Hello
I need anybody to be honest with me. My husband and I live in Germany and he told me last night that we (he's Military) have got posted to the U.S (North Carolina).

I have literally come out in cold sweats, I knew this day would come but I am terrified. I have had loads of American friends tell me that North Carolina is lovely, but I have 2 British friends (Also married Men in U.S Forces) who have been posted there and have left saying that its terrible. I am so worried about moving to the states as it’s so far away can anyone give me some advice? I know I know I married a yank so I should have thought of this before, but I thought I did and I thought I was ok with it. Its not that I don't like the sates everytime I have visited I have liked it but living there is different. Hope this makes sense! and I am not coming across as a cry baby.
If its terrible please tell me so at least when I get there, I won’t be in for a huge surprise.
If the states or any info on NC is positive that would be highly appreciated.
Thank you a very concerned Brit

forget being worried, come here with an open mind and you'll prolly have a blast.

I'm an American but will hope to retire in a few years to North Carolina. From this board, you will find there is a large expat community in NC and you will feel right at home. Take it you will be moving to the Fayetteville area.

It's normal to be nervous about a big life change. It is an adventure and one you might thoroughly enjoy. A lovely climate, mild winters, an ocean close by and many lakes and rivers. The mountains only a few hours away. NC has it all when you come right down to it.

BTW here's a link to the State you might want to look over.

http://www.carolinaliving.com/default1.asp

Yep I know, I am sure once it sinks in and I do research on NC it will be fine. At the moment just a bit shocked and worried

Thank you Rete and Manc. It is a huge change and like you said a big adventure.

There are a lot of worse places to live.

And NC ..is not that far from Florida ....

Doesnt have a Tesco's though.

They will love your british accent in NC.

.... but stay away from the iced tea it's yukkkkkk!

Which base are you going to ? Seymoor Johnson ??

I must be starting to become americanized as I do drink the ice tea now.

:scared:

Don't worry, I still drink hot PG tips regually too and have managed to get my father in law to drink it.

NC is one of those states that has great variation in it. As an example it elected both Jesse Helms (a very conservative Republican) and John Edwards (was Democratic nominee for VP in last election) to the US Senate. The "Triangle" around Rayleigh Durham is quite cosmopolitan while the West of the state in the Appalacians is rural and I think it would be a big shock for anyone from Europe. I think you'll find NC generally more socially conservative than most of Europe. An idea of the social/political character of the various regions of NC can be found by looking at the websites of the Senators and various Representatives.

http://www.nccbi.org/north_carolina_us.htm

FYI I'm liberal and live in MA and I wouldn't ever consider living in NC, just my feeling though.

Phew .... you had me a bit worried for a while