xxx

While most men think that women should be barefoot and pregnant, I would never choose to live in an area where men are so vocal about their sexist opinions. Give me the East or West Coast any day over that crap.

Lucy

Winston-Salem, NC. You're less than 10 miles from GSO airport, 1.5 hours from CLT and RDU. Traffic is manageable, economy is improving, and this city has a soul. Definitely the place in which to put down roots. I relocated here in '93 from Minneapolis and never had one regret. Equidistant from incredible mountains and beaches (within 4 hours or less) and moderate climate, with just enough snow. I wouldn't live anywhere else now.

Good luck to you.

Tom

Everyone feels more or less comfortable in different type of cities. I recomend looking into the places you think you may like and staying there for a week. Go to the mall, shop in the grocery stores, talk to real estate agents, talk to locals, read the local paper, observe the scene. You will learn alot. My vote goes to Raleigh, NC. The highest percentage of college educated people of an area its size in the USA. Adds alot to a city. Also, lots of trees!

Topper

Topping!

Micheal

You might not like the DC area but what about Richmond, Virginia. I moved here from Arlington 5 years ago and love it. Not nearly the rat race that the DC metro area is and less east coasty feeling as well. we are a smal but growing city with lots of professionals, little traffic and a great feel. The cost of real estate is a little higher here than in the south but compare it to Dc area and it is dirt cheap. LOL

al

How about Athens, GA? Sounds like it may fit your criteria -- not so cold, friendly and a college town. You're about a hour or so from Atlanta, just in case you ever want to visit or enjoy sitting in traffic.

mover

Tahnks again for all the replies. The website bestplaces.net was great for viewonmg statistics like crime, climate and economy of different cities. Does anyone knoe of a website which lists cities in order of size specifically?

My problem is many of the cities you listed are great but I am looking for something in the size range of 250k -750k people. There just doesn't seem to be a lot of "cities" other than Charlotte and Atlanta that qualify as big enough and having an easily accessible airport. I love to travel (reason I am a fodors addict) and will do it regularly. I do not want to have to drive 2 hours (or more!) to the nearest large airport. As for Nashville it is a very nice city that I have visited MANY tiems, but it is about 1-1.5 hours from my parents and other family. I am not ready to be that close, LOL!

Arabella

Mover, I was a single woman of 30 when I moved to Charlotte and I've been extremely happy here. It's a fun and friendly town. Like you, I've lived in large cities (NYC, Chicago and Dallas), and I much prefer the small-town feel of Charlotte.

I'm surprised that Sarah thinks Charlotte has no soul -- she must have lived in a new subdivision and never spent time in the charming, older areas.

There's a group in Charlotte that is primarily made up of young professionals who want to make new friends. Check it out at www.choa.com. It will give you an idea of what there is to do here.

Good luck on your decision.

Becky in NC

Re. Charlotte, I agree with Sarah that 'it has no soul.' I've lived in the area for 6 years (practicing law) and do not plan to stay much longer. And yes, the traffic is horrible! Unfortunately Charlotte thought Atlanta was the city to emulate, and it shows in the cookie-cutter strip malls.

But, hey, if you like chain restaurants and the Gap, Charlotte is the place for you!

bj

"I know this is not a relocation forum"

Yet you feel you have to post anyway???

Give us all a break.

Deb

Hi Mover,

I know it might be smaller than what you're looking for, but I still vote for Raleigh, NC.

The airport is easily accessible here...I've never had any problems. There are plenty of museums, galleries, restaurants, parks, etc. to keep you entertained. You're 3-4 hours from the mountains, and 2 hours from the beach. There are plenty of opportunities in your career. There is also a club for single people that sounds cool (The name is Things to Do (TTD)I'm married, so I'm not a member, but I've seen their schedule, and it seems like a good way to meet people).

Depending on where you live and where you work will depend on traffic. Lots of the attorney offices are located downtown, which is easily accessible, and usually traffic towards downtown is not too bad.

Do not move to Chapel Hill...it is a beautiful town, but it is also a college town.

jason

I believe Birmingham is underrated. I think it is a great town. It is large enough to have plenty to do, yet it is not too big. Birmingham is very hilly, and I think beautiful. The people are very friendly and the cost of living is low. Birmingham has a medium-sized airport, from which anywhere in the US is half a day away. At the same time, you avoid the crowds of airports like Atlanta Hartsfield. Take a trip to Brimingham and see what you think (be sure to explore the south side of the city, it is the nicest).

Please

bj - why don't you relax and settle down. mover is looking for information on cities in the southeast US. what better place to find it than on a travel message board? if it bothers you, then don't read it.

Jeannie

In what state(s) are you admitted to practice law? As a fellow attorney, that would be a major consideration, as well as the admission requirements to take each state's bar exam. As you probably already know, most of the southeastern states require you to pass their own state exam, and some even require you to take the multi-state again.

mover

We must be on the same wavelength Jeannie because I started checking into bar requirements this weekend (prior to seeing your post) I am currently licensed in 3 states Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. I had no idea that most of the southeast was so strict! I waived into Illinois with no problem, but it seems that most of the southeast has no reciprocity. Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi all require you to pass their own bar exam. Tennesse allows you to waive if you have practiced for 5 years (will meet this requirement in April). Virginia seems the easiest as you have to have only been practicing and licensed in another state for 2 years but most show an actual job within that state before you can be licensed. I am still looking for requirements for Norht and South Carolina.

Based on this info, I probably will not do Birmingham, not crazy about another bar unless that is the only option. Richmond or Norfolk/Newport News Virgina is looking good as is Memphis. I was thinking Charlotte sounded like a good option but I need to find out their requirements. Law is just not a mobile career!!!!!!

chuck

mover,

check the NC and SC bar websites (scbar.org and ncbar.com), but I think you will find that you must take the bar exam in each state to practice. I believe that there is an exception in SC that allows an in-house attorney to represent only his/her employer by way of a special license, for which the bar exam is not required.

Good luck.

Topper

ttt

Arabella

Becky in NC, "living in the area" is not the same as living in Charlotte -- especially the more established and charming areas of Charlotte.

If you're living in Gastonia, Monroe, Rock Hill, or any of the small outlying towns, I agree. It's time for you to move. Your commute must be horrendous!