Interested in what you think about your State.

[Number9Dream]

Let me preface this by saying that I understand our opinions are subjective. I know some think that Pennsylvania is a great place to live. I no longer feel that way. If I live long enough to retire, I'm moving out of PA. I hate Winter more every year. We pay astronomical property taxes for Taj Mahal schools. Housing developments and warehouses are covering every piece of open land with macadam. PennDOT is the worst run organization in the free world. ETC.
If you have a few minutes, please tell me a little about your state / area, regarding the climate, taxes, urban sprawl, music / concerts, friendliness to newcomers, etc. I love water, so I'd prefer to be within driving distance of the coast or near a large lake (I'm a windsurfer). Please tell me some pros and cons.
I'm beginning to visit & explore interesting areas in the Southeast and Southwest, but you can't learn very much on a short vacation. So, I thought of turning to the DU - the community of people who have been a font of information for me.

[carolinablue]

1. North Carolina

North Carolina is a beautiful state, geographically speaking. You have the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains and the coast along with some growing urban areas.

I live in Charlotte ( the largest metropolitan area) and like it here. Urban sprawl is somewhat of a problem as our cities have grown dramatically and quickly without adequate planning at times. Charlotte has a fairly vital uptown but unbridled suburban growth has caused a lot of "growing pains" - overcrowded schools, traffic, and strip malls are some of the not-so-pleasant aspects. On the other hand, there are more and more cultural arts opportunities, athletic events, and diverse stores/shops.

North Carolina's economy has suffered with the outsourcing of manufacturing jobs - particularly textiles and furniture which have historically been mainstays. Unfortunately, some of our smaller towns have taken some hard hits and it shows - empty manufacturing plants, etc. We are gradually re-tooling our population but it is going to take some time.

The outer banks of North Carolina is among the most beautiful places in the world in my opinion. In addition to its beauty, it is a very historical place -( the site of the first English Colony in the US.) There are several excellent universities in North Carolina including the University of North Carolina, Wake Forest University, Duke University, and NC State University.

The area around Cary/Raleigh and/or Chapel Hill ( home of UNC) tends to be somewhat more liberal politically than other areas due in part to the high number of very educated folks in the area. The beach is within driving distance easily as are some area lakes - Jordan Lake, Kerr Lake. Taxes are low compared to the northeast.

Summers are hot - everywhere except the mountains - and we really mean hot with lots of humidity!! The winters are generally mild ( again, except in the mountains). Just like anywhere, there are lots of nice folks and some not so nice. There are more and more northeasterners like yourself, looking for warmer weather and home equity!!

I've never been to Pennsylvania, but have some friends from Pittsburgh who love to visit old friends but consider themselves "southerners". Come visit us and see what you think.

[Number9Dream]

2. Thanks Carolinablue

Thank you for the detailed reply. We'll be vactioning at the Clarion - Nags Head in mid-Sept. Third floor oceanfront room. Can't wait!!!

[left of center]

3. come on down!

Moved to the Triangle from Winchester, VA in 1999 and don't regret it at all.

The Triangle is indeed the most liberal area in the state. The western portion, which includes Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and surrounding areas, is extremely liberal. Republicans here either don't run for office or run as DINOs in the Democratic primaries.

We have two 10,000+ acre lakes nearby, Jordon and Falls Lakes, that are used for recreation (yes, I've seen some windsurfers on them). These lakes are also surrounded on all sides by public lands, so their shorelines will never be blotted by houses. For that matter, there are public lands and green spaces throughout the area.

High paying jobs are plentiful. Housing is generally reasonable. Commuting is still easy, despite what some around here may think. The mountains and beach are each about 2.5 hours away, unless you're going to the Outer Banks, then it is about 5 hours.

This turned out to be a pitch for the Triangle, but other places I've visited in the state have there pros. The Triad area is okay, as is Charlotte. Of course, anywhere along the coast is great. Have yet to go to the mountains here though, but already know it's nice out that way.

[karmaqueen]

4. Love it here in Wilmington!

I'm originally from Pittsburgh, been here 30 some years. We moved here to live near the ocean and back then one could buy a place at the beach and not have much money. I love it here,the beach towns are great, although for a while they were over run with investors buying up all the mom & pop's and building townhouses but they have slowed down considerably.The prices have come back down and you can find a place fairly reasonable.The Wilmington area has a lot to offer, beautiful historic downtown on the Cape Fear. Lots of festivals, theater, UNCW, a great college, the movie studio, I could go on & on. I have never been bored in all the years I have been here. I have met some wonderful people the locals took us in and treated us like family. There are some crazies here somewhere I'm sure, (saw a few "W" stickers ) but not lately. There are lots of people from PA, There are Pittsburgh clubs and Steeler clubs and I'm sure other PA clubs. Everyone just seems to get along. Anyway, maybe I'm prejudice but I love where I live and just wanted to share. Good luck in whatever you decide but I don't think you can go wrong anywhere in beautiful NC.

[Number9Dream]

5. Thanks Left of Center & Carolinabeachbum

This is such a terrific community!