This is a one horse town that lives and breathes for the university here. We have been here 5 years and find it hilarious that when we introduce ourselves, we are immediately asked 'which "Jones" we are related to. When people from this area introduce or talk about someone else, they find it necessary to point out their financial ties or family pedigree as though it is impressive.
The creative and performing arts at ECU are wonderful however have gone downhill over the last few years though there are at least a few interesting lecturers that visit occasionally bringing in some open minds and creative thoughts. We attended the Preservation Hall Jazz performance last year and were astounded at the caucasian audience that was aghast at the true jazz fans that got up and got into the music...we are white as well, but it was pathetic how much snickering we overheard from the woman behind us and her friends who are obviously stuck in the civil war mentality which is prevalent here as it was a hundred plus years ago.
Having moved here from Fairfax, VA for jobs at the medical center, we expected far more diversity and a more cultured environment. We are instead faced daily with the small minded peons that are continuously struggling to "keep up with the neighbors." Gossip is the favorite activity of women and though I am included in some of these social organizations, it is clearly the impact of our checkbook balance as I have been witness to the rejection of talented, enthusiastic volunteers because they were "not married to anyone socially important." No joke, except to the few of us that overheard the committee comments though they were quite happy to accept auction donation items of valuable artwork for the fundraising event.
Shopping here is not remotely close to anything we have ever seen. Belk, Kohls, TJ Maxx and one or two independent boutiques are the limit. With the exception of Globe Kids & Gals (preppy but cute) and Fabricate Too (funky and eclectic) you may think you've been dropped into chain restaurant and big box store heaven. IF that is your idea of heaven...not ours.
Very few independent restaurants, a handful of good ole boys that run the town (meaning if you know the right judge, lawyer or policeman you can do whatever you please. Drugs in the schools as well as gang crime is a daily challenge. I am unable to find stats on the murder rate in Pitt County however almost daily there is a murder if not two or three. Usually drug related or gang violence.
We have sold our home and plan to relocate to a safer area though the community is trying to make some changes they are just too late for our family to choose to stay. No matter how inexpensive the cost of living, the price of safety and security for a great place to raise our children is compromised. My husband will not allow me to go to certain shopping areas alone or after dark because of the muggings and murders.
Stay far away from W. 5th Street. They have recently opened a lovely Fresh Market grocery here, but their inventory is changing as the community here does not support the upscale items though this could also be attributed to the dying economy.
Customer service is atrocious here in every restaurant and unless you are a diehard college sports fan, skip it. Every Saturday in the fall the streets are crowded with drunken revelers and half dressed college students attempting to appear sexy and attractive while in reality they are making themselves look trashy. As far as a decent place for adult couples to have drinks or cocktails or even after work meeting spots...non-existent! (unless you count a dirty past it's prime sports bar crowded with haggard looking rode hard and put up wet bar flies & waitresses and "wanna be" business men that have never heard the queen's English. We were told this was THE SPOT when we moved here however running the gauntlet of smokers that line the entry doors is enough for us to avoid it all together.
Winslows and Starlight downtown have some merit, but get out & be home before the drive by shootings get going. The police force has made some major changes, but the town has a long way to go before we come back.
mary |
Greenville, NC |
Report Abuse