COMMENT BY
Aries from Matthews, NC
COMMENT ABOUT PLACE
Matthews, NC
COMMENT
Lived in Charlotte, NC. Jacksonville, FL, and Spar
I lived in Jacksonville, FL for 20 years. It is very dirty, crime ridden, and no beaches to enjoy anymore since the condos have arrived. The plus is that the healthcare systems here are adequate especially if you are in between jobs or have a low paying job which is the case in Jacksonville. Spartanburg, SC is a gentle southern town that has a great healthcare system with good schools and relatively low crime, but little chance of making a living unless you're in the manufacturing business. You have to drive to Greenville on the Autobon Express (fast lanes only).
Charlotte, NC has such a wopping tax rate that one only takes home around 60% of their salary with typical big city layoffs, expensive housing, crime, little affordable nightlife for singles unless again you work 2nd or 3rd shift in manufacturing to make the money. Healthcare here is horrendous with a minimum of 4 month waits to be seen by doctors if you're without insurance or in between jobs. In Jacksonville, FL, I must say there was sufficient care for those who were out of work or in transition. This is non-existent in Charlotte if you need immediate care.
I am trying to move out of Charlotte as soon as I can for a better quality of life. If you're single, Raleigh-Durham is supposed to be the place to be. If you're a family and are in the finance, accounting, insurance industries, then Charlotte would be ideal for you as long as you don't get laid off and need healthcare.