What's important to know about Charlotte?
"What’s the most important thing to know about Charlotte?"
While I was out of town recently for a friend’s wedding, a friend from Boston who’d never visited Charlotte asked me that question.
My quick answer was something that I know is on many newcomers’ minds: "It’s important to know that many of the roads change names, so you shouldn’t panic when it happens – you’re still going the right direction."
Practical advice, yes. But it doesn’t tell anyone a whole lot about what this city is really like – the people and places that make it different from anywhere else.
Perhaps I should have told him about the importance of our bank headquarters and their influence on our arts, culture and development. Maybe I should’ve mentioned the rampant growth we’re experiencing and the accompanying traffic headaches. Or, I should’ve said anyone who spends any length of time here needs to know some of the finer points of NASCAR and have a position on the question of Eastern vs. Western style barbecue.
What do you think, Charlotteans? How would you answer that question? Post here or e-mail me.
While I was out of town recently for a friend’s wedding, a friend from Boston who’d never visited Charlotte asked me that question.
My quick answer was something that I know is on many newcomers’ minds: "It’s important to know that many of the roads change names, so you shouldn’t panic when it happens – you’re still going the right direction."
Practical advice, yes. But it doesn’t tell anyone a whole lot about what this city is really like – the people and places that make it different from anywhere else.
Perhaps I should have told him about the importance of our bank headquarters and their influence on our arts, culture and development. Maybe I should’ve mentioned the rampant growth we’re experiencing and the accompanying traffic headaches. Or, I should’ve said anyone who spends any length of time here needs to know some of the finer points of NASCAR and have a position on the question of Eastern vs. Western style barbecue.
What do you think, Charlotteans? How would you answer that question? Post here or e-mail me.
posted by Leigh at
12:08 PM
37 Comments:
You got it. The number 1 thing people should know is that the road names will change abruptly; and that happens no matter what part of town you're in.
The one thing that people should know about Charlotte is that while it looks pretty on the outside it's ugly on the inside. Traffic issues, racial issues, unfriendly people, crime, taxes, poor planning, bloated self image etc... etc.. I could go on.. to sum it up the one thing people should know is your better off living somewhere else.
The one thing people should now about Charlotte is that there are a great deal of transplants here who constantly complain about everything such as anonymous above did. Every city has problems. I've lived here all my life and love it.
As a native Charlottean, I've seen the city grow and change tremendously over the years. I think it's most important to note that there is something for everyone here. It's just enough "city" to make big-city transplants feel at ease, but suburbia lovers have city-like comforts right at their doorstep. Plus, the seasonal weather doesn't hurt either.
I am a transplant from a smaller city in Texas. I was pleased and surprised to see that people of all races are friends, date, and marry. I never expected that in the "South". It certainly isn't that way where I came from. What we did expect was higher taxes and more traffic problems, and we weren't surprised about that. But the beauty and vibrancy of the city and its people have won us over. We hope to be Charlotteans the rest of our lives.
This native Charlottean advises everyone that only about ten percent of Charlotte drivers are actually from Charlotte, so don't disparage Charlotte drivers, because they're probably really from upstate New York, as evidenced by the rude hand gestures.
Also remember that we have a lot of trees here, and with trees comes pollen. If you don't have allergies now, you will have them when you move here. Don't be surprised by the amount of pollen here.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Also, Eastern NC versus Western NC Barbecue only matters if you're the one cooking it. If you're just eating it you can enjoy both.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
The most important thing to know is that in Charlotte you are stones throw from a Harris Teeter (on the north and south) or a Food Lion (on the east and west).
Everyone's experience is unique here.
The weather is beautiful, housing is affordable, and there are plenty of opportunites for entrepreneurs.
On the other hand, if you're past 40 and single - forget it. Invest in TIVO.
And folks here could be a bit more open minded - I'm getting really tired of after 6 years here, poeple still call me a Yankee and laugh at my "accent". I'm tired of being called "you people". How silly.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
What's important to know about Charlotte is that you need to be prepared for change (and I'm not talking about names of streets).
I've lived my whole life here and farm lands are now strip malls.
You need to know that those moving here are a whole lot friendlier and less opinionated than the natives (and that pains me greatly).
Charlotte isn't really a Southern town anymore (that pains me too). But there's good and bad to that.
What a newcomer needs to know is that Charlotte has a ton of great people, but, like Atlanta, don't think you're going to get a true Southern experience here.
That people here are still living in the Civil War Era...
That Charlotte is growing and has been growing for 20 years. So if your moving here thinking your going to have some small town life you better reconsider.
1)Buy a good map.
2)Know that Charlotte hates public upset of any kind. Things are decided behind closed doors, public input not needed.
3)Charlotte is perfectly located between the mountains and coast. I know it is a cliche, but you cannot overstate it.
4) Downtown is called Uptown. Dont know why.
Weather's here, wish you were beautiful.
Left turn is not for passing.
Be prepared to have your freedom of speech stripped like the COMMENTS DELETED; You see Charlotte has ROSY GLASSES syndrome , there is no crime here, the real estate is free and the food is great where ever; Its perfect here and no will disagree with Adolph Hitler who is running the place.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
No roads, No schools, no jobs and People are cranky here .
The Charlotte Observer should be renamed the Charlotte concealer.
I don't even want to know what those deleted comments were about... knowing Charlotte, probably something about "yankees".
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Hey Anonymous 2:56 - I'm a big fan of free speech, but I'm getting stricter about deleting comments that contain obscenities and potentially libelous statements, or those that are off-topic. I suspect many of them have been yours. And as a courtesy to those who you expect to read your comments, please use spellcheck.
Each side of the city has its own lable. People need to know what side of Charlotte will be best for them, and if you cant afford it? move out of the city!! When I moved to Charlotte in 2001, I was very excited to start my career and new life in the city.. I grew up in Greensboro and came here from the mountains. I remember crying because the traffic was so horrible, and the people/friends I met couldn't have been more morally corrupt. East side,where I lived for a long time is mostly Hispanic, west are mostly african americans, south are all the whites with their $400k houses that are probably smaller than mine. dont move here, it sucks.
If you lived here all your life, don't comment here. You obviously don't know anything else..I suggest traveling..
We dont need any more "transplants". You cant drive!! Dont move here!!
Hey 9:51 and 9:53 - both transplants and longtimers are welcome to comment on this blog. Please keep the tone civil.
I think it's you natives that can't drive. You just can't keep up... and use your turn signals dammit!!
Wow, as a “Yankee” (apparently that’s a bad thing to the local folks) considering relocating to Charlotte, I’m glad I read this post. This certainly isn’t the “Southern hospitality” I was expecting. Every city experiences growth related issues, such as Charlotte. I thought growth was a good thing. You all should be proud there is this much interest in your city. I’m really glad that I’ve been reading your paper on a daily basis, and see that us “Yankee’s” aren’t welcome.
As a fellow Yankee, please come anyways. There's enough of us now that you rarely run into these idiots unless it is on a message board or blog like this. Plus, everyone who posts on here (and even the news/media) love to exaggerate and make everything look worse than it really is.
I do have to agree though that "southern hospitality" only exists between southerners. Otherwise I like to call it "southern hostility".
One thing that I think someone moving here should be aware of.. is the medians. When I moved here, I had more trouble with that... they are crazy and they make no sense. To get to my house I have to make a U-turn. But, I guess driving in Charlotte in general, kinda sucks. But, I love it here. And to the "yankee" who does not want to come anymore... you still should! 12:54 for is correct, there are plenty of normal people to balance out the insane! I am southern, but charlotte southern is a different breed. Honestly.
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home