"Hey! Where'd you come from?"

[turbocraig]

Instead of junking up other threads with miscellaneous remembrances, I thought it might be nice to have a place to chat about where we all came from, what brought us here, when we arrived, when we moved away (and often when we moved back) to the QC.  I couldn't find a thread that spoke directly to this, so apologies if one exists and I missed it.  It's probably time for a fresh take on it anyway.  I'll reiterate my last post in the SouthPark Mall thread to get things started:  I had a couple friends who moved to Charlotte (from PA and FL) in late 1993 and had kept in touch with them (via cordless pull-the-antenna-up telephone) after their move.  The PA friend had family in Waxhaw so the move was a relatively easy one for them.  In our conversations, they kept raving about how much they liked it here (and this was in '93 and for those that were here and/or cognizant, CLT was a very different place then).  I then planned a trip to come visit for a week in the middle of June, 1994 and arrived with only a suitcase with a week's worth of clothes.  Toward the end of the week, I had decided that I really wanted to be here.  It just felt right.  I quit my menial job in NY over the phone, called my parents, and told them sorry, their only child wasn't coming back and thanks for everything and can you please drive all of my stuff here at your convenience - sooner than later please.  And I never looked back.  Ok, technically I did look back a lot because for years and years I would go back to visit family and friends, but in my romanticized memories, "He never looked back....".

 

Ok, now you go.

[videtur quam contuor]

Went to Los Angeles after college with girlfriend, soon-to-be-wife, later to-be-ex-wife, and suffered through the worst of the smog period. Delhi smog, Beijing smog. Manson trial was happening, February 9 the next year a 6.5 earthquake woke us and scared the sh!t out of this flatland boy. The job was decent, the money was good but the prospects were miserable outside that. Picked Charlotte from a map. She lived in Durham for high school years, we wanted a mid south city, mid sized, we were mobile and Charlotte it was. Knew no one here no one who had been here. Tabula rasa. Exited 85 at Statesville road and there was a Howard Johnson Inn at that exit but the closer to the center of the city the more grim the street became. Spent the first night in town in the Alamo Motel on South Tryon next to the still existing Enterprise rental car building. 

Visited L. A. two years ago and went by some old neighborhoods. Bob's Big Boy restaurant where we hung out was still there. We had lunch there and at checkout I told the nice young  cashier that I had been a customer there XX decades ago. He looked at me with a blank expression for a moment and then said "Uh...welcome back?"

[KJHburg]

Charlotte born (at Mercy Hospital on Vail Ave) and lived here 2 years then moved as a kid to Philadelphia, San Antonio, south Jersey, then to Washington DC area.   Went to ECU and had all intentions of returning to DC area to live but then my parents moved back to Charlotte.  Decided DC was way too expensive even back then and this was pre-Hornets, pre-Panthers, days of NCNB FU and Wachovia those days.  Never left, built a business and the rest they say is history.  Will be buried yes I know that is not in fashion in the Oakhurst Cotswold area of south Charlotte.  Could Not Blast me out of this region for real. Life is too short not to live where you want to live.  50 miles of Trade and Tryon to the good Lord brings me home. 

Edited March 8, 2020 by KJHburg

[thenewkage95]

Charlotte born (at Mercy Hospital on Vail Ave) and lived here 2 years then moved as a kid to Philadelphia, San Antonio, south Jersey, then to Washington DC area.   Went to ECU and had all intentions of returning to DC area to live but then my parents moved back to Charlotte.  Decided DC was way too expensive even back then and this was pre-Hornets, pre-Panthers, days of NCNB FU and Wachovia those days.  Never left built a business and the rest they say is history.  Will be buried yes I know that is not in fashion in the Oakhurst Cotswold area of south Charlotte.  Could Not Blast me out of this region for real. Life is too short not to live where you want to live.  50 miles of Trade and Tryon to the good Lord brings me home. 

That may be the most beautiful post I’ve ever seen. I think I teared up a little.
Anyways I’m from Charlotte too. Born in CMC main sometime last century. Moved to Raleigh to go to NC State, but came back to Charlotte a few years later. Even more in love with the city now that I’ve been back.


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[Madison Parkitect]

Born in DC, moved to Cincinnati around age 1, then to Rock Hill at age 12 (1995). Went to high school there and then college in Nashville, and then came back here to go to grad school at UNCC (2006). Met my wife here and left for Seattle in 2014. Came back here a year ago because all four parents live here and we have two toddlers so being around the grandparents is really helpful. I miss Seattle a ton but am growing to love Charlotte again like I used to.

