Comments on: Best Places to Live and Launch 2008: No. 8, Charlotte, N.C. http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/ FSB Features Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:30:20 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: ziz, Monterey,California http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-14301 ziz, Monterey,California Thu, 08 Oct 2009 22:07:56 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-14301 Read through the posts if you are thinking of moving from "Up North" to Charlotte - you are, and always will be, a Yankee. You will always be made to feel as if you are an outsider. And please note - if you think summer in NY is hot, wait till you spend one in Charlotte. Lastly, if you don't like bugs that look like they've come from the Amazon, steer clear. We moved to Charlotte from NY, and then moved out as quickly as possible. Read through the posts if you are thinking of moving from "Up North" to Charlotte – you are, and always will be, a Yankee. You will always be made to feel as if you are an outsider. And please note – if you think summer in NY is hot, wait till you spend one in Charlotte. Lastly, if you don't like bugs that look like they've come from the Amazon, steer clear. We moved to Charlotte from NY, and then moved out as quickly as possible.

]]> By: CHARLOTTE,NC http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-14293 CHARLOTTE,NC Sat, 26 Sep 2009 13:26:28 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-14293 Charlotte Knights is a Baseball team if some of you have forgotten. so baseball does live in charlotte along with the greatest football team PANTHERS! and soon to be in the playoffs Bobcats. I love Charlotte. Lived here all my life. I agree with the news. It will scare the hell out of you; but thats news in gerneral. It does have a high crime rate. however you do feel safe walking the streets. No one really bothers you. The crimes are mainly stolen cars, and drug related incidents. I have lived in Charlotte pretty much my whole life, and only want to leave to explore, but only to know that I do have a home in Charlotte, that i enjoy verymuch. 485 is probably the most convient success for our city. Great place to raise a family. Good Schooling depending on the school you attend for elementry, middle and high schools. UNCC is also a great University, I highly recomend it unless you would like to get away for 4 years. BEST CITY IN THE WORLD! Charlotte Knights is a Baseball team if some of you have forgotten. so baseball does live in charlotte along with the greatest football team PANTHERS! and soon to be in the playoffs Bobcats. I love Charlotte. Lived here all my life. I agree with the news. It will scare the hell out of you; but thats news in gerneral. It does have a high crime rate. however you do feel safe walking the streets. No one really bothers you. The crimes are mainly stolen cars, and drug related incidents. I have lived in Charlotte pretty much my whole life, and only want to leave to explore, but only to know that I do have a home in Charlotte, that i enjoy verymuch. 485 is probably the most convient success for our city. Great place to raise a family. Good Schooling depending on the school you attend for elementry, middle and high schools. UNCC is also a great University, I highly recomend it unless you would like to get away for 4 years. BEST CITY IN THE WORLD!

]]> By: B.N. Hermitage, PA http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-14263 B.N. Hermitage, PA Sun, 06 Sep 2009 22:20:50 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-14263 Well for some like myself crime gives me a job, and you'll have that anywhere you go. Well for some like myself crime gives me a job, and you'll have that anywhere you go.

]]> By: James, Charlotte, NC http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-14241 James, Charlotte, NC Wed, 26 Aug 2009 21:44:01 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-14241 Charlotte, NC is honestly whatever you make it... I've been living in Charlotte for going on 2 years now. I've moved to Charlotte from Charleston, SC to attend college. Because it is the 19th most populated city in the country, I guess many people would have high expectations for the city itself. However, Charlotte is not the stero-typical city. I mean its no New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago. I mean those cities have populations well over 2 million people. Charlotte is a well- blend of a suburban environment that is in transition to becoming a urban scene. There is plenty to do in Uptown Charlotte. Bars, clubs, lounges, restaurants, pubs, art galleries, sporting events, and much more live entertainment. Many young professionals reside here as well. Charlotte, of course as stated by many other bloggers, has an excellent economy. Most people are bankers or financial personnel, and its because Charlotte is the 2nd largest Financial Hub in the country, even after the fall of Wachovia. Many people relocate to Charlotte thinking they will just be able to live happily ever after without a degree, experience in a respective field, or formal training. Yet, that is just not possible. We live in a global economy and education + experience is a more than a plus....its a MUST!Charlotte offers many internships/co-ops to students who have above average and superb GPAs. The Panthers are a HUGE part of the Charlotte area.. GO PANTHERS!!! and thats common in any major city that has a major league team. And Southern Hospitality is non-existent in the south PERIOD! I've lived in the south my whole life and the old south is not the new south....This generation of southerners aren't as hospitable as their parents/grandparents were years ago. Charlotte, NC is honestly whatever you make it… I've been living in Charlotte for going on 2 years now. I've moved to Charlotte from Charleston, SC to attend college. Because it is the 19th most populated city in the country, I guess many people would have high expectations for the city itself. However, Charlotte is not the stero-typical city. I mean its no New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago. I mean those cities have populations well over 2 million people.

