I have some exciting news to share with you guys today!
Ryan, Sadie and I are packing up our things and leaving Florida. Yep, we’re moving!
Where are we going?
If you can think back to a place we visited a couple of weeks ago, you might have an idea.
We’re moving to…
Charlotte, North Carolina!
I am absolutely thrilled!!!
A few weeks ago, I briefly blogged about a last-minute weekend trip Ryan and I took to Charlotte. I blamed the trip on a “surprise party” for one of Ryan’s friends which was basically a big fat lie. (I feel really bad about that so please forgive me! I just needed everything to be a secret for a little while.)
We actually drove to Charlotte because Ryan had an interview on Monday morning with a new company. We spent Saturday evening and all day Sunday exploring Charlotte, hoping to get a feel for the city just in case Ryan’s interview turned into a job offer.
We already knew we loved North Carolina. If you’ve been a PBF reader for a while now, you may remember me saying North Carolina is a place Ryan and I have always wanted to live. When Ryan’s interview turned into a job offer that very same day, we spent nearly all of the drive back to Florida weighing the pros and cons of a move.
The major con in our eyes was living far away from family. Ryan and I have both never lived more than 2.5 hours from our families, and though it will be a bit of a hike, we’ll still be within driving distance of family (6 hours from mine, 9.5 hours from Ryan’s).
The pros of moving were plentiful and Ryan accepted the offer from his new company the day after his final interview. From the research we’ve done and what we saw during our visit, I think we’re going to love calling Charlotte our new home.
What I’m looking forward to most:
- Seasons: Though I know I’ll probably miss Florida winters soon enough, I’m beyond ready to experience seasons again. I miss actually having a fall and a spring! And Sadie has never seen snow!
- Access to lots of different fitness classes: I’ve really missed living in an active community with a bunch of different fitness options. I can’t wait explore local barre, yoga, Jazzercise and boot camp classes! And they have BODYPUMP in Charlotte. Hallelujah!
- Living in a walkable community: I know that the walkability of Charlotte will depend a lot on where we decide to live, but the areas of Charlotte that really appeal to us at the moment seem very walkable. And oh my gosh, I’ve never seen so many trees along the streets! I know this is a goofy thing to get excited about, but it was so green and gorgeous in the neighborhoods we explored.
- Dining at local restaurants: Ocala has a few local restaurants we adore, but chain restaurants are definitely in the majority. I see lots of fun date nights in our future as Ryan and I check out the local dining scene. (I’ve heard great things about Luna’s Living Kitchen.)
- Living (somewhat) close to the mountains: Yes, we’ll still need to drive a few hours to get to the mountains, but a 2.5 hour car ride to gorgeous Maggie Valley is nothing! I see a handful of fall weekend hiking trips in our future!
- Outdoor activities: I can’t wait to explore parks, local hiking trails, Lake Norman and more!
- Living close to an airport: Living two hours from an airport for nearly three years will make you appreciate having an airport close by, that’s for sure!
- Shopping: 99.9 percent of the shopping I do in Ocala is online. Everyone here seems to make the 90+ minute drive to the malls and outlets in Orlando to do their shopping because the stores in Ocala are rather limited. It will be so nice to have access to stores other than TJMaxx (which I love, don’t get me wrong) to shop and look for gifts for loved ones.
- Museums, Concerts and Theatre: I’ve been peeking around CharlotteCultureGuide.com and getting awfully excited.
- Festivals: Okay, this is a ridiculous one, I know, but I LOVE outdoor festivals and have missed them like crazy ever since we moved away from Orlando. From what I’ve heard from friends who live in Charlotte, there is no shortage of fun little festivals around town. While we were there we actually stumbled upon a little food truck festival and I was in heaven!
So when will we be moving?
Ryan’s start date at his new company is June 16. We’re planning to use these next two weeks to get organized and pack and then we’ll have temporary housing set up for 30 days as we look for a place to live. (Our lease in Ocala runs through the end of August.)
I actually have quite a few blog-related trips planned during the month of June that fly in and out of the Jacksonville airport, so it will be a hectic month as we try to figure everything out! I plan on making some back-and-forth trips to Charlotte in June but will likely permanently be joining Ryan there in early July.
