The humidity is the only thing about NC that I really didn't dig, but I'm a lizard. Grew up out here in the West and am built for it.

[pjtoadie]

We moved from Ohio to NC many years ago. So I was in Ohio through 8th grade and then NC all the way through grad school.

North Carolina is amazing compared to most places in the US, but most certainly compared to Ohio (and I actually enjoyed growing up there). Mountains, beaches, good weather...etc.

There's a broad range in NC of areas to live, so you'd have to decide to you want to be in small community, in a city, near the beach, near the mountains, near both, near major universities, near pro sports? Once you figure that out, I'm sure plenty can help you.

Thanks for the info! I think my wife and I are looking to live near a bigger city i.e. Charlotte or Raleigh rather than on the coast or the mountains.


I sure liked it man. The humidity is the only thing about NC that I really didn't dig, but I'm a lizard. Grew up out here in the West and am built for it.

Great! Haha I hear ya on the humidity!

[pjtoadie]

Have not lived their was stationed there for a couple months and know some people that where assigned there but Columbia, South Carolina i would pass on. That is the home of Fort Jackson (lackson Jackson). The problem with Jackson is it is a TRADOC base training so you get all the new recruits in there for Basic and AIT.

Thanks for the info, noted :)

[Hostile]

I still miss the biscuits at Bojangles. When you get there, eat one for me.

[jobberone]

Raleigh/Durham is a great place. Mt Pleasant SC great. Charlotte still has a southern small town appeal but its definitely not small anymore. Traffic can be 'bad' for a southen city but its not much different in rush hour than any other good sized southern city. Better than Atlanta. Clemson is a great place and near enough to Greenville to get a decent sized town to live near. I don't think the people in SC hate the yankees but Myrtle Beach is definitely different. I wouldn't live there although near by is ok. I don't particularly like the PeeDee. Nashville is a good place and so is Knoxville as well as the Tri Cities.

[pjtoadie]

I still miss the biscuits at Bojangles. When you get there, eat one for me.

Will do :)


Raleigh/Durham is a great place. Mt Pleasant SC great. Charlotte still has a southern small town appeal but its definitely not small anymore. Traffic can be 'bad' for a southen city but its not much different in rush hour than any other good sized southern city. Better than Atlanta. Clemson is a great place and near enough to Greenville to get a decent sized town to live near. I don't think the people in SC hate the yankees but Myrtle Beach is definitely different. I wouldn't live there although near by is ok. I don't particularly like the PeeDee. Nashville is a good place and so is Knoxville as well as the Tri Cities.

Yeah I think Charlotte or Raleigh/Durham are what we are looking at. Hos mentioned Matthews, NC and the school district is really good by what I have just read. Does anyone know of any other good suburbs near Charlotte besides Matthews and Huntersville?

[Kangaroo]

I know some people that live in the Kure Beach area. I can ask one of them since she is here in Houston going to medical school now she graduated from college.

[DFWJC]

Yeah I think Charlotte or Raleigh/Durham are what we are looking at. Hos mentioned Matthews, NC and the school district is really good by what I have just read. Does anyone know of any other good suburbs near Charlotte besides Matthews and Huntersville?
If you look at the R/D area, Cary supposedly has a very good school district.

Both Charlotte and Raleigh/Durham/Chapell Hill areas are good. You get pro football in Charlotte. You get great colleges in the R/D area with a higher percentage of PHDs than anywhere in the US due to the Research Triangle, Duke, UNC, and NC State all being there.
Both locations have reasonable drives to the beaches.

My cousins from Xenia, OH (SW Ohio) moved to NC and love it.

[pjtoadie]

If you look at the R/D area, Cary supposedly has a very good school district.

Both Charlotte and Raleigh/Durham/Chapell Hill areas are good. You get pro football in Charlotte. You get great colleges in the R/D area with a higher percentage of PHDs than anywhere in the US due to the Research Triangle, Duke, UNC, and NC State all being there.
Both locations have reasonable drives to the beaches.

My cousins from Xenia, OH (SW Ohio) moved to NC and love it.

I will look at Cary, thanks! Where in NC did your cousin move to?

[JBond]

I need some help from people who know the Carolinas. My wife and I are considering moving south from Ohio due to my wife having more opportunities in the education field. Ohio is really on the decline for education and North Carolina and South Carolina are on the rise. So what are the best neighborhoods to raise a family? We're probably looking to rent a house for awhile. Any help would be greatly appreciated!


Hilton Head. Especially if you play golf!

[SC Cowboyfan]

To this day the most beautiful place I have ever been is Highlands, NC in the Western region and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Small town built around a few mountain lakes and creeks. The drives to get there have multiple waterfalls to enjoy. Dry Falls you can walk behind. Bridal Veil Falls drops on one side of the road, goes under the road and down so you are drying over it. Cullasaja Falls drops 250 feet in a series of drops. That is between Franklin and Highlands.

The other route into town that I know of is from Hendersonville to the East. The Falls I remember from that ay are Whitewater Falls, which does require a hike to get to, but is worth it. 411 foot single drop. Highest dropping waterfall in the Eastern US I believe. Had a great wooden bridge across the creek at the bottom. There was another Falls that I think was called Sliding Rock.

It is a rather short distance drive to either South Carolina or Georgia.

I have dreamed of owning a cabin there for a long time.

Sliding Rock is in Brevard,NC. There are a ton of small waterfalls all throughout that area (Pisgah National Forest). It is absolutely gorgeous in the summer. I take my neice and nephew there a few times each summer. I'll start taking my kids next summer as my son will be old enough to enjoy it as well.

The water is always cold (about 50 degrees) even on the hottest summer day.

We just went there last week for the last time this summer. I'm about an hour and a half away from there.

[SC Cowboyfan]

Thanks Hos! So would you recommend the Charlotte area?

Huntersville and Pineville/Matthews are nice as far as Charlotte suburbs.
My brother lives in Pineville area and the schools are very good as well.

I live in Anderson,SC (upstate SC). I like it here and it is about a 2 hour drive to Atlanta as well as Charlotte. If I can help you with getting any info or opinions, PM me.