Charlotte is a well- blend of a suburban environment that is in transition to becoming a urban scene. There is plenty to do in Uptown Charlotte. Bars, clubs, lounges, restaurants, pubs, art galleries, sporting events, and much more live entertainment. Many young professionals reside here as well.

Charlotte, of course as stated by many other bloggers, has an excellent economy. Most people are bankers or financial personnel, and its because Charlotte is the 2nd largest Financial Hub in the country, even after the fall of Wachovia.

Many people relocate to Charlotte thinking they will just be able to live happily ever after without a degree, experience in a respective field, or formal training. Yet, that is just not possible. We live in a global economy and education + experience is a more than a plus….its a MUST!Charlotte offers many internships/co-ops to students who have above average and superb GPAs.

The Panthers are a HUGE part of the Charlotte area.. GO PANTHERS!!! and thats common in any major city that has a major league team.

And Southern Hospitality is non-existent in the south PERIOD! I've lived in the south my whole life and the old south is not the new south….This generation of southerners aren't as hospitable as their parents/grandparents were years ago.

]]> By: scottsdale, az http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-13750 scottsdale, az Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:22:43 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-13750 I see you've never been to Scottsdale, AZ..LOL I see you've never been to Scottsdale, AZ..LOL

]]> By: Sherry, Charlotte NC http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-13638 Sherry, Charlotte NC Wed, 25 Mar 2009 19:25:33 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-13638 Me and hubby moved from NJ to Charlotte 4 yrs ago. We love it and don't plan on going back North. Yes, it has high crime, but so does every other big city. However, here they do something about crime; they go after the person, unlike up North where the cops are part of the problem. Me and hubby moved from NJ to Charlotte 4 yrs ago. We love it and don't plan on going back North. Yes, it has high crime, but so does every other big city. However, here they do something about crime; they go after the person, unlike up North where the cops are part of the problem.

]]> By: f patrick, Raleigh, NC http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-13080 f patrick, Raleigh, NC Sun, 15 Feb 2009 14:54:49 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-13080 I've lived in seven different cities over the past twenty years (from San Diego to Boston) and if you plan on being in NC, or SC, Charlotte is probably one of the best places to be. Of course it has it's pros and cons like any other city but if you research the neighborhood you move into and have a strong job offer prior to moving (or your own business) you should be more than happy in Charlotte. If you are a small-town type who is going to focus on the negative when it comes to crime well of course it'll have more crime than a much smaller population but per capita it isn't as high as the media makes it out to be. Austin, Tx is a great place too, in comparison, and without a state tax think of the money you can put into savings or use toward a nice vacation each year. The taxes in NC are bad anywhere you live (compared to other states) so that's a given whether it be Charlotte, Greensboro, Asheville or the Raleigh/Durham area. If you have your own business there is no corporate tax in Texas which is another plus. Whether it be federal or the local/state level of the gov't, you see how they abuse the funds paid by taxpayers so why pay out more money for them to take advantage of? I've lived in seven different cities over the past twenty years (from San Diego to Boston) and if you plan on being in NC, or SC, Charlotte is probably one of the best places to be. Of course it has it's pros and cons like any other city but if you research the neighborhood you move into and have a strong job offer prior to moving (or your own business) you should be more than happy in Charlotte. If you are a small-town type who is going to focus on the negative when it comes to crime well of course it'll have more crime than a much smaller population but per capita it isn't as high as the media makes it out to be. Austin, Tx is a great place too, in comparison, and without a state tax think of the money you can put into savings or use toward a nice vacation each year. The taxes in NC are bad anywhere you live (compared to other states) so that's a given whether it be Charlotte, Greensboro, Asheville or the Raleigh/Durham area. If you have your own business there is no corporate tax in Texas which is another plus. Whether it be federal or the local/state level of the gov't, you see how they abuse the funds paid by taxpayers so why pay out more money for them to take advantage of?

]]> By: Msevey http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-12962 Msevey Sun, 01 Feb 2009 20:55:21 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-12962 All I am going to say is - Look at the crime rate. It is not a safe place to live and I wouldn't dream of relocating my family to Charlotte, NC. All I am going to say is – Look at the crime rate. It is not a safe place to live and I wouldn't dream of relocating my family to Charlotte, NC.

]]> By: Joe, Gastonia NC http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-12917 Joe, Gastonia NC Wed, 28 Jan 2009 21:18:16 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-12917 Now that Wachovia is no more and Bank of America is in dire straits; I expect Charlotte to go from a "Growth City" to a "Retired City". In other words Charlotte will become another Ronoake VA, Asheville NC, or Columbia SC, etc. Now that Wachovia is no more and Bank of America is in dire straits; I expect Charlotte to go from a "Growth City" to a "Retired City". In other words Charlotte will become another Ronoake VA, Asheville NC, or Columbia SC, etc.

