Living in North Carolina, South Carolina, Northern Georgia

Texas no state taxes, warn weather, tons of sports, very friendly people, kinda cheap homes, Golf, beer, bbq, it’s a slice of heaven did I say loads of sports. It gets hot but we’re used to it. I will add if I had the funds I am looking at Florida for the beaches. Landscape if mostly flat but some areas offer coastal and hills. You have to live here to appreciate it. Either you love it or hate it. No in between 

@NY posted:

Texas no state taxes, warn weather, tons of sports, very friendly people, kinda cheap homes, Golf, beer, bbq, it’s a slice of heaven did I say loads of sports. It gets hot but we’re used to it. I will add if I had the funds I am looking at Florida for the beaches. Landscape if mostly flat but some areas offer coastal and hills. You have to live here to appreciate it. Either you love it or hate it. No in between 

Thanks NY, Texas is actually the other most likely landing spot (behind staying where we're at) because of what you list and that daughter is most likely to end up there.  But, i didn't want to get too "shotgun" with the post. 

@cabbagedad posted:

Thanks NY, Texas is actually the other most likely landing spot (behind staying where we're at) because of what you list and that daughter is most likely to end up there.  But, i didn't want to get too "shotgun" with the post. 

We're still a good 10 years off, at least, but I'm thinking of the "half back" route.  I like the combo of weather, seasons, but still being closer to North East.  Raleigh area, Charleston, Davidson...all considerations.  I've had family in Florida forever, and even as it's gotten younger over the years (specifically Delray Beach) I still have a hard time seeing myself living there year round.  Love the beach vibe, but I'm not sure I could handle Summers and Florida is just...unique. As for Texas, I do like Austin but suspect more to visit.  And prices there have no gotten a bit out of hand.  Have heard Ft. Worth is up and coming, but I would literally not know a soul there.  

 Oh, man, if you could access my wife's Trulia history, you'd see hundreds if not thousands of "forever homes" she's checked out in the states you mentioned, plus VA, MD, DE (no taxes), CT, NY, NJ, PA, MA, ME, NH, RI, OR, NM, AZ, & CA, not to mention offshore locations. 

No TX as of yet, but we do like Austin and San Antonio.

Cabbage Dad;

My favorite is Sedona, AZ, one mile high, 1 1/2 hour to Phoenix and Spring Training. Beautiful "Red Rock" canyons. Airline pilots live in Sedona because of the clean air.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sedona,_Arizona

My 2nd choice is the "Land of Enchantment" New Mexico.

Bob

Depending on your interests and tolerance for winter weather, NH has no sales tax, no income tax.  Ocean beaches, mountains, terrific lakes, lots of outdoor recreation.  Close to Boston in the southern third of the state.  Sports scene, not so much, unless you go to Boston for pro sports.  Manchester has the AA affiliate of the Blue Jays, there is good summer collegiate (NECBL and Futures) but that's about it.  Probably more expensive than many other areas mentioned too.

@NY posted:

Texas no state taxes, warn weather, tons of sports, very friendly people, kinda cheap homes, Golf, beer, bbq, it’s a slice of heaven did I say loads of sports. It gets hot but we’re used to it. I will add if I had the funds I am looking at Florida for the beaches. Landscape if mostly flat but some areas offer coastal and hills. You have to live here to appreciate it. Either you love it or hate it. No in between 

I'm im Rockport & love it! Lots of fishig, arts, Golf Carts & flip flops... & survived Harvey! Pop about 9000.  34m to Corpus Christi. Lots of us "retirees" dow here. 3 Hr to Housto, SA or Mexico.. (sorry, letter after m quit workig o laptop)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSyUMpySQqs

https://www.rockport-fulton.org/

@baseballmom posted:

I'm im Rockport & love it! Lots of fishig, arts, Golf Carts & flip flops... & survived Harvey! Pop about 9000.  34m to Corpus Christi. Lots of us "retirees" dow here. 3 Hr to Housto, SA or Mexico.. (sorry, letter after m quit workig o laptop)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YribTUnlQg0

https://www.rockport-fulton.org/

 

Are you on a Windows machine?  Windows key + CTRL + O brings up a virtual keyboard.

Cabbage - The Northest corridor on I-85 in GA (depending on where you are) can provide a lake, golf, Braves AAA baseball, SEC/ACC/Mid-major/NAIA baseball, Major League Baseball, mall (for wife), hunting and airport access all within an hour. 

Not to mention very affordable housing. 

Man your from Cali and thinking GA area.... Go spend a couple of weeks there around the 1st of August before you make a permanent move. Mid May, June, July, August, September there's no escaping the stifling humidity except indoors.

I am in south east GA where Saint Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island, Cumberland Island and Amelia Island are located.  It's quite mild in the winter but quite hot in the summer.  And sand gnats. Oh my gosh, sand gnats.

Cabbage,

If you are thinking SC there are some serious tax issues for second homes.   I've seen where you live, and not sure why on God's green earth you'd want to leave...it is gorgeous there!.   I have a handful of friends who have recently bought primary residences in Wilmington (NC),Hilton Head (SC), Savannah (GA), Charleston area (SC) and haven't looked back.  Each of them is in a different stage of life (55-65), and moved there for different reasons.  My wife and I have also been playing the "what if" game, and we would be looking at these same areas in 5-10 years plus some others.  Florida is an absolute non-starter for my wife but I might be able to convince her on northern Florida (Ameilia Island area) for the right situation.

@hshuler posted:

Not to mention very affordable housing. 

That's because no one in their right mind would choose to live there.

@SomeBaseballDad posted:

That's because no one in their right mind would choose to live there.

😂

Cabbagedad - Was scoping the same stuff out in December.  A lot of people at my company are based in Atlanta and most have homes in South Carolina on lakes or near Charleston.   Below is a list that a guy gave me for South Carolina areas to look.  We will retire south too (we are CT) and are looking NC, SC, not Florida.  Thought about South East GA too but Teaching Elder above just made that a no.....

Sullivan’s island (his top pick)
Savanna - it’s 15 years behind Charleston.  Culture , restaurants ect
DeWees to Georgetown and all in between
McClellenville
Buford +
Awendaw +

I see myself in and around Charleston.  Notice Kiawah missing.  I love visiting Kiawah and could see living there too but more likely another island near Charleston.  I am thinking 6.5 years for us, yes specific but for a reason.  I do love Texas for many reasons but can't see ending up there.