[DFWJC]

I will look at Cary, thanks! Where in NC did your cousin move to?
One moved to Lenoir--which is a smaller gorgeous city near the Smokeys.
The other to the Outer Banks...probabaly not one of your options.

[Hostile]

Sliding Rock is in Brevard,NC. There are a ton of small waterfalls all throughout that area (Pisgah National Forest). It is absolutely gorgeous in the summer. I take my neice and nephew there a few times each summer. I'll start taking my kids next summer as my son will be old enough to enjoy it as well.

The water is always cold (about 50 degrees) even on the hottest summer day.

We just went there last week for the last time this summer. I'm about an hour and a half away from there.Yep, now that you say that I remember it better. Thank you.

[trickblue]

The place I've always heard good things about is Raleigh.

Yes... Raleigh is really nice... even nicer is Cary, NC which is about 15 miles away...

Asheville is really beautiful as well...

[pjtoadie]

Huntersville and Pineville/Matthews are nice as far as Charlotte suburbs.
My brother lives in Pineville area and the schools are very good as well.

I live in Anderson,SC (upstate SC). I like it here and it is about a 2 hour drive to Atlanta as well as Charlotte. If I can help you with getting any info or opinions, PM me.

Thanks for the info! I will check out Pineville and Anderson and PM you if I have any questions :)

[pjtoadie]

Yes... Raleigh is really nice... even nicer is Cary, NC which is about 15 miles away...

Asheville is really beautiful as well...

Raleigh is really looking like a viable option! I will check out Asheville as well, thanks!

One moved to Lenoir--which is a smaller gorgeous city near the Smokeys.
The other to the Outer Banks...probabaly not one of your options.

Yeah I'm looking for something inland near a bigger city.

[McLovin]

Huntsville and Matthews are both upper end suburbs there. I lived in Charlotte for a little while back in the 1980's.

I think you mean
Huntersville.

Sorry...not be that guy, but I moved from there a year ago. Ballantyne and South Park are nice as well

[McLovin]

As to the OP, you really need to decide what you want in your lifestyle.

I am very familiar to Charlotte, there is alot to offer. I lived smack downtown and could walk to everything. There are good restaurants, movies, sports, bars, light rail, etc.

My colleagues lived primarily in Huntersville/Birkdale area. It is a nice community, very middle mid to upper middle class. Nice picturesque outdoor mall. Closer to Lake Norman (i.e. the Penninsula, Cornelius), you get the gated neighborhoods full of NASCAR drivers, Joe Gibbs, NFLers, etc

Also had a relative in Ballantyne ... To me, more pretentious area. Btween Pineville and Matthews, it has nice areas, but seems to be more "keeping up with the Jones" type of place. It is the "5th ave" of Charlotte if you will.

Matthews is more rural, more house for the money. further away from action.

NoDa (North Davidson) is an artsy fartsy area. Nothing wrong with that, great indie bands, rejuvenating the area, fun arts and pubs.

Going further south, outside of Pineville, you et to Waxhaw/Union Co. which is McMansions for decent price (3250-400K for 4000sqft). Not sure of schools, I hear CMS school system is really bad, but like all cities, there are pockets that are pristine (Ballantyne, Pineville, etc).

You can also live in SC and work in Charlotte, traffic only sux for about 45 minutes from 450-530ish.

If you want to avoid taxes, live/work in SC on the border (20 minutes to Charlotte). NC has a 8% income tax, pretty high property taxes and 9% sales tax. Its not much different than California. I moved to NC from Tennessee and that was a harder transition than NC to Cali (except house price).


Feel free to PM me if you decide on that area. I really enjoyed downtown

[pjtoadie]

As to the OP, you really need to decide what you want in your lifestyle.

I am very familiar to Charlotte, there is alot to offer. I lived smack downtown and could walk to everything. There are good restaurants, movies, sports, bars, light rail, etc.

My colleagues lived primarily in Huntersville/Birkdale area. It is a nice community, very middle mid to upper middle class. Nice picturesque outdoor mall. Closer to Lake Norman (i.e. the Penninsula, Cornelius), you get the gated neighborhoods full of NASCAR drivers, Joe Gibbs, NFLers, etc

Also had a relative in Ballantyne ... To me, more pretentious area. Btween Pineville and Matthews, it has nice areas, but seems to be more "keeping up with the Jones" type of place. It is the "5th ave" of Charlotte if you will.

Matthews is more rural, more house for the money. further away from action.

NoDa (North Davidson) is an artsy fartsy area. Nothing wrong with that, great indie bands, rejuvenating the area, fun arts and pubs.

Going further south, outside of Pineville, you et to Waxhaw/Union Co. which is McMansions for decent price (3250-400K for 4000sqft). Not sure of schools, I hear CMS school system is really bad, but like all cities, there are pockets that are pristine (Ballantyne, Pineville, etc).

You can also live in SC and work in Charlotte, traffic only sux for about 45 minutes from 450-530ish.

If you want to avoid taxes, live/work in SC on the border (20 minutes to Charlotte). NC has a 8% income tax, pretty high property taxes and 9% sales tax. Its not much different than California. I moved to NC from Tennessee and that was a harder transition than NC to Cali (except house price).


Feel free to PM me if you decide on that area. I really enjoyed downtown

Thanks McLovin! We want a suburb that's within 30 minutes from a bigger city i.e. Charlotte or Raleigh. Right now we live 30 minutes outside of Cleveland, OH and we like the fact that we are close to a major city. As far as the neighborhood goes we obviously want it to be safe and have a good school system. We prefer middle class i.e. homes that range from 150k to 250k. My wife's brother and family live in Lake Wylie, SC and absolutely love it! We're looking to be near them. It looks like Matthews and Huntersville might fit what we are looking for, right?

[ologan]

To this day the most beautiful place I have ever been is Highlands, NC in the Western region and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Small town built around a few mountain lakes and creeks. The drives to get there have multiple waterfalls to enjoy. Dry Falls you can walk behind. Bridal Veil Falls drops on one side of the road, goes under the road and down so you are drying over it. Cullasaja Falls drops 250 feet in a series of drops. That is between Franklin and Highlands.

