I've been in Raleigh almost four months now, so I figured some reflections are in order for my dear readers and for myself as well to look back on.
Long story short, I love it here and I can't see myself ever going back. Although don't think it has been all sunshine and rainbows, I have definitely had my share of difficulties and necessary adjustments. That's just life and the risks you take when moving across the country. One of the biggest things I've learned thus far is that I can handle anything, which is one of the big things I wanted to be able to prove to myself.
Weather
I moved down at the end of January and the weather has been infinitely better than Michigan, but it has flip-flopped a lot these past few months just like it does during Michigan winter/spring. What I mean is, the weather was 50-75 degrees when I first got here and then it was 40-60 degrees, and now it’s anywhere from 80-95 degrees.
Although the weather here does have it's downfalls, I hear the heat/humidity in late summer is nothing to sneeze at. 80-100% humidity down here sometimes, which I am not looking forward to because I have somewhat frizzy, very wavy hair. I'll be sure to let you know my thoughts on the southern summer weather here soon!
Entertainment
This one is pretty important to me because it's one of the main reasons I left Michigan. I am sure everyone can agree on wanting to live somewhere where there are plenty of interesting and fun things to do.
In terms of Raleigh, there is sooo much to do! I feel like there is always something if not more than one something going on every week and weekend. There are tons of random festivals, free things, tons of of parks, fitness studios, bars, restaurants, and you're two-three hours from the mountains and two hours from the ocean/beach! The food is great, the music scene here is phenomenal, new places popping up always, the parking downtown here is pretty dang good (free after 5 on weekdays and all day on weekends), and the list could go on forever.
Now this part is most important, if you are visiting Raleigh or Charlotte or moving here (congrats and let's be friends!) please please please download the app "Offline". It's a game changer. Every city should have one tbh. The app compiles all events (free or paid), new openings, etc. into one app, so you'll always know what's going on and what to do at all times! What did I tell you, GAME CHANGER.
Culture
The type of people and social atmosphere in a city is also pretty crucial to one's happiness and well-being. If you don't feel a connection to the people and culture around you, then it's hard to feel like you belong.
Raleigh's culture is a very interesting one and definitely took some time to adjust to. Southern culture is still very much a thing even here, disclaimer: I don't consider this be very far south.
Fashion
People dress up a lot more and also don't at the same time. What I mean is when people go out for the night here, there is less emphasis on dressing up or at least a lot less provocatively. That sounds bad, but I just mean I'm used to people trying to look hot when they go out and here they would just wear what they wore during the day if that makes sense. It's not a bad thing, just something to adjust to.
Now for brunch, that's a whole different ball game. People come wearing their Sunday best for brunch, which threw me off a bit. I went to a brunch right after yoga because they were in the same plaza, so I didn't change afterwards and man did I feel like a slob. Linen dresses everywhere, linen dresses are big down here btw.
People
Something to keep in mind as you come down south, is that religion and marriage become more and more prevelant. That isn’t bad, it’s just something to consider before moving here.
Another thing to note, is how gosh darn nice everyone is. It’s really putting everyone else to shame. People will go out of their way for you when they just met you twenty minutes ago. It’s a little alarming at first when you’re not used to it because it has you wondering what’s the catch, but people genuinely just want to help and be neighborly. It’s really heartwarming.
That’s all I have for reflections for now, I’m sure I’ll have more as time goes on. Let me know if you liked this, and I’ll do more in the future! Thanks for following along with my adventures!