Lots of people are moving to Charlotte, NC. I have a lot of friends who have moved there to follow their kids.

To live on the SE coastline is very expensive due to insurance.  Florida has some great beaches. I love where I live but I also love the west coast of Fl. Tampa/ ST Pete area is one of my favorite. 

I grew up about an hour from Charleston and live in the Atlanta area now. My brother lives in Charlotte so I’m somewhat familiar with all three states.

Cabbage - Can you list maybe your must-haves/deal breakers as well as some nice-to-haves and that might help?

@cabbagedad posted:

OK, lockdown boredom... spending some time plotting out potential down-the-road retirement moves.  The Carolina's and Northern Georgia seem to be good targets.  Mild winter climates (I know, summer humidity is most everywhere not in the southwest), affordable living, good people, nice landscape, abundant college sports, golf, outdoor sports, good BBQ, can escape to the coast, et.  But, I haven't spent enough time there.

Looking for any more detailed feedback comparing those states against each other and about that region overall and know that many of you here in the HSBBW community live in the region.  

I'd add Virginia to the mix except we do have personal property taxes on vehicles and boats.   Other than that real estate taxes are reasonable so long as you stay away from northern Virginia.   Lots of history here (Revolutionary War and Civil War) especially around Fredericksburg (home to 4 Civil War battlefields, George Washington's Mothers home and his early home (Ferry Farm)) and Richmond.

There's decent golf courses in the Williamsburg area and Richmond.  Plenty of college sports - UVA, Tech, Old Dominion to name a few.  Plenty of spots to go fishing - fresh and saltwater.

Personally, I'd stay away from the I-95 corridor - traffic there has been notoriously heavy (even on weekends) for years and until the virus was getting worse.

Definitely forget about north of Virginia - MD, PA, NY, NJ have much higher taxes.  

Tallahassee. 90 min from St George/Applachicola (beaches are some of the best in the US), solid college sports if you want, 45 min flight from ATL, where you can jump a flight to anywhere. And no state income tax. 

@TPM posted:

Lots of people are moving to Charlotte, NC. I have a lot of friends who have moved there to follow their kids.

To live on the SE coastline is very expensive due to insurance.  Florida has some great beaches. I love where I live but I also love the west coast of Fl. Tampa/ ST Pete area is one of my favorite. 

I second TPM’s mention of the Tampa Bay Area. I grew up there and have lived all over the state. Pinellas County is easily my favorite. However, it can be a little crowded. If that’s not your thing you can go a few minutes south into Manatee County which is the home of Anna Maia Island. 

Wow, great feedback so far... OK, to answer some questions...

Bob, Sedona looks great but housing is almost as expensive as here on Calif. Central Coast.  With no significant gain on house equity, we'd probably stay where we're at.

9and7, I grew up in snowbelt of NE Ohio but have been spoiled far too long in California.  Love everything you said about NH but cold winter tolerance is non-existent and two homes probably won't be our path. 

BBmom, I'll take a closer look!  that region is a possible landing spot for our daughter. 

Hshuler, I have some family in North Ga. and that is part of the draw to the region.  I was thinking NC might be a little less stifling in the summer but not really sure.  I don't picture Georgia lakes as really clean and good for swimming, boating, etc., but I really don't know.  We checked out doing a big family reunion on a lake there one year and ended up not doing it because the lake water level was so low and it looked pretty brown.  Would love to hear more.

SBD and TE, yeah, that is a concern... we've also been spoiled with no summer bugs and no humidity so we'd need to spend some time there that time of year to recall just how bad.  

Fenway, we do LOVE it where we are.  Some of the incentive would be that if we could find another area we would love as well, the exchange on home value would put us in a more comfortable retirement situation and sooner if we wanted.  Also, the aforementioned family in N. Ga. and we have been here on the west coast for a very long time and up for a new adventure and seeing more of the other side of the country.  So, sounds like you are saying all four of those cities have proven to be winners?

Gunnar, thanks for the list!  Any specifics as to why they may be preferable would be welcome additional info.

HShuler, some of our must haves/ nice to haves...  affordable housing, favorable weather, good friendly people, good scenery, safe small-town feel and access to plenty of activities are our musts.  We love being around the water, whether it be lake, ocean or river, but want it to be usable (clean to swim, boat, kayak, etc.), not brown or stagnant.  Would love to hear more detail about usable lakes in the region.  We hike, golf, play tennis, bike, go to ball games, college sports, day trips exploring, canoe/kayak, etc.  Wouldn't mind getting back into a bit of fishing.  While we like small-town feel, we would want to be within an hour or so of a hub so that we could travel to family not within driving distance and other vacation travel.  There are a wide range of fits, anywhere from some acreage with a couple horses to a lake house to a smaller house in a nice suburban neighborhood to a beach house/condo near the ocean.  We like mountains and trees as well as ocean.  Not so much on plain flat land.  My wife hasn't seen much of that region and I think she'd really enjoy it.  We are used to plenty of sunshine and blue skies but do miss an occasional T-storm.  Immediate family is big but we still don't know where our three adult kids will ultimately end up... and at least two will likely move around for a bit so can't really factor that in.  Two of my sisters and most of their kids live in suburbs of Atlanta and it would be nice to be within drivable distance as well as a bit closer to my many other siblings that live in Ohio, where winters would be too cold and grey for our liking.  

Foxdad, you hit a lot of interests and son has really enjoyed the people in Virginia... just don't want to creep too far north.  Southern would be a possibility I suppose.

 TPM and Senna, I could totally do FL and some friends in Tampa area but my wife has a perception of too hot, too flat and no seasonality, whether right or wrong.  

I lived in NH for 50yrs until about 5 years ago when we moved to Charlotte - one child playing baseball at Belmont Abbey and one going to law school in Chapel Hill (2 1/2 hr drive)... A 3rd son lived in Dallas. From CLT to DFW - not difficult to find flights to visit the Dallas, but from BOS it was more challenging... Something he also concurred with as he spent a year going back and forth between BOS and DFW (he was still in school, his gf got a Teach for america position there). A couple years the happy couple moved to Boston mainly for work, but also because Dallas just wasn't as appealing to them.

We love Charlotte - still being a *solid* 3.5-4 hours from the ocean makes summer hard. Between Charlotte and Wilmington - there's not much in the way of larger cities - there is a Hamlet, NC though ;-). My wife has "concerns" about creepy crawly things in lakes. There's lots of activities there like you mention. Two of the boys have settled in there now.