The other route into town that I know of is from Hendersonville to the East. The Falls I remember from that ay are Whitewater Falls, which does require a hike to get to, but is worth it. 411 foot single drop. Highest dropping waterfall in the Eastern US I believe. Had a great wooden bridge across the creek at the bottom. There was another Falls that I think was called Sliding Rock.

It is a rather short distance drive to either South Carolina or Georgia.

I have dreamed of owning a cabin there for a long time.

Just got back from Highlands about an hour ago, Hos! We are producing and installing plantation shutters for a rather large home between Highlands and Cashiers,NC. I normally go there or thru there at least twice a week in my line of work. What a great place to live!
If you have ever dreamed of owning a cabin up here, now is the time to find something. I sold and am installing wood blinds in a cabin just outside of Highlands that originally sold for 700k about five years ago. The original owner tried to sell it at a discount, but lost it to the bank. My customer bought it for 139k and added 100k to it. You would love it! Gorgeous view.
There are deals to be had up here,but you have to search them out.

[CanadianCowboysFan]

I lived in Myrtle Beach for 5 years and for the most part, really enjoyed it. It's a lot more 'northern' in terms of people so you won't feel like a fish out of water. Good weather and generally a good place to be.






YR

what is the hurricane risk there?

[tomson75]

Personal favorite: Outer banks...but not many job opportunities.
Best city/growth: Charlotte, NC
Best small city: Charleston, SC
Honorable mention: Boone, NC

[pjtoadie]

Personal favorite: Outer banks...but not many job opportunities.
Best city/growth: Charlotte, NC
Best small city: Charleston, SC
Honorable mention: Boone, NC

Thanks for the info! I really think Charlotte is where we're going to look!

[Hostile]

I think you mean
Huntersville.

Sorry...not be that guy, but I moved from there a year ago. Ballantyne and South Park are nice as wellI blame my iPhone. I was responding to Huntersville question by the author, so I obviously knew. I just didn't see it get corrected by the phone.

[Hostile]

Just got back from Highlands about an hour ago, Hos! We are producing and installing plantation shutters for a rather large home between Highlands and Cashiers,NC. I normally go there or thru there at least twice a week in my line of work. What a great place to live!
If you have ever dreamed of owning a cabin up here, now is the time to find something. I sold and am installing wood blinds in a cabin just outside of Highlands that originally sold for 700k about five years ago. The original owner tried to sell it at a discount, but lost it to the bank. My customer bought it for 139k and added 100k to it. You would love it! Gorgeous view.
There are deals to be had up here,but you have to search them out.Was I telling the truth about how beautiful the area is?

I actually got to feed some swans on one of the lakes up there. You talk about jazzed. I was a punk 20 year old kid and had never seen a swan in my life and here I was feeding one.

If my writings sell, I will buy one. Just to have it.

[jnday]

Myrtle Beach was a very popular area for northeast tourists (and Ohio and Michigan) starting in the 90's. I went to Coastal Carolina University, which is just outside Myrtle (I actually lived in Myrtle while going to school there) and my fraternity usually had 50 active members and about 40-45 would be from above the Mason-Dixon line.

If you're within Myrtle city limits, it's almost exclusively northern folk like myself. Once you start to get outside of there like Conway, Socastee, Little River, etc. it becomes very hardcore southern. I would say about 75% despise Yankees like myself for no reason other than to do so, the other 25% get along swimmingly.






YR
You represent a second invasion to many Southerners. I am sure the 75% don't despise you as a person. ;) It is a common feeling in the South.

[DallasCowpoke]

The "Research Triangle", Raleigh-Durham or Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill areas have been mentioned in article after article as a prime area to move to over the past several years.

Personally, and I think most of this depends on yours and your wife's skill-set, but I could easily relocate to any number of either states' resort or outer banks areas.

I have some friends that have lived on Emerald Isle, NC since the mid 80s. I've "visited" them several times for up to 3 months at a stretch. I could get used to that lifestyle, easily.

[pjtoadie]

The "Research Triangle", Raleigh-Durham or Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill areas have been mentioned in article after article as a prime area to move to over the past several years.

Personally, and I think most of this depends on yours and your wife's skill-set, but I could easily relocate to any number of either states' resort or outer banks areas.

I have some friends that have lived on Emerald Isle, NC since the mid 80s. I've "visited" them several times for up to 3 months at a stretch. I could get used to that lifestyle, easily.

Yeah Raleigh is still a possibility but I think we want to look at the Charlotte area. My wife does curriculum and training for charter schools and she also has taught high school math and was a department chair for several years. I don't think she wants to return to teaching though. As for myself I am a stay at home dad but I am also a photographer that specializes in concerts. I freelance for a few newspapers and I just started as a contributor for Getty Images. If we do indeed move to NC/SC I will have to take into consideration the concert scene and that's another reason why Charlotte is atop our list.

[Cowboy Junkie]

Asheville is probably the nicest place in the Carolinas. fall is the best very mild and right in the blueridge mountains makes it very beautiful. People come from all over to see.

Since Asheville is high up in the Mountains even in the hot summers there is usually a breeze. I meet many people from Ohio here every day and I have 2 sets of good friends living here from Ohio.

Asheville is a fast growing small city with a small town feel. Charolette is ok but I think Asheville is better. many agree because I have met many people that first moved to Charlotte and then to Asheville.Including a friend of mine.

Asheville is very diverse. in the food , art and people from all over.

Asheville is huge for the outdoors and is supported by the government. The city has a huge block weekend block party every July, I am guessing one of the largest in the country.
it is close to as Hos said sliding rock and many waterfalls also close is Lake Lure . many movies have been filmed here due to the areas beauty including Dirty Dancin,Last of the Mohicans and last was Hungar Games.
there is crime here as with every where but the police do a decent job controlling it.

As a small business owner I can say Asheville are huge at supporting small business.
As for SC. Greenville , spartanburgh about a 30 min drive and if the news is any indication. lots of crime there as a matter of fact whenever a violent crime takes place it is normally in that area.

If you have any questions you can PM me. I moved here from PA quite some time ago

[JonJon]

Charleston, SC/Summerville SC. LOTS of teaching jobs are available. School starts this week and some schools still don't have all the teachers they need so right now they are having to add some students to other classrooms. I love it here. Not far from the beach and the Charleston has some of the best restaurants.

