STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

stardust · Kenneth Cole

Moving advice: Anyone who has lived in Phoenix/ Charlotte NC/ DC area??

Aurora · Marc Jacobs

I've never lived in any of those places. I think Claudia has family in Phoenix so she could probably tell you about them.

I have spent a week in Phoenix and will say that it did get fairly hot. I was there in mid-June 2 years ago and it was in the low 100s every day. It was a fairly dry heat so it wasn't anything I thought was miserable compared to the sticky/wet heat we have in the southeast (Texas and Louisiana). I just made sure to be indoors during the hottest parts of the day and drank plenty of water the whole time to stay hydrated and did fine. Coming from Canada it might be a pretty big shock though.

I've spent about 24 hours in Charlotte so I can't really tell you anything about it. It seemed nice from the little I saw. I think they have ice and light snow but you would be use to that. I hear that a lot of people opt to live in South Carolina which isn't too far of a drive because Charlotte taxes are higher than south of the border.

Bastet · Kate Spade

I live in the Northern VA suburbs, outside of DC. Gaithersburg is about 25 miles outside of the city. Property is expensive in the DC area, but from what I understand, it's cheaper to live in MD than VA. A lot of my co workers live in MD. I love DC! I can't really talk about how expensive it is outside of real estate prices because I've lived here so long, I'm used to it. I don't think it's that bad, but I don't live inside the city, where sales tax is higher and I think food prices are higher too. DC is really fun, there are lots of things to do and a ton of fabulous restaurants!

lynnie · Chanel

I'm from Maryland- the DC area is great and Maryland has a lot to offer for such a small state. My college bf was actually from Gaithersburg. I think that's a good place to live- I was reading somewhere that DC is one of the only places where people aren't losing jobs and is actually doing really well.

My granddad/dad are from Charlotte. I think it's just okay. It is a city that was doing really well with banking, and I think has taken a pretty hard hit with the economy. I found it to be kind of soul-less when I was there- everything was too new for my tastes. I love North Carolina as a state though.

I would probably never pick Arizona. I like seasons.

pollyjean23 · Marc Jacobs

I don't have time at this moment to divulge what I know about Charlotte (I live there now), but I will get back here to do that for you. If I forget, PM me. With the boards turning over so far, it's easier to miss something, Stardust.

alb · Marc Jacobs

i live in the dc area - in a VA suburb. i don't know much about gaithersburg or MD in general as i've always lived in VA, but i really like the dc area in general. the only negatives imo are the traffic and high cost of living (mainly real estate). other than that, it's great. it's actually also a very pretty area, with beautiful foliage and hills in parts (i'm originally from tx, which is really flat and ugly though, so maybe my opinion is skewed). there are lots of cultural and outdoorsy things to do, the shopping is good and there are lots of great restaurants. i would recommend going to the washington post's website and doing a search on gaithersburg for more specific info. hope that helps.

stardust · Kenneth Cole

Thanks so much for the replies- everything helps. It's nice to hear that Maryland has some pretty nature - where I am now it's urban sprawl and I'm not sure it's for me. Also interesting about the Phoenix heat- I know BF is quite keen on the area but he also visited it in winter! Over 100 every day sounds pretty tough.

I hear that both Phoenix and Charlotte have taken bigger hits in this economy.

And thanks Pollyjean -will do, thanks for that.

It's good to have options but if you can tell- I'm not great with decisions..!
If anyone else can weigh in please do!

Kel · Coach

I have only been to D.C, but from what I read it seems like Charlotte is up and coming. They have the light rain and a few big businesses that have their headquarters there. I am not sure how they faired with the boom. I visited D.C., I don't know much about living there, but I think it is awesome. It has so much history. It seems like there is always something going on. As for Phoneix, I would pick that as my 3rd choice. It is hot and I don't really like the desert. I am a E.Coast type of girl. Also I would check the crime rate, I thought I hear something on the news the other day that it has a high kidnapping rate. (I may be wrong).

Alikat · Kate Spade

I have been to DC and Phoenix, and to be honest would not like to live in the . It gets insanely hot in Arizona.

As for DC, I have heard the economy is doing well there, so if you will be looking for work there will be more opportunities. Its also really pretty and cosmopolitan. There is so much to do - free museums and great restaurants!

stardust · Kenneth Cole

I agree with liking seasons. Alikat- did you mean you would not liek to live in Phoenix? Wasn't sure from your sentence- sounds like you like DC though - it's a popular place and as people keep saying- maybe it's "recession proof".

ILoveChoo · Hermes

I LOVE DC! Moving away was one of the worst decisions I ever made. Property is expensive, but not completely outrageous and I find that the cost of living other than that is on par with anyplace else I've lived (mostly upstate NY). Don't live in DC proper- taxes are much higher. When I moved from DC to a VA suburb, my take-home jumped by about $100 per paycheck because of taxes.