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!
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Congrats on the job and the upcoming move! I have lived in Charlotte the past 5 years and absolutely love it! I’m in my mid- 20’s and it is the absolute perfect city for our age group! Some fun things here: Knights baseball games, Food Truck Fridays in South End, date night dinner at Fahrenheit (the new rooftop restaurant), free lululemon yoga Tuesdays at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, dog bar in Noda, boating in Lake Norman (this is where I live!), etc!
Congratulations!!! I actually moved to North Carolina from Ohio in December (to the triangle area actually). While I’m enjoying the awesome NC weather, I do have to say I miss my family a lot… Hope you love it!
Congrats Julie!!! I can vouch for the excitement and fear of moving so far from family. It has been a wonderful choice for us and I think in many ways allowed me to appreciate my parents even more.
I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about charlotte, congrats!
Congratulations! I grew up in Charlotte, and it’s still one of my favorite places to visit. This post actually kind of made me want to move back! 🙂
That’s so exciting Julie! I felt the same way when we moved to Chicago. I’ve never lived more than 2 hours away from my family either. Thankfully Chicago is only 7 hours from my family and 5 hours from my husband’s. I’m very excited for you guys! Can’t wait to hear all about it! 🙂
Congratulations to Ryan on the new job and the big move! I’ve never been to North Carolina, but have heard it is wonderful. I have extended family who live in Ashville and Wilmington respectively. Best of luck on a successful move and happy house hunting. Will you be renting or buying?
Congrats! Big changes coming your way!
Congrats on the move! I’ve had the opportunity to travel to Charlotte a number of times for work (my organization has an office there) and think its great! My colleagues in the CLT office seem to really enjoy living there.
I was able to try Body Pump at the City Center YMCA (my first try at Body Pump) and thought was a blast. The people at that gym seemed very friendly (I’m looking forward to going back later this month). Best of luck on your move!
I live in Raleigh so welcome to NC!
Side note: I think it’s so funny when people from Florida talk about the NC “winters” and how they are a lot colder, etc. The reason I moved here is because I am from NY and wanted warmer winters so I think they are so mild! It’s all a matter of perspective I guess 🙂
That’s super exciting! Congrats! My cousin lives in Charlotte and I’ve always loved visiting her there! I grew up in SW Florida and left when I went to college. I totally get the excitement over all the trees! Haha. It’s just nice to have different landscape! Btw, are you running Heartbreak Hill in MA this wknd? If so, I’ll look out for you! 🙂
Wow, congrats!! I cannot wait to see how it all unfolds 🙂
I knew it!! 😉 Congrats on the move! I’m sure there are major pluses and minuses to it, but it’ll be a new adventure that doesn’t have to be permanent if you aren’t super thrilled about it!
I am so excited! Two of my favirite bloggers are going to be in the same area. Do you read Peanut Butter Runner? Jen is amazing, and she could give you lots of deets in Charlotte. Now I just need to move there! Congrats and good luck to you and your family
I’m moving to Raleigh in July with my fiance (gosh, that’s fun to say- we got engaged saturday!)!! I’m sure we’re going to LOVE our city, too- NC is an amazing state 🙂
My best friend lives in Charlotte (and loves it!) So I go as often as possible- I’m going next week!
Congrats!
Congratulations!! I moved to Charlotte in 2011 from Jacksonville and LOVED it! I found a great job, embraced the weather (FALL is absolutely gorgeous), met fabulous friends, and even met my fiance there! Definitely check out Luna’s Living Kitchen! The yoga and barre scene is big there, and the Harris and Dowd YMCAs have amazing fitness classes! I lived in Dilworth, a really cute neighborhood that is totally walkable- and right across the street from Freedom Park, perfect for walks/runs with Sadie! You’re only 2 hours from the beach/mountains- take advantage of weekend trips. It’s such a great city, so ENJOY! You will love it 🙂
Congratulations! I was so surprised! I live in south florida and my grandparents love in Charlotte. Good news for you that there’s a brand new Publix in Charlotte!! Haha 🙂
How exciting! Congrats to Ryan. My cousins lived in Charlotte for a while and loved it. They always talk about moving back.
That is super exciting!!!! Congrats on the new chapter! 🙂
I love Charlotte and North Carolina in general! I go to school just over the border in Greenville SC. You guys are going to love it so much! You have to check out the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Biltmore Estate to start. Plus- the outlets in Charlotte are awesome!
Congrats!!!! I’ve always wanted to visit Charlotte, I heard it was such a great town. I’m dyyyying to move out of Florida! haha
Exciting news! Welcome, welcome! NC is a great state to live -) but as a native I am bias.
I JUST moved to Charlotte this past weekend for my husbands job! So exciting, I think you’ll love it here! Congratulations!
I absolutely love Charlotte, I’ve lived here almost two years now and adore it! It so walkable, with tons of great restaurants and events, very young, and I love being able to walk to yoga and the the gym. What areas are y’all looking at?
Congrats and welcome to Charlotte! I live here and agree with all the things you’re looking forward to. It’s a fun active city. You’d probably also like the us national white water center too! There are many great areas to live in with unique personalities. I love the trees here too!, Let me know if you have any specific questions or want to chat! 😉
My brother has lived in Charlotte for the last 3 years, I love visiting him there! It’s a beautiful and very active city, there’s so much to do! You’ll love it!