[Cowboy Junkie]

Yeah Raleigh is still a possibility but I think we want to look at the Charlotte area. My wife does curriculum and training for charter schools and she also has taught high school math and was a department chair for several years. I don't think she wants to return to teaching though. As for myself I am a stay at home dad but I am also a photographer that specializes in concerts. I freelance for a few newspapers and I just started as a contributor for Getty Images. If we do indeed move to NC/SC I will have to take into consideration the concert scene and that's another reason why Charlotte is atop our list.

as for the concerts Asheville has a very big music scene. lots of local bands and at least 2 concert venus for bigger bands, The Orangepeel and civic center. recently The Killers playedd at The Orange Peel ,the only place they are playing in the states this year. Asheville is about a 2hr drive to Charlotte

[JonJon]

To add to my above post: The reason why I know the Charleston area is dire for educators is because my girlfriend just moved down from Virginia. She doesn't even have an SC license yet to teach but pretty much got hired on the spot because they do not have enough teachers for every classroom.

I have lived in SC all my life, but have traveled all over the US. I grew up in Georgetown and spent a fair amount of time in Myrtle Beach before moving to the Charleston area. Also went to school for four years in Columbia (University of South Carolina).

I would avoid Columbia. I hated living there. It is the hottest place in SC and is also a congested mess. Georgetown is ok but it is too small and old-fashioned. There aren't many job opportunities there, so teenagers tend to leave after high school never to return. Myrtle Beach is good for all the tourist attractions and great beaches, but I still don't think I would want to live there either. Charleston is perfect for me because it combines about five mini-cities into one, each with its own flavor. You are sure to find an area that will suit your personality and needs.

As for NC, I haven't lived there, but visited frequently. Charlotte is very nice and also has a lot of job opportunities. If you are looking for a place with big city flare but still a southern touch, Charlotte would be a good place to live. Same with Raleigh, though I would say that Raleigh has better scenery. Ashville, NC is also a very, very beautiful place. It is the entrance to the mountains and has the best scenery I have ever witnessed, especially in the fall and winter months, so if are looking to freelance with photography, I would definitely consider Ashville. I took a cabin vacation there a few years back and had the time of my life. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a must visit for you, as it has some of the best shots of mountains with numerous viewing areas along the parkway. Plus it isn't far from Charlotte and Columbia (both about 2hrs away) which would give you the opportunity to go there for bigger concerts and such. Not sure about teaching job opportunities though.

[Hostile]

Asheville is probably the nicest place in the Carolinas. fall is the best very mild and right in the blueridge mountains makes it very beautiful. People come from all over to see.

Since Asheville is high up in the Mountains even in the hot summers there is usually a breeze. I meet many people from Ohio here every day and I have 2 sets of good friends living here from Ohio.

Asheville is a fast growing small city with a small town feel. Charolette is ok but I think Asheville is better. many agree because I have met many people that first moved to Charlotte and then to Asheville.Including a friend of mine.

Asheville is very diverse. in the food , art and people from all over.

Asheville is huge for the outdoors and is supported by the government. The city has a huge block weekend block party every July, I am guessing one of the largest in the country.
it is close to as Hos said sliding rock and many waterfalls also close is Lake Lure . many movies have been filmed here due to the areas beauty including Dirty Dancin,Last of the Mohicans and last was Hungar Games.
there is crime here as with every where but the police do a decent job controlling it.

As a small business owner I can say Asheville are huge at supporting small business.
As for SC. Greenville , spartanburgh about a 30 min drive and if the news is any indication. lots of crime there as a matter of fact whenever a violent crime takes place it is normally in that area.

If you have any questions you can PM me. I moved here from PA quite some time ago
I didn't know you lived there. I did for a few months.

There used to be a restaurant there called The Filling Station. It was decorated up like a garage. The soda area was old gas pumps and you filled your glass with them. They had an all you can eat lunch buffet that was pizza, salad bar, and build your own hoagie sandwiches.

I think it may have been one of the coolest gimmick restaurants I have ever been to. The walls had old hubcaps and license plates.

[pjtoadie]

Asheville is probably the nicest place in the Carolinas. fall is the best very mild and right in the blueridge mountains makes it very beautiful. People come from all over to see.

Since Asheville is high up in the Mountains even in the hot summers there is usually a breeze. I meet many people from Ohio here every day and I have 2 sets of good friends living here from Ohio.

Asheville is a fast growing small city with a small town feel. Charolette is ok but I think Asheville is better. many agree because I have met many people that first moved to Charlotte and then to Asheville.Including a friend of mine.

Asheville is very diverse. in the food , art and people from all over.

Asheville is huge for the outdoors and is supported by the government. The city has a huge block weekend block party every July, I am guessing one of the largest in the country.
it is close to as Hos said sliding rock and many waterfalls also close is Lake Lure . many movies have been filmed here due to the areas beauty including Dirty Dancin,Last of the Mohicans and last was Hungar Games.
there is crime here as with every where but the police do a decent job controlling it.

As a small business owner I can say Asheville are huge at supporting small business.
As for SC. Greenville , spartanburgh about a 30 min drive and if the news is any indication. lots of crime there as a matter of fact whenever a violent crime takes place it is normally in that area.

If you have any questions you can PM me. I moved here from PA quite some time ago

as for the concerts Asheville has a very big music scene. lots of local bands and at least 2 concert venus for bigger bands, The Orangepeel and civic center. recently The Killers playedd at The Orange Peel ,the only place they are playing in the states this year. Asheville is about a 2hr drive to Charlotte

Ahh didn't know about the music scene in Asheville, thanks! Will check it out!

[pjtoadie]

Charleston, SC/Summerville SC. LOTS of teaching jobs are available. School starts this week and some schools still don't have all the teachers they need so right now they are having to add some students to other classrooms. I love it here. Not far from the beach and the Charleston has some of the best restaurants.

To add to my above post: The reason why I know the Charleston area is dire for educators is because my girlfriend just moved down from Virginia. She doesn't even have an SC license yet to teach but pretty much got hired on the spot because they do not have enough teachers for every classroom.

