North Carolina is wonderful! Charlotte was just ranked the best place to live (the source escapes me at the moment). I live in NC and grew up about 25 minutes from Charlotte. And yes, Charlotte does get an occasional RARE hurricane. Hugo hit in '89 and was quite devastating. But I think you will like it (although, as with any city, some parts are better than others . You will find it is a well rounded city with mountains 1 1/2 hours away, beaches 4 hours away, shopping, theatre, music, industry, and smiling southern faces!

Having said that, I am actually looking to immigrate to the U.K.! It's not that I don't love NC, I just need a change of scenery because I am newly divorced. Any advice out there? I've visited the U.K. twice, and adored it. I'm a nurse and am finding that it is next to impossible for U.S. citizens to live in the U.K. unless you are a student.

thanks for your help!