About 3 yrs ago we found a place New Smyrna Beach, FL, but we also keep a small condo in Charlotte - it's a 500 mile drive and the youngest son lives there (still and for now ;-)). The NSB place is 3 blocks away from where her mother comes for the winter and 6 from the ocean. Stumbling distance to bars and restaurants, but not in a high tourist area (e.g. Daytona, West Palm/Delray/Boca, Ft Lauderdale). It's also 2.5 hours from Tampa where her dad lives. For us, it's been about situating ourselves to enjoy our life, but also see our children (or have them come see us). There is always baseball going on somewhere, but less so collegiately near us (Stetson/Deland or Bethune-Cookman/Daytona).

The one thing about the Tampa area we've found when we go is it feels like it takes forever to get anywhere especially on the weekends. We've visited the Wilmington NC area a couple times, but in the last couple of hurricanes it's been hit hard - something else to consider...  My middle son loved the Chapel Hill area - lots of colleges and activities, but still a bit of a trek to the ocean. 

I guess in the long run it's all about what you want to do and whether you need to be close enough to a larger city or not. Spend a week or two in various areas if you can. There will be trade-offs... We rented our first 2 years - when you haven't done that for 20+ years it's kind of a funny process. But that did allow us to figure out where in Charlotte we preferred. Maybe something easier to do now - rather than watching your local news - go online and watch the local news of where you're looking to move to. You can learn a lot that way...

Not sure why so many people are so afraid of coming to Florida because of the heat.  For me it's the humidity which surprisingly enough is August. So I plan my days accordingly. But there is never nothing to do here.  People are missing all of the fun things to do here in FL during season due to COVID, what a shame.  

I used to go up to visit my family in NJ every summer and my girlfriend in NYC. The heat was unbearable. Problem, unlike FL, not every place was air conditioned, no pool in the backyard and getting to the jersey shore is impossible. 

Florida has some unique areas  and quaint towns to explore. And there are hills. If you go to UF or FSU you swear that you are not in Florida!

@cabbagedad posted:

Fenway, we do LOVE it where we are.  Some of the incentive would be that if we could find another area we would love as well, the exchange on home value would put us in a more comfortable retirement situation and sooner if we wanted. 

House prices are directly related to desirability - that's why they are so high where you are now!  To get a cheaper house, you'll have to accept frozen winters or hot humid summers.

I grew up in NC, my parents still live there, it is horrible in the summer unless you are actually on the beach - hot, humid, and mosquitoes.  A screened porch is a must.  Spring and fall are nice, and winter is not as bad as other places (but it's not Florida).  The Research Triangle is a great place to live, 2.5 hrs to the beach or the mountains, sports, music, good airport.  Not a small town, though. 

Cabbage, 

 I am reluctant to share this hidden gem, but go to Birmingham, AL.   It has hills but not mountains.  The seasons change but the winters are pretty mild.  You still may get a snow or two most years, but usually no big issues with closures.   The summers are hot and August is humid, but it is really June, July and August with July and August being the worst.  Fall is pretty divine.   

It's the east so there is plenty of water coming into and through the numerous rivers and streams.  There are man-made lakes for hydro-electricity that people absolutely love.  Lots of jet -skiing and boating and water skiing.  You can canoe or kayak.  You can trout fish.  You can bass fish.   You are an hour or less away from hunting spots for white tail deer, or for turkeys, or for dove or quail.  You can shoot your own coon or possum off your garbage can and eat that if you are careful about it. 

Birmingham has about everything one could want in a metropolis without the glut of people.  Symphony, music theater, 5 star dining, great museums, Sax 5th Ave and about every other shopping you could ask for, a minor league AA team in a swanky park, international airport, outstanding high school sports to watch.   You are right in the middle of SEC country and the collegiate sports are second to none.   Birmingham is hosting the World Games in 2022.  They have the Barber's Motorsports park which hosts a Porsche road race each year as well as numerous other events and also has a large museum full of cars and motorcycles.

One can easily be an hour or less from the metro area and find large tracts of land to spread out on.  

You will be about 4-5 hours from the Gulf of Mexico, which has the most beautiful sugar-sand beaches in the world. 

To top things off, Alabamians are some of the nicest, most down-to-earth and generous people you will ever meet.    Get used to saying, "Hi" to everyone you come across.  Churches are on every corner, and the people's faiths are genuine.  This is what got Birmingham quickly past the Civil Rights era and has brought great racial peace and harmony in that city.

Caveat 1)  You must be aware that weather can get severe at any time of year.  If you can purchase a home with a storm shelter or build one yourself, you will feel better during the storms.

Caveat 2) You cannot tell your friends how nice Birmingham is.  I hear it all the time.  People will say, I didn't know how nice it is here.  They tell their friends about it and then they come too.   The key to its being so nice is that it is unknown and still a quaint southern city.

Man, this has made me really miss home.

@Teaching Elder posted:

Cabbage, 

 I am reluctant to share this hidden gem, but go to Birmingham, AL.   It has hills but not mountains.  The seasons change but the winters are pretty mild.  You still may get a snow or two most years, but usually no big issues with closures.   The summers are hot and August is humid, but it is really June, July and August with July and August being the worst.  Fall is pretty divine.   

It's the east so there is plenty of water coming into and through the numerous rivers and streams.  There are man-made lakes for hydro-electricity that people absolutely love.  Lots of jet -skiing and boating and water skiing.  You can canoe or kayak.  You can trout fish.  You can bass fish.   You are an hour or less away from hunting spots for white tail deer, or for turkeys, or for dove or quail.  You can shoot your own coon or possum off your garbage can and eat that if you are careful about it. 

Birmingham has about everything one could want in a metropolis without the glut of people.  Symphony, music theater, 5 star dining, great museums, Sax 5th Ave and about every other shopping you could ask for, a minor league AA team in a swanky park, international airport, outstanding high school sports to watch.   You are right in the middle of SEC country and the collegiate sports are second to none.   Birmingham is hosting the World Games in 2022.  They have the Barber's Motorsports park which hosts a Porsche road race each year as well as numerous other events and also has a large museum full of cars and motorcycles.

One can easily be an hour or less from the metro area and find large tracts of land to spread out on.  

You will be about 4-5 hours from the Gulf of Mexico, which has the most beautiful sugar-sand beaches in the world. 

