UrbanBaby

06.06.20, 22:29 PM General Topics
21 replies

Any North Carolina moms? Which cities would you recommend to someone relocating from NYC (couple in their 50s) we love theater, the arts in general and possible a place where it is easy to make new friends and not necessarily drive all the time... I have only visited Charlotte many years ago. Doing some research on line but always best to hear from residents. Thanks [ Reply | Watch | Flag ]
General Topics 06.06.20, 10:29 PM Flag

Dear UrbanBaby community,

Thank you so much for being a valued member of the UrbanBaby community. We wanted to inform you that we are shutting down the site on July 6th. We are grateful for your participation and support that has helped make UrbanBaby such an important resource to parents for many years.

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Thanks so much,

UrbanBaby Support

I enjoyed living in Chapel Hill/Carrboro back in the late 90's. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.06.20, 10:55 PM Flag

Funny you should ask, I'm in Raleigh and we love it here (moved 9 years ago). Are you retired? With kids? Though there are theater and arts; nothing is close to NYC. The area near downtown Raleigh is close to the performing arts center, fantastic restaurants. Some of these neighborhoods include older homes or new high-rise buildings...many cases a walk or short bus ride. The main art museum is set in a wonderful large park area; but outside of downtown. Downtown Durham also has a large performing arts center and other venues. The feeling of the cities in the triangle are different, but all are great places to land--and easy to go between for concerts. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.06.20, 11:03 PM Flag

op- thanks. Not retired yet. I would be looking for a job, dh can work from anywhere and will most likely retire in a few years. One dd will be going to college on west coast where her father lives (ex dh) but would visit often. I don't think dh wants to buy, we would probably rent. But for me particularly very important to be in a safe, urban environment, with access to some stores, maybe museums etc. Great plus if there is some sort of expat community or at least cultural diversity (we have lived in Europe for a number of years and of course will miss the diversity in NYC). Thank you! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.06.20, 11:20 PM Flag

OR: I think that when things return to normal a long weekend visit to the Triangle could be a lot of fun to explore all the areas. There is a lot of friendly rivalries within the Triangle, but for the most part, all have plenty of ex-pats/people from bigger cities and what you are looking for. Traffic is picking up considerably--I'd pick a city (within the triangle) closer to your job (especially if you want to minimize the time in the car). Though others are mentioning Asheville, there are likely fewer jobs and it's much more of a vacation spot with little performing arts (but beautiful scenery and great restaurants) [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.06.20, 11:52 PM Flag

This should give you a sense of the area in downtown Raleigh; lots of rentals/condos and most restaurants are very walkable. A new development with a Publix is about to open. https://www.downtownraleigh.org/explore [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.06.20, 11:57 PM Flag

We lived in the Triangle and in Charlotte and I'd definitely recommend either Asheville or the Triangle -- especially Durham, Carrboro, Chapel Hill if you want something walkable. All four towns are quite liberal, artsy, plenty of people who've moved there specifically for what you're seeking. Best for theater would be Durham for its Performing Arts Center (DPAC), which gets off-Broadway shows. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.06.20, 11:05 PM Flag

op- thank you, very helpful. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.06.20, 11:21 PM Flag

^ Are these cities relatively safe? Another thing that I have only heard of is the hurricanes/ weather threats. That worries me a bit. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.06.20, 11:23 PM Flag

All of these are inland and will not experience a hurricane as anything other than a severe thunderstorm after it has made landfall. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.06.20, 11:33 PM Flag

Yes - hurricanes maybe once every 10 years, but mostly knocks down trees and power lines - it’s a bit of a mess to get around afterwards but cleanup is usually done in a few days. From NC and hurricane risk wouldn’t deter me from returning at all [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.06.20, 11:41 PM Flag

We have a lived in Durham for many, many years and love it here. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.06.20, 11:32 PM Flag

From Charlotte area, and I would also recommend the triangle area or Asheville; these would be my choices if I were to return. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.06.20, 11:32 PM Flag

Thank you. How far is it to get to a nice beach in the summer, from say Asheville, or Durham? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.06.20, 11:38 PM Flag

Durham is a bit closer to the NC beaches (maybe 3 hours vs 5 from Asheville). I really like the SC beaches though, esp Kiawah and Hilton Head - both are about 5 hours from either city [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.06.20, 11:44 PM Flag

+1 - both Durham and Asheville have a really vibrant and safe downtown area with lots of good housing options (townhomes, condos, etc). Artsy scene will be a bit better in Durham (eg they just had the national tour of Hamilton come through), but Asheville has immediate access to the outdoors and us much more scenic [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.06.20, 11:39 PM Flag

I visited Asheville in the fall and absolutely loved it. More of an artisan than fine art vibe, but such a fun town in a stunning landscape. Very Burlington, VT esque. That said, I don't know that there are many job opportunities there. Triangle area seems very lovely if you're looking for a more traditional burb life. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.07.20, 12:22 AM Flag

I live in Wilmington and really love it. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.07.20, 12:31 AM Flag

Just moved. Live in Cary , work in Raleigh, visit Durham. Cary is the best! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.07.20, 02:08 AM Flag

Welcome! Amazing how many of us are on UB right now. Raleigh poster above. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.07.20, 03:01 AM Flag

Love it! I feel so lucky to be here !! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.07.20, 08:22 PM Flag

Have you considered Louisville? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.07.20, 03:28 AM Flag