My family also has direct ancestors that lived in this area in the 1700s before moving to be one of the early families in what became Asheville, before my grandpa moved to DC to work for the NSA. If my research is right I've got a couple people buried in a very old cemetery around here somewhere but I forget where. But it seems like we've come full circle to my family being back in Charlotte, it help me feel very connected to the history here. The south has ghosts and I feel that.

[SouthEndCLT811]

Grew up in Cleveland, after college I started a job on my 22nd birthday along with four other new hires.  Two became real close friends but after a year I didn't think a career in insurance was for me.  Went back to grad school and crammed two years worth of classes into one.  After I finished I visited those two friends who had moved for jobs down here and I was sold after a weekend this was where I wanted to be.

Moved three weeks later in August 2010 with a bit of savings and no job.  Worked at the Bloom in Dilworth for about two months before I got a full time job.  Since then I've met my wife, bought a house, rescued the best little pup and made many more lifelong friends.  I no longer consider myself "from Ohio but live in Charlotte" if anyone asks now I'm from here and don't have any intention of leaving!

Edited March 8, 2020 by SouthEndCLT811

[KJHburg]

One point even though I lived outside of Charlotte all my relatives with a few exceptions were in the Charlotte area.  So I came back every year usually for weeks in the summer and went uptown because my aunts, my grandmother worked uptown.   My aunt used to save the business articles from MS Van Hecke from the Charlotte Observer of new buildings or new announcements for me and I will read them when I came to town.   So born here, moved away and got back as soon as I could and won't leave.  Ever.  within 50 miles of Trade and Tryon and no further up north than Mooresville LOL. 

[CLT2014]

Born and raised in Southern California, moved here with Bank of America in 2012 as they closed most of the ex-Countrywide facilities in the San Fernando Valley and Ventura County. No longer with BofA (significantly more opportunities to jump banks here), but still here in the Queen City and love it! Our son was born at CMC Pineville. This is now home.

Edited March 9, 2020 by CLT2014

[KJHburg]

1 minute ago, CLT2014 said:

Born and raised in Southern California, moved here with Bank of America in 2012 as they closed most of the ex-Countrywide facilities in the San Fernando Valley and Ventura County. No longer with BofA (significantly more opportunities to jump banks here), but still here in the Queen City and love it!

Next time you go out west  I will take a Double Double animal style, extra crispy fries and shake. 

[CLT2014]

Just now, KJHburg said:

Next time you go out west  I will take a Double Double animal style, extra crispy fries and shake. 

Got a wedding coming up. I got you.

[DMann]

Born and raised in Parma Ohio, Cleveland suburb.  Left Cleveland in 1975 for Pittsburgh, left Pittsburgh in 1987 for Virginia Beach, left VaBch in 1996 to work on the First Union account for my company, will never leave, anyone under 50, Charlotte has a fantastic future for you.

[turbocraig]

31 minutes ago, DMann said:

Born and raised in Parma Ohio, Cleveland suburb.  Left Cleveland in 1975 for Pittsburgh, left Pittsburgh in 1987 for Virginia Beach, left VaBch in 1996 to work on the First Union account for my company, will never leave, anyone under 50, Charlotte has a fantastic future for you.

Don’t limit the cut-off to 50!  Those parents I mentioned?  The ones that drove my stuff down here in 1994?  They sold their house in NY and retired to Ballantyne in Sept 2018.  They love it here.  And my friend from PA’s parents.... also moved here after a decade stint in FL.  It’s like watching mercury coalesce. 

[turbocraig]

7 minutes ago, turbocraig said:

Don’t limit the cut-off to 50!  Those parents I mentioned?  The ones that drove my stuff down here in 1994?  They sold their house in NY and retired to Ballantyne in Sept 2018.  They love it here.  And my friend from PA’s parents.... also moved here after a decade stint in FL.  It’s like watching mercury coalesce. 

And another friend who’s from Ft Lauderdale and has lived here since the mid-90’s after graduating from Elon has parents that bought a house in Oakhurst and moved up from FLL a couple years ago.  And brought their eldest grandson with them. 

Edited March 8, 2020 by turbocraig

[KJHburg]

I can't tell you how my parents have relocated to this area to be near their adult kids and grandkids.  a funny story I knew a divorced set of parents from CT that their daughters lived here and one bought first in Sun City Carolina Lakes and the other elsewhere as he said that community was not big enough for the both of them LOL!  