Congrats, congrats, congrats! And super congrats to Ryan on landing this new job – same day offer?! They must have loved him! 🙂
How exciting Julie! I’ll second everyone else and say how much you will love it here. I moved down here seven years ago from the Midwest and I live and work in uptown. Happy to answer any questions about the area and fun things to do.
Thanks Lisa!!
Awesome! Congrats! I live in Wilmington, NC and absolutely Adore North Carolina!!! Welcome!!!
Congrats!! We moved away from our family to Nashville 2.5 years ago and while
It is hard to be far it’s been a great move for us. Florida just wasn’t the right fit for us so being in a city that we love with lots of other young, active people is awesome. Sadie will love your new city!! So much hiking and exploring. I definitely want to visit Charlotte sometime soon!!
My husband is from Charlotte and we moved from Charlotte to Pawleys Island, SC a couple years ago. I sure miss Charlotte! We lived in the Southpark area and I loved it all!!! Feel free to ask any questions!
Congrats on the move!! So many awesome bloggers in Charlotte so I am sure you will stay very busy! Good luck!
That’s so exciting!! It’s going to be weird to read the first couple of posts with you not in Florida though! haha I’m so use to your Florida lifestyle at this point!! Can’t wait to find out what all is in Charlotte though, I hope y’all have a blast! 🙂
Congratulations! What an exciting time for both of you. I’m sure the timeline feels a little overwhelming, but I can’t wait to read about the transition as you explore your new town!
Exciting! Welcome to North Carolina! I’m in Raleigh but have made many a Charlotte trip – NoDa is a fun area with lots of cool local restaurants and bars. You have to try Cabo Fish Taco (best fish tacos I’ve ever had)! Good luck with the move!
CONGRATS!! I don’t know why, but I kinda saw this coming. A new start in a new city is SO exciting. Good luck with everything!
-AJ
OccasionallyAJ.com
Charlotte is THE best!!! Best restaurant ever: Cajun Queen (http://www.cajunqueen.net/)
Yeah! I am a huge fan of your blog and am so excited you are moving to Charlotte! I hope to see you around town!!
Thanks Laura!
This is so great, Julie! I live in North Carolina (Chapel Hill), and it really is a great place to live. If Charlotte is anything like the Triangle area, then you’ll have plenty of food, art, and music festivals to keep you entertained all year long!
Long time reader and lifetime Charlottean. Y’all will love living here, it’s such a great city! Happy to answer any questions or give recommendations!
How exciting and Best of luck! We have considered te move because of opportunity, but have never actually visited. I can’t wait to visit through you!
Congrats to Ryan on the new job, and to both of you and the exciting move! I’m sure you will love it. 🙂 My dad has a lot of family in VA and NC, and I spent a lot of time in Greensboro and Gretna growing up…such a beautiful, beautiful corner of the country!
North Carolina is great! Male sure to check out the US Whitewater Center! 🙂
I have family that lives in Charlotte–so many foodie places to choose from!! 🙂 Cabo Fish Taco is one of my favorites!!! I love the Charlotte area!! So much to do! So exciting! Enjoy.
Congrats on the new opportunity!!! Charlotte is amazing and I’m so excited for you guys to explore and have fun in your next chapter of life!!!
yay!! congrats to you and Ryan, and Sadie! Welcome to Charlotte!! We live here and love the city. We have lived in a few different places in Charlotte, and loved them all. If you need help with areas please let us know!!
Also there is a great vizsla meet-up group that we go to with Jax, it is great to meet other vizsla owners and see all the vizslas run around together!
You guys will love it here. So much to do and a gorgeous city. Again if you need help with moving or anything please just email us 🙂
xo
Lori and Michelle
I have loved visiting NC….and most recently living in Cary, which is very very close to Chapel Hill…YOU MUST CHECK THIS TOWN OUT. Amazing markets, fresh and local foods and boutiques. I also love Asheville for charm and hiking in the mountains. ..chimney rock! Enjoy and enjoy the move as much as possible…can be hard, but embrace it and reflect.
Hi Julie!! Longtime reader, first comment! I lived in Raleigh my entire life but recently moved to Charlottesville for law school at UVA. However, I’ll either be moving back to Raleigh or Charlotte after school, so I’m excited to see how you like Charlotte. Perhaps your adventures will sway me to pick Charlotte 🙂 I absolutely love Raleigh, but when I’ve visited Charlotte I have really liked it a lot, too!
I’m actually visiting in June to meet with some attorneys at firms I’m interested in to talk about working/living in Charlotte. I’m planning to eat at 5Church when I visit because I’ve heard great things about it- so add that to your list of places to eat when you move! I’m sure that list is about 1000 miles long by now 🙂
That is such exciting news! Congratulations to the both of you. I am excited to read all about NC!
Hi! I grew up living 30 minutes outside of Charlotte and have lived in the city now for 7 years. I guess you could say that I love it here and I think you will as well. A few of my favorite restaurants are : Rooster’s, Barrington’s, Good Food on Montord, Stagioni, Yama (the best sushi!), Check out Y2 yoga studio for an incredible hot yoga experience. Good luck with the move. Let me know if you have any questions about the area.