As for my job at the gym, my last day was last week! The timing of all of this was actually pretty great because a new group exercise schedule debuted at our gym on Monday, so I could say goodbye to my previous classes before a new routine was established. I’m definitely sad to leave, but know there’s lots of fun things waiting for us in North Carolina. I can’t wait to bring you guys along for the ride!
If you live or have ever lived in the Charlotte area, I would LOVE to hear any and all recommendations you may have for us as we make this big transition. I know you’ll know best!
![\"Quantcast\"/](\"//pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-1e3-7hOJ_U8Bg.gif\")
Yay! I’ll be crying for days but very happy for you. xox
<3 <3 <3 I miss you already!!!
Congratulations! My boyfriend lives in Charlotte so I go down there pretty often. Definitely make sure to swing by Luna’s Living Kitchen ASAP. It’s incredible!
That is so exciting! North Carolina is one of the states that I would love to live in if I could get out of Florida.
That’s so awesome! Congrats to Ryan on the new job! I’ve only been in Charlotte for an EIGHT HOUR layover, but we left the airport and explored the mall for a while and I enjoyed the area and the people. Moving can be hectic but very exciting. YAY!
Wow, congratulations on Ryan’s new job!
So exciting! I lived in Charlotte for a few years after college before moving to Chicago. It’s a GREAT city for young people. There are great restaurants and you cannot beat the amount of outdoor activities in CLT and nearby. Make sure you check out the Whitewater Center this summer. They do live bands on Thursday evenings and of course, they have whitewater rafting, kayaking, paddleboarding, ziplining, hiking, etc. Really cool place!!
Plus, the access to shopping is great and it’s an all around gorgeous place to live. I’m actually getting a little jealous since a lot of my great friends still live there!
Feel free to shoot me an email about any questions you have. Would be happy to help make the transition easy and I have a few favorite spots I can recommend in a variety of categories. Yay! Good luck!
Thank you so much for this and the offer to email you, Erika!! 🙂
I’m a newbie to your blog, but I’m excited for anybody that begins a new venture. Good luck and I can’t wait to read about your moving and traveling experiences.
Thank you for reading, Angie!
Congrats! I remember you talking about wanting to move to NC on the blog forever ago so that is awesome!
Incidentally I am visiting NC for the first time this month and I can’t wait!
Hope you have a fun trip!!
MAJOR congrats to you both. Woohoo for landing a new job, Ryan!!!
Obviously you already know Caitlin, but Kath used to live in CLT, and will prob have good recs too. Also, do you know Jen at Peanut Butter Runner? She lives in CLT and manages metro fitness, among other amazing talents. You should email her and ask for recs.
I know Diana at the chic life also lives in CLT with her hubby and teaches Zumba.
Kevin & I both love CLT , most likely me more than him, but if he could get a job there, I would love it. However, I’m not complaining about living in Charleston, SC either. If you ever need a quick trip to the beach, we are only 3 hours away!
Thanks, Amelia! I’ve been dying to visit Charleston — definitely on our to-do list!
Congratulations!! I’m super-jealous, because North Carolina’s essentially my dream state to live in. You have access to the mountains and the beach; I’d love that 🙂 So happy for you!
That sounds awesome, congratulations to you and Ryan!
Congrats on the move! While I’m sure you’ll miss being so close to family, it’ll be a fun adventure.
Omg this is awesome!! You will love it here! My fiancée and I have lived here almost 2 years and still feel like there’s so much we still have to explore!! Definitely check out 7th street public market, atherton mill and market, y’all will love the US Whitewater center and so so much more! Good luck with the move and welcome to charlotte!!!!
Thank you!!!!!!
Julie, congratulations! I’m so happy for you and your family! Changes sometimes are daunting and scary due to risk but I know you will love Charlotte. I fly into the city a lot and there definitely is southern hospitality.
Best wishes for this exciting new path!
Thank you, Brooke! 🙂
congrats on the big move up to Charlotte! I lived there through high school and can tell you it’s a great place and definitely does not lack for things to do! You’ll definitely want to check out the new uptown AAA baseball stadium (Charlotte Knights) this summer if you’re able!