To top things off, Alabamians are some of the nicest, most down-to-earth and generous people you will ever meet.    Get used to saying, "Hi" to everyone you come across.  Churches are on every corner, and the people's faiths are genuine.  This is what got Birmingham quickly past the Civil Rights era and has brought great racial peace and harmony in that city.

Caveat 1)  You must be aware that weather can get severe at any time of year.  If you can purchase a home with a storm shelter or build one yourself, you will feel better during the storms.

Caveat 2) You cannot tell your friends how nice Birmingham is.  I hear it all the time.  People will say, I didn't know how nice it is here.  They tell their friends about it and then they come too.   The key to its being so nice is that it is unknown and still a quaint southern city.

Man, this has made me really miss home.

Can second this.  BHam has absolutely had a Renaissance over the past decade.  Great small city, some of the best food in the country, And beautiful  for sure.  It’s not a “small town” though. 

I’ve thought about a winter home in a more southernly area. The problem is the skiing sucks. My southern home is on the North Shore of Boston south of my home in Maine.

Any feedback on lakes in the region?  Asheville/national forest region?

@cabbagedad posted:

Any feedback on lakes in the region?  Asheville/national forest region?

Maybe you can during a drought but here’s some info on Lake Lanier. 

https://www.lanierislands.com/

Florida panhandle is great.  Some good seasons and you get a lot more cold snaps than down south.  Lot of neat Air Force/Navy "stuff" and they tend to bring in lots of people from around the country which makes for a neat mix of folks.  Beaches and outdoor activities are pretty much year round.  Football and Baseball are huge down there. As Jimmy Buffett says...."you can't reason with hurricane season"...buy a little inland if you can. 

Have lived in NC too in the Triangle(Cary, Raleigh, Durham) and Triad(Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point) areas which are 1.5 to 2.5 hours up to the Appalachian Mountains, Boone, Banner Elk... ski resorts. Great universities, Performing Arts, very good Minor league BB and ACC, Big South and Southern Conf. baseball).  Four Fantastic seasons, cheap golf everywhere.  Little bit of ice and snow but not wicked amounts.  Hurricanes have not been too crazy this far inland. 2-3 hours to Wilmington and Myrtle Beach and then 3-4 hours to Virginia Beach.  OBX are one of our favorite places to vacation here.  

Good luck!    

@TPM posted:

Not sure why so many people are so afraid of coming to Florida because of the heat.  For me it's the humidity which surprisingly enough is August. So I plan my days accordingly. But there is never nothing to do here.  People are missing all of the fun things to do here in FL during season due to COVID, what a shame.  

I used to go up to visit my family in NJ every summer and my girlfriend in NYC. The heat was unbearable. Problem, unlike FL, not every place was air conditioned, no pool in the backyard and getting to the jersey shore is impossible. 

Florida has some unique areas  and quaint towns to explore. And there are hills. If you go to UF or FSU you swear that you are not in Florida!

 

I love driving through the small towns between Palm Beach and Ft Myers. A bunch of little BBQ places, old FL buildings and houses, ranches, etc. I’ve lived here most of my life and took it for granted. It took my dad coming to visit from NH for me to explore more. FL has a lot of interesting history.... and phenomenal Cuban food

Maybe check Lake Norman, just north of Charlotte.

Wilmington, NC has been a hot spot for many.  (Wrightsville Beach is just over the causeway).  Many retirement communities in the area.

I live 9 houses from the Richmond, VA city limits with great county schools.  Richmond has recently been a hot restaurant town, with lots of history, 1 hour from the mountains, 2 hours from the beach, 1 hour from several rivers with their lovely river homes.  We have the Giants AA baseball affiliate here, and 5 D1, and 4 D3 colleges/sports local or within an hour.  One major teaching university hospital is local with another an hour away.   DC is a 2-hr drive on a good day.  Train service up the northern corridor is easy.  We have 4 lovely seasons.

With all our baseball travels and vacations, I try to envision myself retiring somewhere else.   I have come to the conclusion that I have it pretty good right here.  They are opening a new Trader Joe's near me and now I will probably never leave.  

@cabbagedad posted:

Hshuler, I have some family in North Ga. and that is part of the draw to the region.  I was thinking NC might be a little less stifling in the summer but not really sure.  I don't picture Georgia lakes as really clean and good for swimming, boating, etc., but I really don't know.  We checked out doing a big family reunion on a lake there one year and ended up not doing it because the lake water level was so low and it looked pretty brown.  Would love to hear more.

 

@cabbagedad, There are some pretty lakes and rivers up in the North GA mountains.  Lots of good hiking and kayaking to be had.  My favorite is Lake Burton, but there are many to choose from.  The problem with many of them is they are pretty far from real civilization -- good hospitals, museums, shopping, airport, etc.  If you are looking in GA, maybe focus on the Alpharetta/Cumming area, which is the closest civilization to the lakes, or maybe Gainesville, which is a small town right on Lake Lanier (not the prettiest lake in GA, but perhaps a good compromise).  I know a few people who have homes in Big Canoe and love it there.

https://www.bigcanoe.com/

If you're looking for sleepy mountain towns, one of the best Atlanta "getaways" is Highlands, NC.  You might want to look up there as well.

With family in Atlanta, you should have a good sense of what your options are on the north side.  

For beach options in Georgia, I would definitely look at Savannah.  Much prefer it to Charleston, personally.  Not so built up.  The beaches are not as lovely as the Gulf coast of Florida, but they will do.

@Teaching Elder posted:

Cabbage, 

 I am reluctant to share this hidden gem, but go to Birmingham, AL.  

Birmingham is indeed an up-and-coming city in the South.  People, including young people, are discovering this hidden gem, and the city is pretty vibrant.

OP, I am surprised no one has suggested Greenville, SC given your original criteria.  Yes there are the dog days or August, but Greenville is fantastic, incredible walkable downtown with great entertainment, wonderful restaurants in all price categories, and fantastic shops 7 days a week.  There are cultural activities, and Flour field is one of the best minor league ball parks in the country.  On the edge of the smoky mountains, a short drive ,1 hour ,to Asheville, a reasonable 2 hours to Gatlinburg/ Pigeon Forge and 30 minutes from Clemson.  If this is your area, check out Greenville.

