krizzy

I agree with that one...my family are French for the most part and they kicked my nan out of the family for marrying a Brit..

goldcrown

Yes, very helpful site! Been practically living on that site in the last month.

Bob

It's not illegal to do that, it just means you won't ever be allowed back into the US.

Tracym

I agree completely!

This sounds like it's a lot more than than just being about moving. Neither the US nor the UK are third world countries or anything, that they should so terribly threaten one's mental health. And to be moving somewhere while feeling that you (OP) hates it, and thinks most people are unintellingent does not sound good. It's not unfamiliarity and leaving one's home country, as with Brit expats, she's lived here for most of her life.

Sounds like some counseling would be a good plan.

Sue

Sounds like Lake Wylie may be a good fit for you. I believe its in Clover district for schools. Lake Wylie is close enough to commute to Charlotte but it still has almost a village-like atmosphere about it. One of the older established neighborhoods is called "River Hills"

Sue

goldcrown

Ah, you're right, thank you. Got my penalties confused.

goldcrown

Thanks! I think the legal corporal punishment in Clover might put us off entirely.

Do you know much about the nuclear plant that uses Lake Wylie for it's cooling? Or the big steam plant, for that matter?

I've read a huge moat is planned around the nuke plant...to protect against terrorism.

jjmb

What is it that your DH does that requires that he has to work near London or Heathrow? Have you considered any European countries? We have a few friends faced with not being happy in the US but reluctant to return to the UK, have chosen to move to Europe (France or Germany). They have been extremely happy with their lives since moving there.

My own parents have lived in France for the last 4 years rather than face retirement in London. My Dad refuses even to travel to England now as the pollution is so bad for his health.

I really wouldn't move back to a country where I know it would be a serious detriment to my health. If you end up ill, the anchor of the family....your kids will be unhappy and become disruptive...your husband will become stress and ill.....you will become more stressed and ill .... your kids will end up in a circle of kids who are equally unhappy, learning that drugs takes the pain away and so the cycle goes on.

Money and material things are never really a good reason do something. We moved because we faced a job or no job situation. This admittedly an extreme take on the situation but some of that happen to our family. Fortunately we survived but only just! Take it from me its not worth the happiness of your family.

Sue

I've got to be honest and say I think you are reading too much

I haven't heard anything about a moat and don't really give the nuclear plant too much thought. Just because the corporal punishment is legal it doesn't mean it happens. I know a middle school principal from a school in Charlotte who moved to the Clover district so his children could attend school there because he believes they will get a better education.

If you are definitely moving to Charlotte you need to start looking at the positives because at the moment it seems that you are just focusing on the bad stuff in an effort to stop your relocation.

NC has a low cost of living. You can get a lot of house for your money. The standard of living is great too.

Beautiful blue Carolina skies for most of the year.

Lovely weather, with mild winters.

A great place to bring up kids

Mountains and beaches

etc, etc.

Tracym

Are we sure this isn't a wind-up?

She was going to Boise or MA a bit ago...

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=425271

goldcrown

Not a wind up, TracyM. Boise job we turned down, and job was based in MA (still has a good portion of the company there). Then it was Manhattan they needed DH, then Atlanta was the spot they thought he could manage territories the best. Charlotte was chosen for it's proximity to the 2nd largest financial sector in the U.S.

Tracym

OK fair enough, I just wondered.

I hope you can get some help in figuring out your situation. Good luck.

goldcrown

Sorry, are you familiar with the stats of corporal punishment frequency per school year in Clover School District? Or the JDA policy itself?

Why not be informed about this (i.e. 'reading too much')? I'm responsible for my kids' education, I best read the school policies, and make an informed decision.

As far as your middle school teacher friend, I'm sure there have been lots of transfers from certain CMS schools due to poor education. The test scores and suspension data reflect huge problems. As is the debate over decentralisation. And the debate on funds toward new schools. Gorman has his hands full, without a doubt. But he also offers magnet programmes and charter schools. Something Ft. Mill, Clover, York District 1, Union County, etc do not.

I'm sure I'll enjoy the blue skies and Southern Hospitality in Charlotte. But to assume the education is what I'm expecting, and not to read a ton, is foolish. Check out The Charlotte Observer's section on 'Start Researching Early' wrt to schooling options. There are too many options in each district, complete with rezoning and transfer options, to assume 'the schools are fine'.

goldcrown

Thanks. The up and down part of this job wrt to location has a lot to do with flexibility in my DH's job (he will be traveling a lot, but no need to be in an office, he will work from home) and the upheaval going on in the company as a major player just acquired them. The usual reshuffling, arguments over how to do things, heads rolling, etc. It may be we can be in Raleigh Durham or Cary, depending on how the next stage of reshuffling goes. But for now, we're looking at homes in Charlotte.

snowbunny

How solid is your marriage?

If the marriage breaks up after six months in the US, you'll be stuck here until the kids are 18 (generally speaking).