I read somewhere can't find it now the fastest growing age groups in Charlotteregion  are the 20 somethings and the over 65 crowd.   Honestly with great medical care we have here, great connectivity with our airport and moderate cost of living and mild 4 seasons I see why.  

[Madison Parkitect]

1 hour ago, KJHburg said:

I can't tell you how my parents have relocated to this area to be near their adult kids and grandkids.  a funny story I knew a divorced set of parents from CT that their daughters lived here and one bought first in Sun City Carolina Lakes and the other elsewhere as he said that community was not big enough for the both of them LOL!  

I read somewhere can't find it now the fastest growing age groups in Charlotteregion  are the 20 somethings and the over 65 crowd.   Honestly with great medical care we have here, great connectivity with our airport and moderate cost of living and mild 4 seasons I see why.  

When my family moved to Rock Hill all four of my seventy-something grandparents moved down from DC.

[15895]

Born (1992) and raised in Charlotte.(Presbyterian hospital Now known as Novant).

I lived all over the metro, all over the city and Meck County. Interned at BofA Corp. Center and briefly worked in SouthPark high rise and went into the gold building on independence for an interview. I’ve done ever Charlotte thing one could imagine. All the traditions. Every event. Etc.

 

Moved to DC upon graduating UNC Charlotte in 2018

 

[grodney]

Lived in Nebraska and Iowa until we got tired of cold and snow in 2001.  The choice was between Phoenix, Austin, and Charlotte.  Didn't know anybody in Phoenix or Austin.  My wife's brother had recently moved to Charlotte and  her parents had recently moved to Wilmington, so here we are.  

[rancenc]

Native North Carolina resident here....always have lived in the Greater Charlotte area.  Grew up in Salisbury and lived there for quite awhile.  Went to college at Western Carolina University.  Lived in Charlotte in the early 90's and currently reside in Cabarrus County/Harrisburg.

[InSouthPark]

Grew up in  Northern Central PA, hated the cold.  My roommate in college, his best friend was actually a starting  offensive lineman for the Panthers  in their first NFC championship run.  When he would visit my roommate (and play beer pong with us) he always commented on how nice Charlotte was.  Then my roommate went to his house for the NFC championship weekend and came back raving about the city.   So I started researching cities and Charlotte looked pretty great.   I was from a very rural area in PA so I wasn't ready to go from farm country to giant city but Charlotte size was just right.  After visiting Jacksonville and Atlanta, I immediately crossed them off my list.   Got in touch with an older friend I used to know that lived here working for USAir and they invited us down.  Instantly fell in love. 

Got a consulting gig right out of college and been here ever since (1998).  A year later, my other roommate from college moved here too.  I have multiple high school classmates that live here too (tiny school....90 kids per grade) which is pretty crazy.  At one time, there were 5 kids from my graduating HS class in CLT.  

My daughter is heading into HS next year so I give CLT at least another 6 years before I move closer to some mountains (maybe something drastic like Denver or  maybe just Asheville).  

[KJHburg]

1 hour ago, InSouthPark said:

Grew up in  Northern Central PA, hated the cold.  My roommate in college, his best friend was actually a starting  offensive lineman for the Panthers  in their first NFC championship run.  When he would visit my roommate (and play beer pong with us) he always commented on how nice Charlotte was.  Then my roommate went to his house for the NFC championship weekend and came back raving about the city.   So I started researching cities and Charlotte looked pretty great.   I was from a very rural area in PA so I wasn't ready to go from farm country to giant city but Charlotte size was just right.  After visiting Jacksonville and Atlanta, I immediately crossed them off my list.   Got in touch with an older friend I used to know that lived here working for USAir and they invited us down.  Instantly fell in love. 

Got a consulting gig right out of college and been here ever since (1998).  A year later, my other roommate from college moved here too.  I have multiple high school classmates that live here too (tiny school....90 kids per grade) which is pretty crazy.  At one time, there were 5 kids from my graduating HS class in CLT.  

My daughter is heading into HS next year so I give CLT at least another 6 years before I move closer to some mountains (maybe something drastic like Denver or  maybe just Asheville).  

I would suggest the NC mountains so you can still drive to the ocean within 6 hours.  Our mountains have a town for everybody artsy, backwoodsy, remote, larger, ski towns, high elevations, low elevations, gated etc. 