@Pedaldad posted:

OP, I am surprised no one has suggested Greenville, SC given your original criteria.  Yes there are the dog days or August, but Greenville is fantastic, incredible walkable downtown with great entertainment, wonderful restaurants in all price categories, and fantastic shops 7 days a week.  There are cultural activities, and Flour field is one of the best minor league ball parks in the country.  On the edge of the smoky mountains, a short drive ,1 hour ,to Asheville, a reasonable 2 hours to Gatlinburg/ Pigeon Forge and 30 minutes from Clemson.  If this is your area, check out Greenville.

First time in Greenville in 2004, last time 2016 and I couldn't believe it!  Yes, definetly worth the mention.  My very good friend moved there to be with her kids and She loves it. 

With all of these suggestions it's important to really check them out, people usually relocate to be close to family, that's really important. JMO

I remember back in the 80’s one of the “in” things to do was move to Wyoming, Montana or Idaho. In my 20’s I loved Wyoming. While successful, my professional world was hectic. I hated the politics of the corporate world. Traffic in LA was getting worse and worse. Trips to Wyoming maintained my sanity.

I considered I could raft guide on the Snake (I was white water certified) and be a ski instructor in the winter. Then there was a follow up article in the LA Times on people who made the move. 80% returned to Southern California within two years. What appeared to be idyllic on vacation became boring as every day life. 

Besides, had I become a raft guide and ski instructor in Wyoming I would have had to grow a beard.

A thing to consider and it’s part of the ratings in any “best places to retire” articles is the quality of the health care in the area. When you get older something you never considered (quality of health care) may save your life.

Hey Cabbagedad,

Sounds to me like you should definitely investigate the mountain areas of Western NC, North GA, or Upstate SC.  These seem to check most of the boxes you mention. 

Climate in these areas is vastly different from coastal or even central NC, SC, & GA, and there are many small towns and lakes. No humidity or flying insects if you stay in the mountain elevations. This area is mostly within an hour or so of either Asheville, Greenville, or Atlanta.  Within a few hours drive to the SC or GA coast, and just a little farther to NC beach areas.  Lots of these small towns have vibrant downtown areas with plenty of restaurants and local music and breweries. Real estate and taxes are mostly reasonable.

Examples of lakes to look at include Glenville, Chatuge, Jocassee, and Keowee.  These areas also have many rivers for rafting and kayaking, like Nantahala or Chattooga, and the national parks and forest service areas are perfect for for camping, hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, or other adventures. 

Bigger lakes a little outside the mountain region include Hartwell near Clemson, Lanier on northern outskirts of Atlanta, and Norman near Davidson College and Charlotte in more central NC area. 

Shoot me a PM if you need more details.

My wife and I like the amenities and attractions of an urban area that's within easy reach of both the coast and the mountains. Those are qualities, among others, that influenced us to choose Charlotte when we relocated from the West Coast. Charlotte offers affordable real estate prices in the midst of all the shopping, sports, and cultural offerings that virtually any other metro area offers. 

Want to live on a lake? We have 3 of them. Want a comfortable, suburban setting? There are dozens of great neighborhoods on all sides; and most of them are within relatively easy reach of the center city.

There's the NFL, NBA, AAA baseball (in the finest AAA ballpark anywhere), an annual PGA event, and an American Hockey League team; along with Division I and small college sports. Meanwhile, there's a lively and varied cultural scene.

Wrap it all up in a great, moderate climate, and Charlotte's hard not to like. 

If you or anyone out there is considering coming here, give me a shout. I can help in a variety of ways.

P.S. If Charlotte (metro population ~2.7 million) is on the large side for anyone, my vote would go to Greenville, SC. Amazing small city!

You may want to consider the Chattanooga area, no state taxes and 1.5 hours from Atlanta. I'm in metro Atlanta and lots of friends have houses in the panhandle in FL. Wife and i are talking about 2nd house near Tampa-St Pete (The westside is the bestside). You can't miss in Blue Ridge or North Georgia, beautiful area. 

Charlotte is often called Lil Atlanta, very nice city, love to visit. Anywhere south of Atlanta and you are subject to gnats.....of course the farther south and east you go.... the harder the bite. 

As a disclaimer, please do not move to the Atlanta area, we are full up and our highway system is from the 1920s. 

@cabbagedad posted:

TThomas, great info... I checked out a few of the lakes you mention along with surrounding areas.  Nice!  And a few hour drive is nothing to us.  We're sort of remote on the coast and have to drive 3-4 hrs one way just to catch an MLB game, which we gladly do.

Prepster, I could see why Charlotte would be your target... easy access to everything makes total sense.  

Shoveit... more great info as well.  I don't see us too close to ATL so don't worry about our traffic contributions .  Far suburbs, maybe but without the daily commute.

Between the thread posts and PM's this has been an awesome gathering of info that will be a huge help to us.  And, yes, we would definitely make a few pre-trips to get first hand look.  

THANKS, EVERYBODY !!!

 

 

 

 

Let me know if I can help when that time comes. 

OK, gang.  Circling back after some research...

At the moment, we seem to be drawn to mountain (and hill) lake areas of Lake Glenville and Bear Creek Lake NC, Lake Keowee SC and Lake Burton GA.  Housing prices immediately near Lake Burton look to be really high so we'd likely have to live in a nearby area like Clayton if we went that route.  

Any insight or feedback on those particular areas?  Any similar lakes/lake communities that you would also recommend in the region?  We'll try to go explore as soon as travel restrictions lighten up, hopefully around September.

We've checked out spots both within and outside of the lake communities.  We like a lots of activities, so the communities (and associated HOA fees) seem to pencil out OK but would like to hear feedback there as well.  

@cabbagedad posted:

OK, gang.  Circling back after some research...

At the moment, we seem to be drawn to mountain (and hill) lake areas of Lake Glenville and Bear Creek Lake NC, Lake Keowee SC and Lake Burton GA.  Housing prices immediately near Lake Burton look to be really high so we'd likely have to live in a nearby area like Clayton if we went that route.  

Any insight or feedback on those particular areas?  Any similar lakes/lake communities that you would also recommend in the region?  We'll try to go explore as soon as travel restrictions lighten up, hopefully around September.

We've checked out spots both within and outside of the lake communities.  We like a lots of activities, so the communities (and associated HOA fees) seem to pencil out OK but would like to hear feedback there as well.  

I'm still partial to Greenville, but those are great choices.  Being that a lake community is what you are looking for, I would also check out Lake Lure, NC. 

