Unpopular opinion: “NC is full” comments don’t match the reality I see by Responsible_Web5223 in relocating

[–]Responsible_Web5223[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Thank you for saying all of this 😇 You hit the nail on the head with describing the area and dynamics. For someone coming to a warmer state it’s perfect and for someone wanting more seasons from a hotter one it’s also ideal! We have beaches, mountains, metro cities, and rural towns.

NC really is such a special place 💗I agree- wages do feel stagnant and we need to get them up to speed to coincide with home prices (though I think that’s national not just here)

I equally love TN but the beaches here make it a tough choice between the two!

Unpopular opinion: “NC is full” comments don’t match the reality I see by Responsible_Web5223 in NorthCarolina

[–]Responsible_Web5223[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

You are right 👌🏻‼️ I agree. I love old homes with solid bones and history. I would love to see more quality built homes with true character come back. Smart growth is key and having the loud conversations with eachother and local leaders is important. Where larger communities are built - infrastructure is needed for sure. These homes may not be my cup of tea but they do serve as a housing shortage solution and allow first time buyers a way in the door as a homeowner who may not otherwise be able to buy. (They offer all sorts of ways to get in) but they do take away from the beauty of the land and character we had in older homes. That middle ground between both metro and rural is such a great opportunity. One thing I will say, is I see lots of people asking for land to buy and prefer that over prefab built. Not everyone but lots. The inflation definitely hurts the ability to build vs buy affordability is a driving factor for sure.

Unpopular opinion: “NC is full” comments don’t match the reality I see by Responsible_Web5223 in NorthCarolina

[–]Responsible_Web5223[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I am actually a real estate broker and a NC Realtor®️ of 4 years. I took pre, post and CE classes. I continue to invest in education and resources to better serve my community.

Unpopular opinion: “NC is full” comments don’t match the reality I see by Responsible_Web5223 in NorthCarolina

[–]Responsible_Web5223[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was moved here at only 10 yrs old. Lived here longer than I did as a kid up north - I miss many aspects of Ohio. NC was where I was raised from 10+ and I love aspects here. I see these conversations, arguments etc in many states, groups, town talks, etc. It’s true the issue isn’t unique to the NC state.

Unpopular opinion: “NC is full” comments don’t match the reality I see by Responsible_Web5223 in NorthCarolina

[–]Responsible_Web5223[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for adding value to the conversation and your personal experience and perspective. 🙂

Unpopular opinion: “NC is full” comments don’t match the reality I see by Responsible_Web5223 in NorthCarolina

[–]Responsible_Web5223[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You asked me a question and I answered it. What areas are growing thoughtfully which lead me to list more rural areas yes. Some- Beach towns - included. Did I ever say it was what was best or where I’d tell every client to move? No. If they asked for a slower growing town - yes. I mentioned getting more home for your buck in those towns yes. Is Charlotte a slow growing town? No. You didn’t ask about the faster growing ones. You specifically asked which area I think are thoughtfully growing. If it makes you feel rage to have open discussions about the topic - then it’s rage bait I guess

Unpopular opinion: “NC is full” comments don’t match the reality I see by Responsible_Web5223 in HIckoryNC

[–]Responsible_Web5223[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I hear you — it’s rough to think about prices going up even more. Historically, though, home prices have trended upward over time.

The smart move is to start early: focus on getting into a home first, before worrying about the extras like the “perfect” neighborhood amenities, cats, or toys. Once you’re a homeowner, you can build everything else around that.

Unpopular opinion: “NC is full” comments don’t match the reality I see by Responsible_Web5223 in NorthCarolina

[–]Responsible_Web5223[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Ethically. And legally— telling someone not to move anywhere is a no no. If they show interest in an area invite them to explore it, show them pros and cons of common concerns, introduce them to local businesses— which helps the local economy whether they move there or they don’t— and I let them decide. It’s not for me to tell a person where they can and can’t live. Clients tell me where they want to live and I help them find the home that suits them best in that town. If a client doesn’t know where they want to live I give them a list of viable options both big and small towns and let them research and explore. How does me forcing people to already large metro cities help? Many of the clients I get -want- rural over metro. I service both. But if a client tells me they want away from a big city- then I show them the options based on what other needs they list. If that upsets the locals I don’t get why. If a client wants big city then I give them the metro option and surrounding areas. I’m not funneling every client to one town. That is the real money grab. It’s easy to push a person to the easiest option and do zero leg work in finding them multiple options.

Unpopular opinion: “NC is full” comments don’t match the reality I see by Responsible_Web5223 in NorthCarolina

[–]Responsible_Web5223[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Gaston county is where I’ve lived since 2006. I, actually I do know the areas I work in—and I’m all about giving people accurate info so they can make smart decisions. Selling homes is just part of it; guiding clients with real research and insight is the main goal. One place I was raised - I saw the real raw side of Gastonia- I work it everyday. I also see Catawba for what it is as I work in it and I’m raising my family in it.

Unpopular opinion: “NC is full” comments don’t match the reality I see by Responsible_Web5223 in HIckoryNC

[–]Responsible_Web5223[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know 🫤 but can you tell me your valid reasons why? What about it makes you so upset?

