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We currently live in the northern suburbs of atlanta GA area, but due to job loss, are looking to move elsewhere. We like the area, but very pricey and need to find somewhere more affordable. We have also felt a bit land-locked here. We have 2 elementary school-aged children, so quality education is a top factor. Here is a list of preferences:
near coast, but not too close (hurricane-safe)
near mountains
good schools
outdoor activities
affordable housing
low crime
unique/quaint setting, but not too far from urban life (shopping, museums etc)
laid back
good YOUTH sports organizations (my son's heavily into baseball/football)
Our plan is to work from home so commuting is not really a factor.
Any cities come to mind?
thanks for any input!
Last edited by SunnyKayak; 07-19-2012 at 11:31 AM..
Reason: cross posting
near coast, but not too close (hurricane-safe)
........
unique/quaint setting, but not too far from urban life (shopping, museums etc)
laid back
The areas less prone to hurricane damage are west of I-95, but hurricanes do have an effect far inland. If this is a priority you really ought to be looking at the Raleigh-Durham or Triad sub-forums.
The coastal region is not really what you want if you are looking for "quaint or unique". Inland from the beaches, there are many small farming towns with few amenities. You might like the Sandhills Region around Pinehurst and Southern Pines. It's about an hour to get to the Raleigh area amenities, and 2-3 hours to the beaches. There are a few high-rated school like Jack Britt HS in Fayetteville, but you would have to research their sports programs. If you like golf and tennis, there are dozens of country clubs and gated communities nearby.
the coast and the mountains are on complete opposite sides of the state.
Yes, how much have you researched the geography of NC? It's about 4-5 hour between the coast and any mountains, at best.
Virginia may be a better place--it also has both mountains and coast, and they're closer together (since the Appalachians run SW to NE). Somewhere like Richmond would be an easy drive to either.
As for "hurricane-safe"; As long as you aren't in a county right ON the coast, your odds of being hit by a hurricane are minimal. Leave a 2-county barrier to be safe. Yes, they do come inland even to places like Raleigh and Charlotte, but not frequently enough to fret about, and there is no storm surge/flooding which is the really bad damage of hurricanes on the coast.
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