]]> By: rob crysell charlotte nc http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-12730 rob crysell charlotte nc Thu, 08 Jan 2009 01:55:49 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-12730 My family and I moved to Charlotte a few months ago and I must say I am very unimpressed. It is not a big city or a small town. Traffic is typical of an overly crowded region. Crime is really bad and the local news will scare the hell out of you. If you are not a Panthers football fan dont plan on watching sports, that is the only thing anyone talks about and its a team of overpaid thugs like steve smith and deangelo williams. I've lived in downtown DC and San Francisco for many years and those are cities. This is just a continuous expanse of retail and banks. There is absolutely No southern hospitality here and the job market is very very bad right now. I would strongly reconsider any move to this area if you can. It just any place you would want to call home. My family and I moved to Charlotte a few months ago and I must say I am very unimpressed. It is not a big city or a small town. Traffic is typical of an overly crowded region. Crime is really bad and the local news will scare the hell out of you. If you are not a Panthers football fan dont plan on watching sports, that is the only thing anyone talks about and its a team of overpaid thugs like steve smith and deangelo williams. I've lived in downtown DC and San Francisco for many years and those are cities. This is just a continuous expanse of retail and banks. There is absolutely No southern hospitality here and the job market is very very bad right now. I would strongly reconsider any move to this area if you can. It just any place you would want to call home.

]]> By: Doug - Charlote, NC http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-12729 Doug - Charlote, NC Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:58:57 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-12729 THE most underrated party town. If you are age 30 or under, Uptown Charlotte is Disney World. If you are over 40, head for the suburbs. THE most underrated party town. If you are age 30 or under, Uptown Charlotte is Disney World.

If you are over 40, head for the suburbs.

]]> By: Jon, Charlotte, NC http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-12699 Jon, Charlotte, NC Sat, 03 Jan 2009 00:28:00 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-12699 Charlotte is a great place to live. Plenty of great restaurants and bars. I've lived here for 9 years and will never move. Go Panthers! Charlotte is a great place to live. Plenty of great restaurants and bars. I've lived here for 9 years and will never move. Go Panthers!

]]> By: Brian, Nashville, TN http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-12666 Brian, Nashville, TN Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:25:16 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-12666 You have got to be kidding. I moved from Charlotte 11 years ago and haven't looked back. It is one of the most one dimensional, culturally challenged and over-hyped plastic communities I ever lived. You have got to be kidding. I moved from Charlotte 11 years ago and haven't looked back. It is one of the most one dimensional, culturally challenged and over-hyped plastic communities I ever lived.

]]> By: Lee. Statesville NC http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-12634 Lee. Statesville NC Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:20:06 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-12634 Area is great. I have been here most of my life. However, I went to a b-ball game with my son's (2) I had a drink and 2 hot dogs. $14.00 dollars. To Bob Johnson You will never get another dime from me. It's a recession and he talks about what poor people need to do on C-span. It must not be to come see the Bocats play. rediculous. Area is great. I have been here most of my life. However, I went to a b-ball game with my son's (2) I had a drink and 2 hot dogs. $14.00 dollars. To Bob Johnson You will never get another dime from me. It's a recession and he talks about what poor people need to do on C-span. It must not be to come see the Bocats play. rediculous.

]]> By: Dan, Charlotte, NC http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-12631 Dan, Charlotte, NC Mon, 15 Dec 2008 16:22:23 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-12631 Even with the turmoil in the banking industry Charlotte is a great place to work and play. I moved here 12 years ago from upstate NY and planned to stay only long enough to finish school - and here I am. I am one of the many "financial professionals" in Charlotte yet also started a small business which has grown exponentially over the last 18 months, so much so that I can now leave my corporate gig and take on the business full time. As an avid hiking, kayaking and mountain biking enthusiast I have everything I need within a 40 minute drive with Crowder's Mountain, the US National Whitewater Center and numerous trails and greenway's providing numerous opportunities to satisfy my adventurous side. Concentration on public transportation is a major new development that is gaining ground with the new light rail and commuter trains open and a trolley service planned for the immediate future. The best part about Charlotte, though, is real estate. Backed by stats from the Case-Schiller index, Charlotte continues to be one of the most recession-proof cities in the country in terms of real estate. I, for one, have found real estate investments to be an extremely lucrative source for supplemental income - and you can too. A great resource to consider for real estate in the Charlotte market is www.CharlotteUrbanLife.com, which offers updates and information on new construction, single family suburban and urban condo environments, along with relocation advice and contact info. If you are looking to move into a diverse and growing population, you owe it to yourself to check out Charlotte. Even with the turmoil in the banking industry Charlotte is a great place to work and play. I moved here 12 years ago from upstate NY and planned to stay only long enough to finish school – and here I am. I am one of the many "financial professionals" in Charlotte yet also started a small business which has grown exponentially over the last 18 months, so much so that I can now leave my corporate gig and take on the business full time. As an avid hiking, kayaking and mountain biking enthusiast I have everything I need within a 40 minute drive with Crowder's Mountain, the US National Whitewater Center and numerous trails and greenway's providing numerous opportunities to satisfy my adventurous side. Concentration on public transportation is a major new development that is gaining ground with the new light rail and commuter trains open and a trolley service planned for the immediate future. The best part about Charlotte, though, is real estate. Backed by stats from the Case-Schiller index, Charlotte continues to be one of the most recession-proof cities in the country in terms of real estate. I, for one, have found real estate investments to be an extremely lucrative source for supplemental income – and you can too. A great resource to consider for real estate in the Charlotte market is http://www.CharlotteUrbanLife.com, which offers updates and information on new construction, single family suburban and urban condo environments, along with relocation advice and contact info. If you are looking to move into a diverse and growing population, you owe it to yourself to check out Charlotte.

