NOt sure of the attraction to Lake Norman other then it being related to Lake George in NY...which is a popular area except for it being overcrowded, touristey (is that a word) and way the heck up in NY.
We are looking for a place that will appreciate in value over time. We are looking for a place where we can stay for a good ten years, something that will adjust with us as we begin a family and our tastes change. Right now, we are both working professional who desire a little city life but a country feel. Again, I understand that I am not going to get utopia...so be as candid as you can be. Thanks

Lake Norman is not Lake George. It is a "power lake" formed 40-50 years ago and now a very high rent district. It is definitely a "lake" but not in the way the natural lakes of NY state are. Tourist it is not it--definitely suburbia--as is Lake Wylie south of Charlotte. I think you need to come visit and see.

Soccr,
When I used the word to describe Cincinnati I am referring to the majority of native-born people. Manners, race, and money do not apply to my comment. I have always had money, manners, private and public schooling, and white. I have lived in many areas of Cincinnati (country and city) and always had friends of many races, economic backgrounds, and social status. I have also found that no matter what the color of skin or how thick the wallet, Cincinnati is snobby. Meaning "nose up in the air", a general "I'm better than everbody else" attitude. That is my general meaning of snobby.

One of my clients who is a school teach in Raleigh said that the influx of new transplants is so great, the greater Raleigh area school system is having to re-assign over 10,000 students next year.

Also, she said all elementary schools will be year round schools by 2008.

I've been following this thread with interest for awhile as I'm considering the Raleigh/triangle area for a future move. My husband and I were very close to moving to Atlanta from the NE last year for a job transfer, but ended up not moving (job didn't work out). So we spent some time in Atlanta and have a feel for that area; liked the area except for the major traffic -- We would have tried to live as close in as we could have managed (?Sandy Springs). Homes further intown were just too pricey for our budget.

There are actually more job options in the Raleigh area for my field than Atlanta, so we are thinking about this area. Can anyone comment on comparing the Raleigh area to Atlanta on what is offered in terms of lifestyle,cost of living, weather, etc.

(P.S. We're in our mid-40s with no kids, so schools are not an issue. We would be moving from an area in western NY state that has low housing costs, so that limits how much of a jump in housing price we can consider.)

To the last post....Raleigh is no where near the size but much less traffic. A good place to live. Depends on what part of Atlanta you were looking at when comparing costs. It will be about the same with the possibility of being a little higher in Raleigh. Just depends on what you want. Weather is 4 seasons and near the beach and mountains for weekend trips. Nice place and yes, if you are tech or pharma/biotech worker, this is the place.....or work with a college/university. Also large corporate Advertising is here. anyway.....Large area with many different towns/cities but no where near as bad traffic as Atlanta.

Subway ... Thanks for the info. Atlanta really appealed to us for all the possibilities of things to do and great weather, however the whole traffic thing made us wonder how much we would really be able to enjoy everything given the big traffic hassle. It sounds like the Raleigh area offers much of the same amenities without alot of the hassles.

The Atlanta traffic has been legion for 20+ years. AND the Raleigh traffic is beginning to be equally so--but more "understandable" if you live there. Believe me, NO city in the South aspires to be "Atlanta". They have done it all wrong.

ttt