After half a century in Pennsylvania, my family and I are considering a reversal of my grandfather's decision to become a yank and head back to NC. My sister who's in Maryland now, and my aunt's family are also considering a collective relocation back to our roots.

The problem is, despite having visited NC several times, our knowledge is restricted to visits to the coastal areas and internet research. If we're a relatively conservative bunch, like to hunt, fish, visit the beach, and schools are very important to us, where would you NC natives (or anyone else who knows) recommend?

A slightly more progressive area not far from some kind of city activity would be nice. The men, after all, do have to keep the non-hunting ladies happy.

I'm trying to find that near-perfect area that balances outdoor activity with decent proximity to the Banks, as well as things to do for the rest of the family.

Can anyone recommend an area that we may want to investigate more closely? I have Greenville sending info as we speak, but I'm not sure that Pitt County can keep my need for topography and deer satisfied.

Thanks ahead of time for any tips,

Fritz

Hi Fritz. I was born in Greenville, or as it's called locally G'ville. I move to Wash., DC, but moved back when my wife suggested the move.

Go to http://www.racksnspurs.com/ click on "Deer Distribution in NC". That maps the deer density in NC. G'ville is a college town. Raleigh has a good mix of yanks, rebs and others. Charlotte is a major banking center. The larger deer in NC come from the piedmont region. High harvest of deer would be in Northhampton and Hailfax counties near VA border.

Click the "NC Wildlife Resources Com." link to find gamelands (public hunting). Click maps at the top of page.

If you have other question, give me a shout.

Hey there Fritz, welcome back to NC...if you are still moving...

I live about one hour south of Raleigh and must say it is a very beautiful area. It will be hard to combine all the things you mentioned to keep the whole family happy, but where I live, I am about 4 hours from the beach, another 4 hours to the mountains and I hunt in my "backyard". I dont know what the deer population is near the beack or on th East rather, but I imagine it decreases as you get closer to bigger cities and more crowded areas.

It is almost a catch-22 situation, but the central region has worked more than enough for me!

Good luck!

Thanks for the heads up guys. I only wish I had about two weeks to drive around down there and find that locatoin that "just feels right". I like sound of the triangle area, but it's a little far from the coast. Another option that may play into my prior military service is Fayetteville. It seems like there are alot of computer oriented defense jobs in that area so I'll have to dig deeper.

Apprehension, apprehension, apprehension....................[]

Raleigh is only 2 hours from the coast at Wilmington via I40. Whereas the outer banks are 4-5 hours.

I guess Rt 40 does that, eh? It's deceiving when you look at the map, but those rural highways aren't the fastest I guess.

Come on down, you'll love it!

Just read in Sat. paper that the unemployment rate is 3.5%

Here's a link to a state wide newspaper http://www.newsobserver.com/

Just posted the resume on Monster.com in searchable fashion. Maybe God and fate will step in and an employer will come to me! I'm a firm believer in providing an honest means to allow things to happen. If I get some good hits it may be the nudge I need to take the jump.

Thanks for the tips and info so far guys.......I appreciate it.

Fritz

check out http://www.ncesc.com
hope this helps.