Cabbage, I don’t know where in CA you live, but we left Orange County for far eastern Washington state, and have never looked back.  We loved so many aspects of CA, but I lived in the OC since mid 60’s, and the LA/OC basin is now truly the most congested megalopolis in the US. We are now in an area the size of Orange and LA counties combined, with a total population of about 65,000, yet our town has great healthcare, restaurants, microbreweries and unlimited access to outdoor activities. If you visit these areas you are thinking about, and love them, go for it! If you are pondering acreage, and have never lived on acreage, do be prepared for outdoor work - you gotta love doing it.  You will invest in and collect equipment.......

@Pedaldad posted:

I'm still partial to Greenville, but those are great choices.  Being that a lake community is what you are looking for, I would also check out Lake Lure, NC. 

 

Thanks, I'll take a look at Lake Lure and we definitely plan on checking out Greenville when we go back that way.

@RJM posted:

I remember back in the 80’s one of the “in” things to do was move to Wyoming, Montana or Idaho. In my 20’s I loved Wyoming. While successful, my professional world was hectic. I hated the politics of the corporate world. Traffic in LA was getting worse and worse. Trips to Wyoming maintained my sanity.

I considered I could raft guide on the Snake (I was white water certified) and be a ski instructor in the winter. Then there was a follow up article in the LA Times on people who made the move. 80% returned to Southern California within two years. What appeared to be idyllic on vacation became boring as every day life. 

Besides, had I become a raft guide and ski instructor in Wyoming I would have had to grow a beard.

A thing to consider and it’s part of the ratings in any “best places to retire” articles is the quality of the health care in the area. When you get older something you never considered (quality of health care) may save your life.

Wyoming and Montana are a couple places we would like to retire to.  Been to Montana 6 or so times and fall in love with it every time.  Haven’t been there in 8 years though due to family expanding and baseball using my vacation days.  I have a little one who just turned 6 so I’m at least 12 - 16 years from retiring 😩

@cabbagedad posted:

Any insight or feedback on those particular areas?  Any similar lakes/lake communities that you would also recommend in the region?  We'll try to go explore as soon as travel restrictions lighten up, hopefully around September.

If Lake Burton is too pricey, Lake Chatuge might be a more affordable option.  The location isn't quite as "hip," but then that's why you're going to pay more for Lake Burton.  

@LuckyCat posted:

If Lake Burton is too pricey, Lake Chatuge might be a more affordable option.  The location isn't quite as "hip," but then that's why you're going to pay more for Lake Burton.  

 

Thanks Cat, can't remember why I passed over on Chatuge but I'll revisit.  Any opinion on living in Clayton or that area and having access to Burton?

Another lake to consider: High Rock Lake, just east of Salisbury. Pretty central to several urban areas and not as pricey as those closer to metro areas. I sold a home recently to a couple up there recently, and they love it.

I know a few people in that area and could try to connect you guys, if that would help?

IMHO the only reason the southeast and mid-west were settled was because the pioneers arrived there in the fall/winter/spring and had put down roots before summer and the humidity hit. Because nobody in their right mind would stay arriving on like July 1st. The only reason I have stayed was the wife not wanting to leave her family, and that was dam near reason for divorce.

I live very close to Wilmington NC and love it. Been here 12 years and have no plans on leaving. It can get a little hot / humid I the summer but its not too bad. Winter is pretty tame too.

Like someone said Wilmington is very close to Wrightsville Beach and a few others. But I would suggest living in / close to Hampstead because you're only a few mins outside of all the shopping / things to do of Wilmington to the south and a few mins from Topsail Island to the north on 17. Topsail Island is a beautiful hidden treasure. You can get to the water without having to step over anyone.

Also, if you're into playing very bad golf you have an automatic partner in me. There are some great affordable courses all over the area. You're only 2 hours from Myrtle Beach SC if you want touristy stuff. 

Last benefit is you can become my assistant coach and help lead us to many victories lol

@cabbagedad posted:

Thanks Cat, can't remember why I passed over on Chatuge but I'll revisit.  Any opinion on living in Clayton or that area and having access to Burton?

I don't have much for you except that the last time I was up in that area (to drop my kid off at a great Y camp on Lake Burton) my husband and I had lunch at a cute little cafe in Clayton, and I thought it was a nice little town.  I believe I even thought, "This might be a nice place to retire to."  

Lake Chatuge is not as pretty as Lake Burton, but we've spent a couple of family vacations in cabins and cottages on Lake Chatuge, and we've always enjoyed it.  There is a sleepy little town nearby, on the border with North Carolina (the name escapes me at the moment), but I don't think it has as many "big city" amenities as Clayton does.

Hshuler, yeah, that would be great .. will PM you.

Coach, thanks for the info.  At the moment, my wife is leaning against coast (has read too many hurricane stories I think) but that is "subject to change" (which is my pet nickname for her ).  We will try to check out that area when we make a trip back that way.  I can play terrible golf with the best of 'em!  That would be too crazy to coach with a HSBBW brother but crazier things have happened.

Hayesville, NC and Hiawassee, Ga are the towns by Lake Chatuge.  Both are smaller than Clayton, but there are decent restaurants.

Chatuge is different from Glenville in that Chatuge has a lot more weekender type visitors from the surrounding area, in campgrounds and RV parks.  Similar to Fontana in this regard. There are permanent residences around the lake, but overall they tend to be less pricey than those on Glenville.

Chatuge is definitely an easier drive to from surrounding areas, as the roads are all 4-lane and relatively straight.  Glenville is at least 30 minutes of narrow two-lane switchbacks, but to me that's actually a plus. 

As for Clayton, I've never lived there, but have been through many times.  It seems like a pretty typical mid-sized mountain town, with restaurants, bars, shopping, movie theaters, and an old-fashioned downtown area. Never heard anyone say anything bad about it.  You would still probably need to go into Asheville, Greenville, or Atlanta for sporting events or concerts, etc...

Oh, and Prepster mentioned High Rock Lake in Davidson County.  This area is totally different both in climate and feel from the mountain lakes being discussed.  Nothing wrong with it - I lived there for several years, but totally different vibe than the mountain region.  High Rock is much more similar to Norman or Hartwell or Lake Murray in Columbia.  Lexington is near Charlotte and Winston-Salem for cultural events, and has great BBQ, but it misses on all the mountain ambiance.

Y'all knock it off.  He's going to come live near me.

I’ll be honest...I haven’t read through every post. However, I second what hshuler said. I would also recommend looking into Rabun County, GA. There’s beautiful lakes (Burton, Rabun), mountains, Hwy 441 is four-lane and will have you in Athens (UGA) in no time. You are far enough from ATL to miss the hustle but close enough to enjoy some AAA or MLB. You can go in nearly any direction and be at a different college/university in relatively short time. 

