Good point, Bob. There is a lot to recommend upstate NY, but predictable weather (and the fact that it's in NY) is not at the top of the list.

Thing is, actual days lost to bad weather are relatively few. Most folk up here can manage the snow, and the transportation/infrastructure is set up for it. For a while, anyway, Hancock Int'l Airport was home to the world's largest snow plow.

It really isn't the weather that's pushing me out. But, as long as I'm leaving, I might as well find a jurisdiction more amenable to lower-taxes, fewer regulations, almost year-round use of the toys and good night/social life.

JP

Slack...

After living years up there, I was really amused yesterday. Tucson had 2" of snow and (egad!!) it was the talk of the town. Some schools didn't open until noon, drivers were warned about possible "ice on the roads", they were using bulldozers to clear some roadways. SOme offices closed and business at restaurants dipped copnsiderably. Back in upstate NY it would have been "a lovely Winter day; no problems, traffic moving smoothly".

NC population has exploded with NE exodus. It's also a no-booze state so you have to make your own still. Waynesville is the crack capital of the East and center of Baptist power in the US.

Charleston is loaded with yankees and housing tracts and still growing. It's also due for another devasting earth quake. The only thing good about that area is the Cooper River a bit inland if you know how to dive with 'gators. The ocean shoreline is misquoto infested with danger signs all over. Clear water starts about 10mi offshore otherwise you can't see your feet when wading. About the only thing good about NC & SC is that the inbreed females figure NE guys don't slap them around as much as natives so they're easy.

We had less than 1" of snow Sunday night and plenty of schools closed yesterday. It's amazing. They always say this area isn't used to the snow. Why not? It snows here every single year and is pretty much the same as where I grew up in NJ and never had a single snow day. Why can't they deal with it here?

God was missing for six days. Eventually, Michael, the archangel, found him, resting on the seventh day.

He inquired, "Where have you been?"

God smiled deeply and proudly pointed downwards through the clouds, "Look, Michael. Look what I've made."

Archangel Michael looked puzzled, and said, "What is it?"

"It's a planet," replied God, "and I've put Life on it. I'm going to call it Earth and it's going to be a place to test Balance."

"Balance?" inquired Michael, "I'm still confused."

God explained, pointing to different parts of earth. "For example, northern Europe will be a place of great opportunity and wealth, while southern Europe is going to be poor.

Over there I've placed a continent of white people, and over there is a continent of black people.

Balance in all things," God continued pointing to different countries.

"This one will be extremely hot, while this one will be very cold and covered in ice."

The Archangel, impressed by God's work, then pointed to a land area and said, "What's that one?"

"That's Washington State, the most glorious place on earth. There are beautiful mountains, rivers and streams, lakes, forests, hills, and plains.

The people from Washington State are going to be handsome, modest, intelligent, and humorous, and they are going to travel the world.

They will be extremely sociable, hardworking, high achieving, and they will be known throughout the world as diplomats, carriers of peace,

and producers of software!."

Michael gasped in wonder and admiration, but then asked, "But what about balance, God? You said there would be balance."

God smiled, "There is another Washington. Wait till you see the idiots I put there

Ouch!

That was my point.

Quote:

Anyone from NC will tell you that. NC has been trying to break away from the SC stigma for years - SC just rides NC coat tails.

South Carolina has been a major economic powerhouse for far longer than North Carolina. NC is now a larger population state, and doing well, but that history dates only from World War Two. The notion that South Carolina is dependent on North Carolina is, well, rather silly. I lived in North Carolina far longer than South Carolina, so it's unlikely you'll be able to tell me much about the state.

Quote:

Everone stop calling Virginia a state its a commonweatlh. I was pulled over once for doing an illegal U-turn in a median (I know) and the officer asked what I was doing and after listening to me he said "Not in the Commonwealth Of Virginia you dont". I still laugh to this day. If you have all those toys - Va will PP Tax and the heck out of you!!!

We have Personal Property tax here as well, I think the Porsche was about $50.00 or so.

There's no emissions testing here, and unlikely to start.

Ron, as Mark Twain used to say, "of course truth is stranger than fiction, fiction has to make sense".

Meant toward those in politics Jim, not you. Oh, it's not Senator Jim is it?????

Just driving through SC (I95) tells you everything. No decent rest stops, Poor roads, only run down depressed towns. I especially love the billboards for Maurices BBQ with the rebel flag on it and the a great big one on a flag pole out front!!! That really makes a huge statement for the state. They do have the Carolina Panthers, Bobcats and the Stanley Cup Champion Hurricanes oh wait - thats NC!

Myrtle Beach doesnt count

JP -

I was born and raised in Syracuse - graduated high school in '95 and moved to VA in '96. Moving to VA was one of the best life decisions I've made to date. It's been a very enjoyable 10 years.

I don't miss upstate NY weather. At all. Ever. I saw my first snowflakes of the season on Sunday - all 1/4" or so.

Good luck with your search!

Are you in Richmond? I grew up in Chesterfield and would move back in a minute. My family still loves there so I get to make the trip a few times a year. Some great history there - Too bad I didnt fully realize that until I moved away.

Yep, Richmond. Actually now I'm just northwest of Richmond in Hanover.

I did spend ~8 years doing the college thing down in the Fan District of Richmond. Good times...

Scott -
FM '87.

Bob -
You're not kidding about the difference. We moved here from Silver Spring, MD in 1978 (4th grade). I remember having snow days in MD with an inch on the ground. It was one of the largest and most shocking disappointments that first winter up here to have received 13" over night and still have to go to school. Essentially, if you could get out of the first story of your house, you had school.
In 9 years of school, maybe 4 snow days. Maybe. Our superintendent was particularly hard core. Oh yeah, it sucked.

Thanks for the good tidings, and special thanks to everyone who has PM'd with offers of assistance.

Broke the news to the grilf last night that I'm leaving town. Haven't yet told her that she's welcome to come with me... I'm a jerk like that sometimes.

JP

Hmmm, Senator...I wonder how much that could pad my bank account. :D

JP, I have room for the Mini. Did I mention that before? :D

WG '95

Yes, I see your problem. Please don't stop here again. Gas up in NC and then drive straight through.

Edit:
North Carolina income per capita $35,419.00
South Carolina income per capita $34,546.00
Figures based on GDP of each state divided by total population of each state.

If you like the West Coast, OR and WA are worth checking out. I like CA but you mentioned gun laws . . .

So what your point - SC people make less money per year? How long did it take you to find that stat? The guys a lawyer - stay on target. He wants to live somewhere nice.