I have lived in SC all my life, but have traveled all over the US. I grew up in Georgetown and spent a fair amount of time in Myrtle Beach before moving to the Charleston area. Also went to school for four years in Columbia (University of South Carolina).

I would avoid Columbia. I hated living there. It is the hottest place in SC and is also a congested mess. Georgetown is ok but it is too small and old-fashioned. There aren't many job opportunities there, so teenagers tend to leave after high school never to return. Myrtle Beach is good for all the tourist attractions and great beaches, but I still don't think I would want to live there either. Charleston is perfect for me because it combines about five mini-cities into one, each with its own flavor. You are sure to find an area that will suit your personality and needs.

As for NC, I haven't lived there, but visited frequently. Charlotte is very nice and also has a lot of job opportunities. If you are looking for a place with big city flare but still a southern touch, Charlotte would be a good place to live. Same with Raleigh, though I would say that Raleigh has better scenery. Ashville, NC is also a very, very beautiful place. It is the entrance to the mountains and has the best scenery I have ever witnessed, especially in the fall and winter months, so if are looking to freelance with photography, I would definitely consider Ashville. I took a cabin vacation there a few years back and had the time of my life. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a must visit for you, as it has some of the best shots of mountains with numerous viewing areas along the parkway. Plus it isn't far from Charlotte and Columbia (both about 2hrs away) which would give you the opportunity to go there for bigger concerts and such. Not sure about teaching job opportunities though.

Very interesting about the Charleston teaching situation, I'm going to ask my wife if she wants to go back into teaching or continue to do the administrative thing. I really think Charlotte might be the place because like you said a place with big city flare with a southern touch is exactly what we want! I'm still going to look at Raleigh, Asheville, and Charleston.

[ologan]

Ahh didn't know about the music scene in Asheville, thanks! Will check it out!

Asheville......Little Austin!!!! Very neat town. Google Bele Chere for the "block party" mentioned earlier,and info on the music scene. You will be impressed.

[ologan]

as for the concerts Asheville has a very big music scene. lots of local bands and at least 2 concert venus for bigger bands, The Orangepeel and civic center. recently The Killers playedd at The Orange Peel ,the only place they are playing in the states this year. Asheville is about a 2hr drive to Charlotte
Cowboy Junkie,what do you do in Asheville? I'm there pretty often.

[ologan]

Was I telling the truth about how beautiful the area is?

I actually got to feed some swans on one of the lakes up there. You talk about jazzed. I was a punk 20 year old kid and had never seen a swan in my life and here I was feeding one.

If my writings sell, I will buy one. Just to have it.

Yup ,you didn't lie! Absolutely beautiful. Why do you think we moved here?

[pjtoadie]

Asheville......Little Austin!!!! Very neat town. Google Bele Chere for the "block party" mentioned earlier,and info on the music scene. You will be impressed.

Will do, thanks!

[DFWJC]

Sounds like suberb Charlotte is the OP's first choice due to proximity to relatives combined with his main criteria. Not a bad choice.

I fly into there a lot when i go to see my parents--who retired on the NC/VA border on the Blue Ridge Parkway. I've been in town some to see old grad school biddies. It's pretty nice in some areas for sure. Very green!

As for visiting Ashville....always a great idea. It's very unique. Lot's of writers and artists move there, yet there's also a college there. I guess it's a cross between Santa Fe and (like someone said) a much smaller version of Austin.

I went high school on the Outer Banks. That was wild. I count count the number of times I've been surfing and had a school of dolfins swin around me and even let me pet them. Another great place to visit, but a long haul from Charlotte. They are 5x the beaches compared to something like Myrtle, mainly due to being about 100 miles further out to sea, closer tot he shelf edge, and much less crowded.

I'm a Texan now (21 years and counting with both kids born here) and it has it's own charm.
But I envy anyone moving to NC.

[pjtoadie]

Sounds like suberb Charlotte is the OP's first choice due to proximity to relatives combined with his main criteria. Not a bad choice.

I fly into there a lot when i go to see my parents--who retired on the NC/VA border on the Blue Ridge Parkway. I've been in town some to see old grad school biddies. It's pretty nice in some areas for sure. Very green!

As for visiting Ashville....always a great idea. It's very unique. Lot's of writers and artists move there, yet there's also a college there. I guess it's a cross between Santa Fe and (like someone said) a much smaller version of Austin.

I went high school on the Outer Banks. That was wild. I count count the number of times I've been surfing and had a school of dolfins swin around me and even let me pet them. Another great place to visit, but a long haul from Charlotte. They are 5x the beaches compared to something like Myrtle, mainly due to being about 100 miles further out to sea, closer tot he shelf edge, and much less crowded.

I'm a Texan now (21 years and counting with both kids born here) and it has it's own charm.
But I envy anyone moving to NC.

Yep you're right, Charlotte is most likely the choice. Now I need to find a good suburb. I have looked at Huntersville, Matthews, Fort Mill, and Rock Hill. Anyone have any opinions on those or ones that I haven't mentioned?

[JustDezIt]

Will do :)




Yeah I think Charlotte or Raleigh/Durham are what we are looking at. Hos mentioned Matthews, NC and the school district is really good by what I have just read. Does anyone know of any other good suburbs near Charlotte besides Matthews and Huntersville?

Pineville and Matthews are both in South Charlotte, and it is right on the line of the south Carolina border, maybe within 15 minutes. Weddington is another small area right there as well, albeit it is a little bit more country in my opinion, bt not really. The ballantyne area is also an upscale area in South Charlotte as well. South Charlotte itself is pretty much a suburb in my opinion, depending on which side there are some very good public schools there. Depending on price ranges, Ballantyne, Providence Plantation, Raintree are some large neighborhoods that could be considered that are still in the city limits but are def suburbs. Prob 20-25 minutes from downtown. Let me know if you want to know more, I grew up in this part of town, lived there about 15 years. I highly recommend the South Charlotte Area.

