Best Places Frequently Asked Questions
ASK BOB”
Throughout the year, I’m asked many questions (“Ask Bob”).
I thought the answers to these questions could benefit everyone interested in retiring or relocating to their best place to live in North Carolina or South Carolina.
So…
I've created the "Best Places Frequently Asked Questions" section.
Periodically throughout the year, I will be posting more questions and answers about how to find your best place to live in the Carolinas from "Ask Bob" so check back often.
Most of all, remember, your questions are most likely the same questions many others have.
Write to me at “Ask Bob”!!!!
ENJOY!
Learn about living in North Carolina and South Carolina Here:
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General Best Places To Live In North Carolina and South Carolina FAQ's
Bob,
Assuming you still have electricity after the ice storm that has raged through New England, why are you writing about the Carolinas and living in New York??
Wayne
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Hi Wayne,
We've just been getting rain, in the Lower Hudson Valley.
I've traveled throughout the Carolinas now for 7-8 years. It's always like going home for me, especially Asheville!
For the past 35 years, I've had a career as a professional site locator. I've researched locations all over, and have been active in many different real estate markets. I've been lucky to be able to do what I love doing, and that is to study places inside and out, and share the information with others.
I love gathering and sharing information, especially if it's about real estate and special places. My friends and relatives are always calling to ask, "Where to go next?"
About 5 years ago, I started seriously putting a plan together to finally relocate to North Carolina or South Carolina, and also decided I would like to share my expertise, research, and love of these areas with others who had the same desire. I look forward to the time I will be living there full time, which won't be long!
Do you live in the Carolinas?
Are you looking to retire or relocate somewhere?
Thanks for writing, and have a great weekend!
Bob
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Hi Carmen,
A good starting point for first time home buyers is HUD. Also, the FHA has good programs for first time buyers.
Also ask them about state-by-state programs. Also, do not overlook foreclosures (www.foreclosures.com), and manufactured homes (mobile homes), as a way to get started in your first house! Both can provide you with good value for your money.
Good Luck, Bob
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Good Morning Linda,
I'm not a real estate broker, so I don't have any houses to sell you. I'm a professional location analyst and site selector for over 35+ years, and 5 years ago started using my expertise to find affordable areas in the Carolinas with great lifestyles to relocate to with my family. I have 3 sons! They love the Carolinas.
The first thing you must do in make a list of what's important to you, in a new place. Do you want to be near the coast, on a river, lake? Or in the Piedmont or Mountains? What's the smallest and largest City/Town you'd consider? How important are the arts, restaurants, activities? Which activities are important to you? Will you need to work?
Read some of our articles which will help you decide what's important to you.
See You In The Carolinas, Bob
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Donna,
If you give me a bit more information on what type of an area in North Carolina and/or South Carolina you are looking to relocate to, I can be of much greater help to you.
Do you want to be near the coast, on a river, lake? Or in the Piedmont or Mountains? What's the smallest and largest City/Town you'd consider? How important are the arts, restaurants, activities? Which activities are important to you? Will you need to work?
Read some of our articles which will help you decide what's important to you. Also, check out our Special Reports, Guides and Directories. I've reviewed over 100 places which will allow you to see if they fit what it is you've decided is important to you.
Looking forward to hearing from you. Bob
Learn About Living In NC!
Comments on Best Places Frequently Asked Questions
hi, we are about to be move to savannah, ga. do you know anything about this area? is it nice? clean? friendly people?? what all is there to do?? thank so much
Savannah is gorgeous!
The housing stock is full of history, and the people are friendly and helpful.
But remember this is truly in the South. It's a bit provincial and cliquish, until they get to know you.
And definitely humid in the summers!
Hi BOB, what do think about the city of Waxhau? Is it a german town? I see it not on your list.
Danke schoen Maria
Waxhaw, NC is a quaint small town south of Charlotte, close to the South Carolina border. You need to like small town living to locate there. But it's close enough to Charlotte to have some "city" fun now and then. If you have children, the school system is good!
Be Well,
Bob
Hi There,
Please go to the archives of my blog, The Carolina Report, and click on August 2009. On August 14, 2009, I did a very extensive post on all the areas of Charlotte and the surrounding areas.
Feel free to email me with further questions.
Bob
Hi Bob,
I just discoverd your website. We currently live in Prospect, KY where we retired from So. California 3 years ago. Although, we love KY and our home here, the winters are depressing, very cold and long. We are looking at Davidson, NC and plan a visit in the spring.
One concern about Davidson is that, as we do our research, we notice a significant higher cost of living in NC, especially sales, tax, cost of groceries (that ae also taxed), lack of significant tax breaks for retirees, high cost of medical, etc.
We would love to be able to come up with a true cost comparison but nothing on the internet is really working for us.
Any help or direction you can give would be greatly appreciated.
Cathleen
Hi Cathleen,
You are absolutely correct…the cost of living in North Carolina is greater than South Carolina, but way lower than many other areas I've researched.
You can get much more detailed information in my North Carolina guide, which will make it easier to compare areas, and it comes with a personal consultation with me.
Bob