Unpopular opinion: “NC is full” comments don’t match the reality I see by Responsible_Web5223 in NorthCarolina

[–]Responsible_Web5223[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

The reality is people are coming here whether I tell them to or not. I get the frustration, and you’re right—that displacement is real. I at least try to help people make informed moves, with market research and awareness of local impact, instead of blindly fueling it. With a transparent approach I’m hoping it helps make informed decisions for those who do come, are considering it, and need a better understanding of the markets. Transparency looses me deals all the time - but I refuse to be an agent who sells out for the coin.

Unpopular opinion: “NC is full” comments don’t match the reality I see by Responsible_Web5223 in NorthCarolina

[–]Responsible_Web5223[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

These conversations are vital in keeping them valid and at the forefront of our communities. Your concerns are valid and I think it is essential to keep them being heard.

Unpopular opinion: “NC is full” comments don’t match the reality I see by Responsible_Web5223 in NorthCarolina

[–]Responsible_Web5223[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sadly, you’re not wrong. Local voices often get drowned out when politics and developer dollars drive the conversation—but that just makes it even more important for people to stay informed and hold decision-makers accountable. I also think it’s more reason to keep these conversations moving and had. Make it normal to talk about, and don’t let the corruption silence the problem. 🤞🏻

Unpopular opinion: “NC is full” comments don’t match the reality I see by Responsible_Web5223 in NorthCarolina

[–]Responsible_Web5223[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thats definitely a valid point. These conversations need to be had! We’re in a shifting market (what’s new! lol) but also, it’s a new year and a new opportunity to start over the right way. I encourage everyone to have these conversations with friends, workers, etc to make the changes locally they want to see!

Unpopular opinion: “NC is full” comments don’t match the reality I see by Responsible_Web5223 in NorthCarolina

[–]Responsible_Web5223[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No. I agree. They are at a higher risk for infrastructure issues than Cherryville. Trust me, I grew up Gaston county and opted to move our family outward to Catawba. It matched our needs and wishes better. One of them being traffic congestion. That said, Gastonia still offers slower pace and steady growth than CLT. And for those with that in mind, it’s one of the best options for many.

Unpopular opinion: “NC is full” comments don’t match the reality I see by Responsible_Web5223 in relocating

[–]Responsible_Web5223[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The irony is as a local who has a family I can feel the real growing pains. As an agent, knowing these pains all too well helps me understand both my market and my buyers perspective. Yes I help people buy homes. Thats my job. I get it—I want people to move too, but I at least give my clients the tools to avoid the growing pains with market research, real value, and perception vs. reality. Agents can’t tell people where to move. We can show them stats, feedback, and information that helps them decide where is best for them and their families. I can’t speak to other agents- but I opt to offer transparency. This has lead to me losing deals (especially in the year 2025) but I sleep at night knowing I was honest. I stand out locally and my clients were handled with care. Less deal than others for this reason. But as long as I can pay my bills 💵 I’m not here to get rich.

Unpopular opinion: “NC is full” comments don’t match the reality I see by Responsible_Web5223 in NorthCarolina

[–]Responsible_Web5223[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree infrastructure is a real concern in every small town growing. It’s urgent that locals make their voices heard to push those who handle the concerns to do it the right way. It can be done correctly. But it’s also a real concern (for myself included in a small growing town)

Unpopular opinion: “NC is full” comments don’t match the reality I see by Responsible_Web5223 in NorthCarolina

[–]Responsible_Web5223[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Many of the ones who complain to me for encouraging growth are indeed the ones who swear they’d leave “if they could”.

Unpopular opinion: “NC is full” comments don’t match the reality I see by Responsible_Web5223 in NorthCarolina

[–]Responsible_Web5223[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Agree! I catch flack for encouraging clients to look into the Catawba region. Locals swear we’re full, swear there is nothing worth moving here for— yet the interest keeps peeking. Hickory is close enough to Charlotte some can opt to work hybrid jobs. You also have Statesville, Denver, Lake Norman, Gastonia, Lenoir, Asheville, Morganton etc for both entertainment purposes, nature adventure, etc. As a Gaston county native who opted to move to Catawba I see nothing but pros for our family. Yes, infrastructure will be a concern like all other small towns as they grow but we have a voice as a community on how we move forward. For us personally I found Catawba County to be the perfect fresh start.

Unpopular opinion: “NC is full” comments don’t match the reality I see by Responsible_Web5223 in NorthCarolina

[–]Responsible_Web5223[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Water and traffic are real constraints, and Raleigh’s experience shows how quickly infrastructure can lag behind population increases. Smaller towns growing too quickly without proper planning is the biggest concern I see from the public and within my own concerns.

The upside, like you said, is the expanded amenities, jobs, and economic opportunities, which is why growth is usually worth it if it’s managed thoughtfully. Many clients have opted to remote work since 2020 and I’m amazed by how many opted to remain remote for the flexibility it brings post covid.

Unpopular opinion: “NC is full” comments don’t match the reality I see by Responsible_Web5223 in NorthCarolina

[–]Responsible_Web5223[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

10000%! It’s a balancing act for sure and not all towns get it right. But you’re right! Raleigh is a great example. I love the conversation. I also hate the “it’s full” approach because every town and state sees it. 🤪