[pjtoadie]

Pineville and Matthews are both in South Charlotte, and it is right on the line of the south Carolina border, maybe within 15 minutes. Weddington is another small area right there as well, albeit it is a little bit more country in my opinion, bt not really. The ballantyne area is also an upscale area in South Charlotte as well. South Charlotte itself is pretty much a suburb in my opinion, depending on which side there are some very good public schools there. Depending on price ranges, Ballantyne, Providence Plantation, Raintree are some large neighborhoods that could be considered that are still in the city limits but are def suburbs. Prob 20-25 minutes from downtown. Let me know if you want to know more, I grew up in this part of town, lived there about 15 years. I highly recommend the South Charlotte Area.

Thank you so much for the info! My brother in law and family live in Lake Wylie so I think we want to be close to them. Ballantyne, Providence Plantation, and Raintree are areas I haven't looked at yet but will. I might end up sending you a PM down the road. Thanks again and I love your sig!

[JustDezIt]

Thank you so much for the info! My brother in law and family live in Lake Wylie so I think we want to be close to them. Ballantyne, Providence Plantation, and Raintree are areas I haven't looked at yet but will. I might end up sending you a PM down the road. Thanks again and I love your sig!

not a problem. Ballantyne is the furthest south, closest to Lake Wylie, but also the most expensive. If I had to guess I would say Raintree and Providence Plantation are about 25 minutes away from Lake Wylie. I actually used to work in Fort Mill and commute everyday, only about 15 minutes once you jump on the highway. If you actually go to Charlotte and the surrounding areas to look at properties, let me know and I will recommend some main roads and areas where I think you might like. I know people who love living in some of the areas north of Charlotte as well, Huntersville, Concord, Mooresville but I guess I'm biased to the southern part. Close to SC, close to downtown, but newer suburbs with good schools and more of a city feel while still being spread out. Lost of upscale shopping centers, nice neighborhoods, family friendly, low crime. And I appreciate it about the sig, I really like it as well. Think Dez will have a BIG year...

[SkinsandTerps]

Have either of you found work yet ? And where.
That is the most important part.

That makes it easier to give you advice on where to live.

Raleigh and Charleston aren't a 15 minute drive between them.

I saw you were looking at Charlotte. South Charlotte seems like the best considering where the jobs could be. Not to mention family being close.

I would not live in Rock Hill (seems they are always on the news for some silly crimes, and stupid people).

Matthews is where the traffic is in Charlotte. No thanks.

If you live in South Charlotte or even just south of the border and you should be able to find tons to do, and employment. Also good schools, and neighborhoods.

[pjtoadie]

not a problem. Ballantyne is the furthest south, closest to Lake Wylie, but also the most expensive. If I had to guess I would say Raintree and Providence Plantation are about 25 minutes away from Lake Wylie. I actually used to work in Fort Mill and commute everyday, only about 15 minutes once you jump on the highway. If you actually go to Charlotte and the surrounding areas to look at properties, let me know and I will recommend some main roads and areas where I think you might like. I know people who love living in some of the areas north of Charlotte as well, Huntersville, Concord, Mooresville but I guess I'm biased to the southern part. Close to SC, close to downtown, but newer suburbs with good schools and more of a city feel while still being spread out. Lost of upscale shopping centers, nice neighborhoods, family friendly, low crime. And I appreciate it about the sig, I really like it as well. Think Dez will have a BIG year...

Fort Mill according to Charlotte Magazine is the #1 suburb in Charlotte

http://www.charlottemagazine.com/Charlotte-Magazine/April-2012/8-Great-Suburbs-in-Charlotte/

I think I might be more interested in South Charlotte rather than North Charlotte. Did you like working in Fort Mill? Are you familiar with Waxhaw and Indian Trail? I found some nice homes in Matthews but I still have to check out Pineville.

Yeah I think he's going to have a BIG year as well! Btw your avatar is not bad either ;)

[trickblue]

Asheville is probably the nicest place in the Carolinas. fall is the best very mild and right in the blueridge mountains makes it very beautiful. People come from all over to see.

Since Asheville is high up in the Mountains even in the hot summers there is usually a breeze. I meet many people from Ohio here every day and I have 2 sets of good friends living here from Ohio.

Asheville is a fast growing small city with a small town feel. Charolette is ok but I think Asheville is better. many agree because I have met many people that first moved to Charlotte and then to Asheville.Including a friend of mine.

Asheville is very diverse. in the food , art and people from all over.

Asheville is huge for the outdoors and is supported by the government. The city has a huge block weekend block party every July, I am guessing one of the largest in the country.
it is close to as Hos said sliding rock and many waterfalls also close is Lake Lure . many movies have been filmed here due to the areas beauty including Dirty Dancin,Last of the Mohicans and last was Hungar Games.
there is crime here as with every where but the police do a decent job controlling it.

As a small business owner I can say Asheville are huge at supporting small business.
As for SC. Greenville , spartanburgh about a 30 min drive and if the news is any indication. lots of crime there as a matter of fact whenever a violent crime takes place it is normally in that area.

If you have any questions you can PM me. I moved here from PA quite some time ago

Also The Biltmore is there and is great to visit... especially at Christmas, and they have a great winery...

[JustDezIt]

Fort Mill according to Charlotte Magazine is the #1 suburb in Charlotte

http://www.charlottemagazine.com/Charlotte-Magazine/April-2012/8-Great-Suburbs-in-Charlotte/

I think I might be more interested in South Charlotte rather than North Charlotte. Did you like working in Fort Mill? Are you familiar with Waxhaw and Indian Trail? I found some nice homes in Matthews but I still have to check out Pineville.

Yeah I think he's going to have a BIG year as well! Btw your avatar is not bad either ;)

Yeah if I had to choose I would def do South Charlotte. To me, part of the thing about the surrounding areas is that some of the people are more country than others. I noticed that alot in Fort Mill, as well as Waxhaw. Not that that is a bad or a good thing, just a preference. When you get more into Matthews, Pineville, South Charlotte to me it is a bit more of a city feel to it. I did enjoy working in Fort Mill, but I'm not sure I would have wanted to live there just because I am more of a city kind of guy. Matthews and Pineville aren't listed in the link, I think because technically they might be considered part of Charlotte. What happened was they were both on the either side of South Charlotte, and as it expanded it almost encompassed them. So really when you driving, you dont realize that you have left one area and entered another, they basically grew on top of each other. As far as Indian Trail and Waxhaw, they were very rural as I was growing up in the past 5-10 years there has been booming expansion in South Charlotte, leading to those areas becoming more suburban. Wedington is the area south of Pineville, with Waxhaw south of that. Indian Trail is the area South of Matthews. Matthews would be southwest Charlotte, further from Lake Wylie, Pineville Southeast, close to LW. Another area that might interest you is Audrey Kell, which is directly south of South Charlotte. That area is all very new, new schools, shopping centers, neighborhoods having only been developed in the past 5 years but still with the south Charlotte feel and closer to LW. You cant really go wrong in the area if you ask me, it just depends what you are looking for. A lil more country, a lil more urban, newer homes, older homes. Small town feel, larger more urban feel. Hope that makes some sense, know its hard when you arent completely familiar with the area.