]]> By: CJ charlotte,NC http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-12562 CJ charlotte,NC Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:10:30 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-12562 I lived in Charlotte for 2 years and both areas i've lived in has had a numerous accounts of violent crimes. Drive by shooting, armed robbery, my place has been broken into before, don't leave your house unattended over the holidays. I lived in Charlotte for 2 years and both areas i've lived in has had a numerous accounts of violent crimes. Drive by shooting, armed robbery, my place has been broken into before, don't leave your house unattended over the holidays.

]]> By: Ron, Charlotte, NC http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-12559 Ron, Charlotte, NC Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:41:05 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-12559 We have lived in Charlotte for 6 years. It's a wonderful mid-sized. growing city. The banking business (Charlotte is second only to NY as a financial center in the US) not only provides many of the jobs here but has also made a tremendous commitment to the arts. If you are coming from NY, NJ, CT, Chicago or especially CA you will find housing to be between 1/5th-1/2 of the cost in those other parts of the country. The outdoor activities are wonderful, the mountains are 2 hours west and the beaches are 3 hours east. Charlotte also has a wonderful, modern airpost so you can get anywhere. We plan to retire here over the next several years. If there is one possible pending drawback it is the current condition of the banking business. We have lived in Charlotte for 6 years. It's a wonderful mid-sized. growing city. The banking business (Charlotte is second only to NY as a financial center in the US) not only provides many of the jobs here but has also made a tremendous commitment to the arts. If you are coming from NY, NJ, CT, Chicago or especially CA you will find housing to be between 1/5th-1/2 of the cost in those other parts of the country. The outdoor activities are wonderful, the mountains are 2 hours west and the beaches are 3 hours east. Charlotte also has a wonderful, modern airpost so you can get anywhere. We plan to retire here over the next several years. If there is one possible pending drawback it is the current condition of the banking business.

]]> By: nick ca http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-12518 nick ca Sat, 29 Nov 2008 19:21:23 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-12518 im think bout moving to charlotte so any comments about it would greatly be welcomed im from tennesssee but im in california i need to get out of this state. im only 22 btw nick_94520@yah00.com is my email hit me up im think bout moving to charlotte so any comments about it would greatly be welcomed im from tennesssee but im in california i need to get out of this state. im only 22 btw nick_94520@yah00.com is my email hit me up

]]> By: washington dc http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-12407 washington dc Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:56:30 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-12407 I lived in Charlotte for 7 years. It's a beautiful city. But, if you are not working for the banking industry, you will probbally have a hard time surviving, unless you work 2 jobs. I hate to admit this, but I agree with many of the comments pertaining to lack of diversity in the job market, and you seem to run into the same type of person.....over and over again. If you are the type of personality that likes to chill and hang out, it might hold some appeal. Although, the ambitious types might find Charlotte stale and unsatisfying. I lived in Charlotte for 7 years. It's a beautiful city. But, if you are not working for the banking industry, you will probbally have a hard time surviving, unless you work 2 jobs. I hate to admit this, but I agree with many of the comments pertaining to lack of diversity in the job market, and you seem to run into the same type of person…..over and over again. If you are the type of personality that likes to chill and hang out, it might hold some appeal. Although, the ambitious types might find Charlotte stale and unsatisfying.

]]> By: Hector Falu Muhammad, Louisville, Kentucky http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-12405 Hector Falu Muhammad, Louisville, Kentucky Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:17:13 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/03/20/best-places-to-live-and-launch-2008-no-7-2/#comment-12405 Charlotte, along with the state of North Carolina has one of the best recession proof economies that I have ever visited. One of the only places that I have had to turn down business due to such a great demand. Charlotte, along with the state of North Carolina has one of the best recession proof economies that I have ever visited. One of the only places that I have had to turn down business due to such a great demand.

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