@Teaching Elder posted:

Y'all knock it off.  He's going to come live near me.

He better like being attacked the little things from HELL.  Sand gnats have to be in hell.  They are from Satan himself.  I loved the area but hated the sand gnats and they are worse at ball fields than almost any other place.

I love 'em.  They feel good, spitting their little flesh dissolving acid in your skin.

OK, getting closer... mid-September trip planned to check things out (if Covid allows).  Will check out some of the lake communities around Keowee (SC), Glenville and Norman (NC).  Also will check out Greenville, SC and Asheville, NC.  What are the must see's for Greenville and Asheville that make them special (specific downtown areas, parks, nice but not too expensive neighborhoods, etc.) ?

May or may not have time to make it over to one or two of the coast towns. 

If your close enough, Make a stop at Dollys, Ice Cream. It is in Pisgah National Forest, not too far from ashville. And there Is always Biltmore house in Asheville as well. Pisgah national forest is a full trip on its own. 

Near Lake Norman(Charlotte) I would drive into Davidson College area which has a really cool little town.  If you want a quick bite across from the college the Soda Shop has been there a long time and is small but convenient.  Brick House Tavern is a couple blocks back from main and has a great atmosphere and lots of TV's to watch baseball.  Eddie's on Lake Norman is great for seafood.  Downtown Charlotte is only 20 mins. away on I-77 south.  Park and walk, very safe downtown.  NASCAR Hall of Fame is down there, which is a neat tour if it is open.  Totally agree with @BishopLeftiesDad  that Biltmore is must see in Asheville.  I would drive around UNCA too, just north of downtown.  Downtown Greenville is a pleasant and welcoming place and I would also drive around Furman Univ. and probably check out the Falls at Reedy Park.  Weather should be great in the Carolina's that time of year.  Safe travels!

More HSBBW magic and another update...

Started researching back in May, developed a plan to explore in July, Wife and I took an exploration trip in September, started talking to a few prospective employers in October, accepted a position in November and we'll be shoving off to Asheville late December.  What the hell just happened?  This was just gonna be a down-the-road retirement plan.

Thanks to y'all for very helpful guidance... much of it was used to form our trip plan and make our decisions.  So many of you went above and beyond with side discussions and a special call out to Prepster who has gone way beyond above and beyond and who we were fortunate enough to meet up with in Charlotte.

We're still gonna hang on to the Calif. house for a while      "It's an adventure!" is a phrase used often in the household these days.

It's been particularly challenging, strange, risky and sombering navigating this process during Covid, but still wanted to put out an update and note of thanks.

Wow Cabbage, that's fantastic.  I'm a couple years behind you but have followed this thread with interest because I'm looking for very similar things.  Best of luck and enjoy the adventure.

Great news Cabbage Dad. Bishop Lefty is in Charlotte, with his wife. My Dad lives in Ashville.

Cool!!  Maybe we will see you at the Shindig on the Green next summer or maybe you are more the drum circle type.

If you have not already been go to French Broad Chocolate.  Even wait if there is a line.  

My in-laws made the CA to Asheville move about 8 years ago.

The phrase "the pleasure was mine" has never had more truth behind it than for me in this situation! ... and now I get to look forward to having you two within shouting distance! Someone else to see when we travel to see my brother and sister-in-law who live in the area!

One more thing: Around the Horn speaks the truth about French Broad Chocolate! The line is worth it.

Welcome to NorthCackalacky!  Congratulation on the move to Asheville, great choice. 

Congrats! and welcome to the Right Coast ;-)  What we learned when we moved - for the big stuff - it's easier/cheaper to just buy new/slightly used/"antique" in the area you are going. My wife went to a *lot* of yard sales, estate sales, etc. we got some quality stuff for pennies on the dollar.

Welcome to the South East!  If you give me your address I will send you something with a Rebel Flag on it... but classy. LOL.

Welcome.  I'm about 1 1/2 hours away right across the line in SC.  Maybe this spring I can pick you up as I go through for a Tennessee baseball game.  Will go to almost every home game, except Sunday games.  I go through at least twice a month or more the rest of the year since we live on one side of the mountain and oldest lives in Johnson City, TN and youngest is at UT.  Let me know anything I can do for you.

Congrats on the plan coming together.

Look me up if you need anything or just want to get together.  I'm 1/2 an hour from A-ville.

Cool!  Thanks guys...

Smitty - you're more than welcome to learn from our screw-ups.  We'll keep you informed.

BLD - we still haven't forgotten the generous offer to connect the boys... the way things are continuing with Covid, that may come back around as something he will want to pursue before too long.

Around the Horn and Prepster - French Broad Chocolate was definitely part of the exploration trip!  We'll put the other two on the summer list.

JohnF - good to know... we'll probably need to tap that pipeline.

Teach - if there's somethin' to drink inside, I'll take it

PF - a UT ballgame would be awesome!  Really hopin' they play this spring.

T Thomas - will most likely take you up on that, particularly when it comes time to pick the right area to target for our first rental (and the get together part).  Lookin' forward to a UNCA and/or Tourist game.  Which direction are you?

@cabbagedad posted:

T Thomas - will most likely take you up on that, particularly when it comes time to pick the right area to target for our first rental (and the get together part).  Lookin' forward to a UNCA and/or Tourist game.  Which direction are you?

We're west on I-40 in Waynesville.

McCormick Field and Tourists are awesome.  Western Carolina is a good place to take in a college game. App St and ETSU are also within range.  Also plenty of good D2/D3 venues within an hour or so - Mars Hill, Montreat, Brevard College, Lenoir Rhyne...

Edit - almost forgot about North Greenville and Belmont Abbey, also in that hour range.  Two high quality D2 programs in my son's team conference.

Agree on the Western college experience.  Like none other.  May be one of the toughest places to play.  They have a group that sits on the hill beside LF fence on private property with a loud sound system and they trash the visitors from start to finish.  They do all kinds of searches and know player's moms, girlfriends, and other stuff.  Go overboard every now and then but seems to be all in good fun with a little drunkenness added in.  When my son played with The Citadel, I felt sorry for our third baseman.  He missed the first ball hit in the first inning of the first game and they rode him for three days.