[JonJon]

Sounds like suberb Charlotte is the OP's first choice due to proximity to relatives combined with his main criteria. Not a bad choice.

I fly into there a lot when i go to see my parents--who retired on the NC/VA border on the Blue Ridge Parkway. I've been in town some to see old grad school biddies. It's pretty nice in some areas for sure. Very green!

As for visiting Ashville....always a great idea. It's very unique. Lot's of writers and artists move there, yet there's also a college there. I guess it's a cross between Santa Fe and (like someone said) a much smaller version of Austin.

Did I mention I love that area? Scenery of the Blue Ridge Parkway:

http://www.blueridgeparkwayblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/viaduct-fall.jpg

I think I might plan another visit this fall.
Yep you're right, Charlotte is most likely the choice. Now I need to find a good suburb. I have looked at Huntersville, Matthews, Fort Mill, and Rock Hill. Anyone have any opinions on those or ones that I haven't mentioned?

Rock Hill is in SC and about a 20 minute drive from Charlotte. But like someone else said, I wouldn't recommend living there. It doesn't seem as "welcoming" as some of the other areas. I would go with Fort Mill if you are leaning towards Charlotte. I've heard nothing but good things about that area although it is in SC as well. If you are looking for an area closer to Charlotte, consider Sharon Amity (near Pine Lake Country Club) as well. I have a close friend who lives there and it is really nice there.

[Denim Chicken]

The place I've always heard good things about is Raleigh. I've only driven thru there a few times, but I've talked to many people that either really liked it or loved it so much that they wish they didn't move away. Charlotte really turned around in the past 10 years. It's turned into a nice little city instead of some over-cramped snorefest with not much to do. You can get some great houses at some great pricing 20-30 minutes outside of the city.

Wilmington I would generally avoid. Not much going on there and that's where the Hurricanes tend to hit (along with the outer banks).

Columbia is a dump, same with Orangeburg. Charleston is very nice although I think people picture it as the nicest southern city ever and in reality, it's like every city...some great places, some very bad places.

I'm not really a big fan of Hilton Head. It's not what it once was and getting anythign done on that island takes forever. I would definitely check out Raleigh from what I've heard.

YR

There are nice parts of Orangeburg; quiet and some beutiful land. I go vacationing in Editso every year.

[pjtoadie]

Yeah if I had to choose I would def do South Charlotte. To me, part of the thing about the surrounding areas is that some of the people are more country than others. I noticed that alot in Fort Mill, as well as Waxhaw. Not that that is a bad or a good thing, just a preference. When you get more into Matthews, Pineville, South Charlotte to me it is a bit more of a city feel to it. I did enjoy working in Fort Mill, but I'm not sure I would have wanted to live there just because I am more of a city kind of guy. Matthews and Pineville aren't listed in the link, I think because technically they might be considered part of Charlotte. What happened was they were both on the either side of South Charlotte, and as it expanded it almost encompassed them. So really when you driving, you dont realize that you have left one area and entered another, they basically grew on top of each other. As far as Indian Trail and Waxhaw, they were very rural as I was growing up in the past 5-10 years there has been booming expansion in South Charlotte, leading to those areas becoming more suburban. Wedington is the area south of Pineville, with Waxhaw south of that. Indian Trail is the area South of Matthews. Matthews would be southwest Charlotte, further from Lake Wylie, Pineville Southeast, close to LW. Another area that might interest you is Audrey Kell, which is directly south of South Charlotte. That area is all very new, new schools, shopping centers, neighborhoods having only been developed in the past 5 years but still with the south Charlotte feel and closer to LW. You cant really go wrong in the area if you ask me, it just depends what you are looking for. A lil more country, a lil more urban, newer homes, older homes. Small town feel, larger more urban feel. Hope that makes some sense, know its hard when you arent completely familiar with the area.

Wow you're better than Google :D I am with you in that I prefer more urban than rural/country. Right now I live minutes from restaurants, shopping, movie theaters etc. and want to have that in Charlotte as well. Also I want a safe neighborhood with good schools obviously. So could you give me your top 5 areas/suburbs including the south and north of Charlotte based on what I want?

[pjtoadie]

Did I mention I love that area? Scenery of the Blue Ridge Parkway:

http://www.blueridgeparkwayblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/viaduct-fall.jpg

I think I might plan another visit this fall.


Rock Hill is in SC and about a 20 minute drive from Charlotte. But like someone else said, I wouldn't recommend living there. It doesn't seem as "welcoming" as some of the other areas. I would go with Fort Mill if you are leaning towards Charlotte. I've heard nothing but good things about that area although it is in SC as well. If you are looking for an area closer to Charlotte, consider Sharon Amity (near Pine Lake Country Club) as well. I have a close friend who lives there and it is really nice there.

Didn't know that about Rock Hill....thanks! By what I read about Fort Mill it's a really nice area. JustDezIt said it's more country/rural than some of the other areas so I don't know if that's what I want. Never heard of Sharon Amity but will check it out, thanks!

[pjtoadie]

If you are looking for an area closer to Charlotte, consider Sharon Amity (near Pine Lake Country Club) as well. I have a close friend who lives there and it is really nice there.

Ok I can't find Sharon Amity on a map. Is it a suburb or is it a housing development?

[JonJon]

Ok I can't find Sharon Amity on a map. Is it a suburb or is it a housing development?