[InSouthPark]

3 minutes ago, KJHburg said:

I would suggest the NC mountains so you can still drive to the ocean within 6 hours.  Our mountains have a town for everybody artsy, backwoodsy, remote, larger, ski towns, high elevations, low elevations, gated etc. 

Yeah I love the mountains here.  Will see where the career goes for both of us as my GF has a much higher earning potential so it may be a case of chasing some money for 10 years in  a larger city before looking toward retirement (although looking at the markets...that aint happening anytime soon).   

[ertley]

I always feel like a little bit of an imposter here because I've never actually lived *in* Charlotte. I'm from York County, and I live in DC, but most of my family is still in the area. I realize most people could care less, so it's no backdoor brag, but I'm descended from the original setters of Charlotte (the Spratts, Thomas Polk collaterally, the Alexanders, yada yada) through various (g grand)maternal lines, and so I've been interested in Charlotte's history as long as I can remember, besides history in general. I kind of thought of it as "my" town--but mainly when in opposition to those who would try and denigrate it! I can't tell you how many times I've had to *educate* a few people who've started to dismiss Charlotte in my presence...I'm kind of an extension service of the Chamber or something.  

My parents are (both twice) divorced, so I went to school in several different places, but my mother worked in Charlotte for several years before she re-married, and I can remember Charlotte from the early '80s so clearly. Her (future) second husband decided to be *bold* one night, fairly late, when driving us back out of town after something, and as a consequence I can lay claim to being one of the first people to ever travel on the Billy Graham Parkway, because he decided to just go straight through the light at Woodlawn/South Tryon and weave between the plastic drums still blocking the not-yet-officially-opened thoroughfare. We were literally the only car on the road, all the way up to 85, if my memory serves correctly. 

Perhaps the best job I ever had was the summer between college and grad school when I worked in the US Airways mailroom at Douglas airport--just through a temp agency. It was a couple of years before 9/11, and because I had to deliver the company mail, everywhere, I had the highest security clearance--*all* the colors on my badge--and went through every back corridor in the main terminal, as an 18 year old with no real credentials! Every flight coming in and every flight going out had company mail bags, and so in the morning and the afternoon you collected and distributed all CLT-bound mail and distributed all outgoing mail--and since CLT is a hub, you were also just transferring a lot of mail from one flight to another. It was such a great job, because you had to have two people to do it due to the fact there was an internal route and an external route (to all the service buildings), with delivery twice a day, and one person couldn't do both routes in the same day, *but* it didn't take a full eight hours to do either route, so if you were efficient, which I was, you had nice stretch of down time in the afternoon--because you needed to wait for as many flights as possible in the afternoon before doing the afternoon run. I took a two hour nap every day after lunch. Dream. (Pre-internet and smart phones, so there was nothing else to do except read a book.) My mail van for the external route was one of those vehicles you see parked down on the tarmac below the planes, and I had to really be careful to look in all directions before I backed up, to make sure I didn't get in the way of a taxi-ing plane. A cherry on top of the sundae was that I had to deliver mail to the old terminal--catering among other divisions were located there, if memory serves me--and so it helped augment my only memory of having been in the airport when it was still an airport, when we picked up my grandmother sometime in '79 or '80 I guess...     

I travel back home at least a half dozen times a year, so I feel like it's a second home, and I plan to retire (at least part time) there (one day): My mother inherited my grandparents' house and my sister, who's lived in Charlotte ever since she finished college, won't have any use for it... I first found Urban Planet when I was checking on some development project, via Google, a few years ago, because as the only son of a divorced mother and brother of a soon-to-be-single sister, I end up spending all of my time when home on "to do" lists at either location. But *one day* I'm going to take an afternoon when it's nice and see all of this firsthand rather than relying on the UP!  

[DMann]

Quite a story, welcome!

[SentioVenia]

Born in Lancaster, PA.

Moved to Winston-Salem in 1973 when my dad got a job transfer.

Went to Boston briefly for college.

Moved to Charlotte on  August 14, 1988 – two days after the infamous Coliseum scoreboard collapse – to attend UNCC.  

Never left.

[KJHburg]

1 hour ago, SentioVenia said:

Born in Lancaster, PA.

Moved to Winston-Salem in 1973 when my dad got a job transfer.

Went to Boston briefly for college.

Moved to Charlotte on  August 14, 1988 – two days after the infamous Coliseum scoreboard collapse – to attend UNCC.  

Never left.

It nearly took out Billy Graham as it was just day after I think he dedicated the new Coliseum.  He even joked about it.