Congrats!!! That must be so exciting for you guys! Wishing y’all the best!! Love your blog 🙂
Congratulations! I moved from Florida to Charlotte too, and I loved it there. Check out Dilworth, South End, Elizabeth, Plaza Midwood and Chantilly for walkable, fun neighborhoods right in the city — all also great for dogs. I lived in Chantilly (a small neighborhood tucked between Elizabeth and Plaza Midwood), and it was fantastic.
This is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO exciting! What a big change for you guys. Congrats to Ryan!!! Sadie will have so many new places to explore, too 🙂
Congrats to you and Ryan!
I don’t know why, but I’ve always wanted to live in Charlotte. My husband thinks I’m crazy as I’ve only actually visited once. Haha! Maybe one day… 🙂
You should come and we can hang out!! 🙂
I am so excited for you to start your new adventure! I just moved from Gainesville, Florida to Raleigh,NC last year and I LOVE it here!!
That is great news! My husband just accepted a job in South Carolina. He starts June 23rd. We will be coming from Phoenix.
I look forward to the adventure. Good Luck!!!!!
Good luck to you on this exciting time! I know moving comes with a lot of stress, so I’m sending good wishes your way, Ann! 🙂
your excitement is so palpable and genuine, best wishes on the new path!!!
Woooohoooo! Born and raised in Charlotte (working at one of the hospitals in Boston currently) and cannot wait to move back down there. South Charlotte is definitely the place you want to be! Congrats, so exciting!!!
We LOVED all of the neighborhoods south of the city. So pretty!
My cousin and her husband have lived in Charlotte for a few years now and love it! I think you will too. Also, you HAVE to make frequent trips to Asheville. It is seriously one of my favorite places on earth.
Congrats on your new journey!
Congratulations!! How exciting!! I’ve always wanted to travel to the Carolinas and have only heard wonderful things about Charlotte! Sadie better be excited about all the new hiking opportunities that await!
Happy thoughts to you and your family!!
Aw that’s so exciting! I live in Charlotte and I really love it! You really have to be mindful of living in an area that’s convenient for work. Just because it says “15 minutes” on google doesn’t mean thats true. The commute in the morning/evening can be very long if you are on the wrong roads! Only downfall! Butttt……
There are a million different fun things to do and try though as I’m sure you are already aware! I’m actually going to a baseball game tonight with my boyfriend for the first time in the new Knights Baseball stadium in Uptown ($8 for a ticket!!). I’ve heard its beautiful and lots of fun. My favorite restaurants are Fern and Bean Vegan Cuisine. They are both vegetarian/vegan, but the food is amazing. Good hiking can be found at Crowder’s Mountain, that’s my favorite! Lake Norman and Lake Wylie both have fun water activities! The Whitewater Center <3 <3 The list can go on and on! Welcome to QC!
Yayyyyy for you, Ryan, and Sadie! My friend Erika lives in Charlotte and LOVES it. Definitely talk to people at local coffee shops, cafes, gyms, etc. to get ideas on the area you may want to live in as well as what good places to visit would be! Congratulations!
I was born and raised in Raleigh, NC and have made the trip to Charlotte many times. It really is one of the best places to be. I recently moved to the Midwest because my husband got promoted and I can say that I miss NC all the time.
Definitely go to Panther’s and Hornet’s games. It’s a big sports town. If you can make the trip to Durham/Chapel Hill/Raleigh on an adventure…head to a Durham Bulls game, Duke campus (Sarah P Duke Gardens, Cameron Indoor), Chapel Hill has some incredible music venues and so does Charlotte.
Congrats on the move!
Congrats!! That’s so exciting! Good luck in preparing for the move!
Such exciting news!!! Can’t wait to follow as you explore a new city. I actually just suggested moving to Charlotte to my fiance last week….so I can’t wait to follow along on your journey! Congrats again to all of you <3
Yay! I was born and raised in Charlotte – still live there and still love it! Welcome to our wonderful city and after reading your blog for so long I really hope I run into you!
YAY!!! I’m so excited for you and CAN’T WAIT to live vicariously through you as you explore a new city! I’ve been reading since god knows when and I remember thinking about you when I moved to NC (Raleigh) two years ago. (I sound like such a creep because you have no idea who I am..ha!)