You'll have a lot a d2 baseball in reach - Conference Carolinas, Peach Belt Conference, and South Atlantic Conference - plus the D2 World Series in Cary.  Once/If Covid is under control, Legion Baseball has it's world series pretty close in Shelby - we have some friends who have taken that in every year.

I laugh every time I think about North Greenville when my son played at Belmont Abbey - first time there we waited like 2 hours after rain for them to get the field ready for a Sat DH... games went pretty quickly and we're late in the 2nd game, P pitches - the catcher, batter, and umpire never saw the ball as the sun was setting in CF... We had a 10 minute sun delay - first time ever for me in baseball.

For the past few years I lived in Greer, SC between Greenville and Spartanburg. I really enjoyed it there as there are a lot of state parks, lakes, and mountains nearby. But as someone that likes to fish for bass, I found the area lac king in that respect. If you like college football and baseball, both Clemson and the University of South Carolina are close by.

They also have some great HS baseball their, particularly Riverside HS in Greer. Even with the COVID season, every senior committed to college ball including one kid to Clemson. He would have been a first or second round MLB pick this year but told teams he preferred to play college ball.

However, my father recently passed away and I just moved back to the Bluffton/Hilton Head SC area to take care of my father. I'd previously lived in this area for decades and it has its pluses and minuses. If you like bass fishing (mind the gators) there are literally THOUSANDS of lagoons to bank fish and the fishing is excellent. But it is expensive to live here and compared to the Greenville area there's not a lot to do. The baseball here is awful as well. But Savannah and Charleston are nearby.

Well, it must be official... changed the time zone setting in my HSBBW preferences   We took the safer southern route to avoid bad weather while pulling a cargo trailer.  Three snow storms, a sand storm and three days of rain later, we arrived.  Love how they describe the local forecast for snow friday - "sled-able, plowable".

Come on, baseball season!  Happy New Year, Y'all!

Welcome to the right coast!!

Welcome to the South.  If you need help with language interpretation, let me know.  BTW, ya'll means you all which could mean you, you and those with you, and everyone.  Learn how to say How's your mama and them. 

Don't forget "you'uns" and "we'uns." :-)

Message me if you need anything.

I’ve lived in several places around the country on each coast. I have very little discernible accent outside some Brahmin Boston pronunciations like “ahnt” as opposed to “ant” for a female relative who would be my mother’s sister.

Years ago, before cell phones I got lost in a town south of Richmond VA on a business trip while looking for Beale Street. It made me late for an appointment. I found a pay phone, called, apologized for being late and asked for directions from my new location. Then I asked if the person could spell Beale for me. B-I-L-L, Beale Street. I had driven by Bill Street more than once.

When I got there we laughed about it. Then, the person joked they must sound funny to me. In a quick save I said, “All of you sound fine to me. I’m the one who sounds different.”

Glad to hear that you guys made it. Now, you better change those CA plates before anyone finds out where you came from!

@cabbagedad posted:

Well, it must be official... changed the time zone setting in my HSBBW preferences   We took the safer southern route to avoid bad weather while pulling a cargo trailer.  Three snow storms, a sand storm and three days of rain later, we arrived.  Love how they describe the local forecast for snow friday - "sled-able, plowable".

Come on, baseball season!  Happy New Year, Y'all!

Congratulations on your successful escape!

Welcome to Dixie, Cabbage.  You're just in time to be viewed as the scourge of humanity by the elitists.

Where’d you land Cabbage?

@Picked Off posted:

Glad to hear that you guys made it. Now, you better change those CA plates before anyone finds out where you came from!

Congrats Cabbage!  Welcome to hurricanes and humidity and say goodbye to earthquakes, fires and mudslides!

Per Picked Off, I strongly suggest you head over to DMV pronto to get those plates!   If any neighbors ask, just tell them it is a rental car and offer them some moonshine.   

Fenway do you really believe that jar needs a label?  Everyone in the South knows what clear liquid comes in mason jars .

Before you get those those new plates you'll have to get your INsurance...

Welcome to the land where the emphasis on syllables for words you've known your whole changes.

People who live in Concord often will remind a northerner it's CON-chord and not con-CURD - tell that to Paul Revere and friends... In Charlotte don't look for downtown as they call it uptown...  Don't worry if you don't understand the accent, smile and pretend you do - they're doing the same with your accent!

If it rains, don't forget your UM-brella (I grew up in NC myself!)

@fenwaysouth posted:

Congrats Cabbage!  Welcome to hurricanes and humidity and say goodbye to earthquakes, fires and mudslides!

Per Picked Off, I strongly suggest you head over to DMV pronto to get those plates!   If any neighbors ask, just tell them it is a rental car and offer them some moonshine.   

True story:

Decades ago (more than I'd care to count or admit), I moved from Virginia to North Carolina; and I failed to pay close enough attention to the vehicle law that states that new residents have 30 days to get a North Carolina driver's license and change their vehicles' registrations. I'd been quick to change my driver's license, but less so when it came to the vehicle registration.

One Saturday morning, I was running an errand; and the car behind me rear-ended me at a stoplight. When the policeman showed up, he took one look at my NC driver's license and asked, "How long have you lived in North Carolina?" I replied truthfully (and probably a bit sheepishly), "About 60 days."

Bottom line: My ticket was more expensive than the one given the driver who rear-ended me!

Ever since then, I've been quick to recommend to friends who are new residents that they not delay in switching BOTH over!

Love the stories... less than a week and I already hear myself in my head saying words the way the locals do.  We'll see how long before I actually start spittin' it out that way

@Shoveit4Ks posted:

Where’d you land Cabbage?

Western outskirts of Asheville, NC

@cabbagedad posted:

Love the stories... less than a week and I already hear myself in my head saying words the way the locals do.  We'll see how long before I actually start spittin' it out that way

My daughter started peppering her texts with "y'all" after living in Charlotte for about a year. After 5 years there she says it as naturally as my Carolina grandparents did.

If you have any interest in Scotland or things Scottish, don't miss the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. With any luck, they will have a relatively normal gathering this summer.

@MidAtlanticDad posted:

My daughter started peppering her texts with "y'all" after living in Charlotte for about a year. After 5 years there she says it as naturally as my Carolina grandparents did.

If you have any interest in Scotland or things Scottish, don't miss the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. With any luck, they will have a relatively normal gathering this summer.

It’s infectious. One of my best friends in college was from Memphis. I started saying “y’all” after being around him. It took at least a year of being away from him to stop.