I think I was a little fuzzy in my memory. It is a road I believe, but the surrounding area is pretty nice.

on Google maps (https://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&safe=off&q=North+Sharon+Amity+Road,+Charlotte,+NC&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=0x8854202c9ced3d97:0x4670b3110fd1dd8f,N+Shar on+Amity+Rd,+Charlotte,+NC&gl=us&ei=o88zUIfKDuL86wHaqoDQBw&ved=0CBYQ8gEwAA)

As you can see, there are lots of parks surrounding the area.

[Cowboy Junkie]

[QUOTE=Hostile;4678049]I didn't know you lived there. I did for a few months.

There used to be a restaurant there called The Filling Station. It was decorated up like a garage. The soda area was old gas pumps and you filled your glass with them. They had an all you can eat lunch buffet that was pizza, salad bar, and build your own hoagie sandwiches.

I think it may have been one of the coolest gimmick restaurants I have ever been to. The walls had old hubcaps and license plates.

Ive been here since '93. I own a restaurant here. I am not sure about the filling station. there are so many restaurants like that in and out but I will look and see , youve peeked my interest. I dont get to Brevard that often. It is about a 20 min drive and since I own my own restaurant I work very long hours. If you are ever in the area again let me know. I would love to take you around

[Cowboy Junkie]

Cowboy Junkie,what do you do in Asheville? I'm there pretty often.

I own a restaurant. on tunnel rd. if ever in the area let me know. we have the Cowboys on every Sunday

[Cowboy Junkie]

Also The Biltmore is there and is great to visit... especially at Christmas, and they have a great winery...

Biltimore House is a nice thing to see. I was surpried how much I enjoyed my visit to the house . I was here 10 yrs before I even went for the first time. I forgot the Biltimore House also has concerts. Mostly older bands, last weekend the Villiage People and KC and the Sunshine Band performed

[pjtoadie]

I think I was a little fuzzy in my memory. It is a road I believe, but the surrounding area is pretty nice.

on Google maps (https://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&safe=off&q=North+Sharon+Amity+Road,+Charlotte,+NC&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=0x8854202c9ced3d97:0x4670b3110fd1dd8f,N+Shar on+Amity+Rd,+Charlotte,+NC&gl=us&ei=o88zUIfKDuL86wHaqoDQBw&ved=0CBYQ8gEwAA)

As you can see, there are lots of parks surrounding the area.

Ahh gotcha...thanks!

[JustDezIt]

Wow you're better than Google :D I am with you in that I prefer more urban than rural/country. Right now I live minutes from restaurants, shopping, movie theaters etc. and want to have that in Charlotte as well. Also I want a safe neighborhood with good schools obviously. So could you give me your top 5 areas/suburbs including the south and north of Charlotte based on what I want?

#1-2. For me would be South Charlotte area, main Roads being, Highway 51, Rea Road, Providence Road, Ballantyne Commons. This is a newer section of town with alot of shopping and other things to do. About 20 minutes from downtown, 20 miles from Lake Wylie, 10 minutes from the mall, and good new schools for the most part. Included in this would be the Audrey Kell area I was talking about, which is just south of this. Very new schools and developments. Included in this area are many nice nieghborhoods. You would have to be on the ground or speak with a real estate agent because this area is rather large and there are many options, this being the part of town in know best.

3. Southpark Area, is more of a central/soputh area that is very nice. I am not sure about the schools in this area, but it is a nice area. Southpark is an upscale mall and it is a nice area. I'm not very familiar with it, but it is nice.

#4. Would be Matthews/Indian Trail, Matthews does have a small Downtown with an older feel to it and pretty good schools. Like I said, it is hard to distinguish when you have left Charlotte and entered matthews, they are that close to each other. A lil bit of an older part of town but still nice for the most part.

5. Dilworth/Myers Park Area - Is a lil bit more of the historic area, closer to dowtown. Nice old homes, more gentrified are but very good schools, possibly the best in Charlotte

Obv. the southern part of the city is the part I know best, but not the only very nice area in Charlotte. Keep me updated and I will help anyway I can.

[pjtoadie]

#1-2. For me would be South Charlotte area, main Roads being, Highway 51, Rea Road, Providence Road, Ballantyne Commons. This is a newer section of town with alot of shopping and other things to do. About 20 minutes from downtown, 20 miles from Lake Wylie, 10 minutes from the mall, and good new schools for the most part. Included in this would be the Audrey Kell area I was talking about, which is just south of this. Very new schools and developments. Included in this area are many nice nieghborhoods. You would have to be on the ground or speak with a real estate agent because this area is rather large and there are many options, this being the part of town in know best.

3. Southpark Area, is more of a central/soputh area that is very nice. I am not sure about the schools in this area, but it is a nice area. Southpark is an upscale mall and it is a nice area. I'm not very familiar with it, but it is nice.

#4. Would be Matthews/Indian Trail, Matthews does have a small Downtown with an older feel to it and pretty good schools. Like I said, it is hard to distinguish when you have left Charlotte and entered matthews, they are that close to each other. A lil bit of an older part of town but still nice for the most part.

5. Dilworth/Myers Park Area - Is a lil bit more of the historic area, closer to dowtown. Nice old homes, more gentrified are but very good schools, possibly the best in Charlotte

Obv. the southern part of the city is the part I know best, but not the only very nice area in Charlotte. Keep me updated and I will help anyway I can.

Thank you!! I will keep you updated!

[ologan]

I own a restaurant. on tunnel rd. if ever in the area let me know. we have the Cowboys on every Sunday
Familiar with Tunnel Road. what's the name of your restaurant? Will drop by next time there.

[Cowboy Junkie]

Familiar with Tunnel Road. what's the name of your restaurant? Will drop by next time there.

Woodys ,

make sure you introduce yourself so if I am not out front that staff can let me know you are there or let me know ahead of time

[Cowboy Junkie]

Familiar with Tunnel Road. what's the name of your restaurant? Will drop by next time there.

it would be nice to meet a fellow zoner and Cowboys fans always welcome

[pjtoadie]

Ok so my wife and I are getting more serious about moving down to the Charlotte area. I saw a few properties for rent I liked in Matthews, Fort Mill, and South Charlotte (zip code 28277) Does any of these areas stick out for anyone? Are all 3 areas pretty safe? Thanks :)