Being away from family is tough but you’ll still be within driving distance which is great! (My mom was so mad when I moved six hours FURTHER south after already moving seven hours away… oops!)
You’ll also be SO CLOSE to Asheville which is basically the most amazing place on earth!
Ahh! Good luck to Ryan on the new job! You guys are doing great!
How awesome!!!! North Carolina is beautiful!!! I’ve always thought it’d be a cool place to live! CONGRATS to you and your little family!!!
I moved to Charlotte nearly exactly 3 years ago and it was a huge life-changer. I love it here! It’s such a fun and welcoming city and I’m amazed that location really does impact your happiness. I would be happy to offer recommendations!
Congrats!! I have friends and family in North Carolina (Raleigh and Asheville to be exact), and they love it!
I’ve heard so many great things about NC — it’s actually somewhere I think I might enjoying living someday. I can’t wait to read/see how you enjoy living there. And Peanut Butter Runner lives there, too — and I’m sure many other healthy living bloggers I can’t think of 🙂
Charlotte is seriously amaze-balls. I live in Columbia, SC and we go to Charlotte for concerts and sporting events a lot! You are absolutely going to LOVE fall in North Carolina. Get excited because there is truly nothing like the leaves changing on a lake. I understand your reluctance to live far away from your family (I went 12 hours away to college) but NC is a wonderful state! I would definitely know, my dad is from a small town just outside Charlotte 🙂
Congratulations! I’m so excited for you and Ryan!! I’ve heard nothing but good things about Charlotte and hope to one day visit there. And, as a northeasterner living in Florida, I am quite jealous you will get to have seasons again. I’m very excited for you both!!
Congratulations! What an exciting new chapter for you guys! Can’t wait to follow along here on the blog 🙂
Exciting – congrats! I’ve moved quite a bit and it’s definitely an adventure moving to a new city and state!
Congratulations! I am excited to read all about your move. My husband and I live in KY and were thinking of moving to FL….so this blog post is right on time. Love your blog!!
Wow I never would have guessed! How far is it from Florida driving wise? Sounds like you’re super excited!! Trying to think what bloggers live in the area!
The best thing about living in NC (in my opinion) is how many day trips/long weekend trips and things to do that are available! Asheville, Wrightsville Beach, Outer Banks, Boone, Winston-Salem, Raleigh. Endless places to go, and SO MANY free and cheap activities.
As a former FL girl and current NC resident, I’m excited for you!
YAY!! Thanks, Courtney! I love weekend trips and exploring new areas, so this makes me even MORE excited! 🙂
How exciting! Congrats to your new adventure! Can’t wait to follow along on the blog.
Just curious…what exactly does Ryan do? If you don’t want to share that info though I totally understand. Just curious b/c of the move from Orlando to Ocala to N.C.
Anyways, good luck!
I actually prefer to keep that quiet, but I will say he works in finance and we’re moving for another finance-related job.
So exciting! And congrats to Ryan on the new job! I was actually just outside of Charlotte on Lake Norman visiting family last weekend. I definitely recommend going boating on the lake while you’re there – it’s so beautiful! I couldn’t get over how green everything was haha
Ahhhhh good luck 🙂 My husband went to school at UNC Charlotte and loved it down there! I’ve only been there once, but it was beautiful!
How exciting!! A new adventure is always a little scary, but that’s what makes it fun! My husband and I have moved across the country from our families (from Rhode Island to NYC to Texas to Seattle–he’s in the Coast Guard) and its hard being so far away, but its been so fun creating a new life in each new spot. Home is where YOU are! Good luck and safe travels!!
Congrats!!! I haven’t been to Charlotte, but I just moved to NC (Raleigh/Durham area) last year and LOVE it!! It’s a fabulous place to live!
Charlotte is a great city! You’re going to love living here. Check out Dilworth neighborhood. It’s a really cute neighborhood right outside of Uptown and is close to parks/restaurants/shopping. Equally as important – YMCA offers a few BodyPump classes but Thursdays at 6pm with Andre in the Childress Klein (uptown) location is the best 🙂 Good luck!!
AWESOME!!! THANK YOU!
I am so excited for you guys! Congrats! My two favorite bloggers will now both be living in Charlotte. (peanutbutterrunner)