You should consider the Piedmont Triad area as well (Winston Salem, Greensboro, High Point). Here are a few reasons why. You have a major airport (PTI), you have several choices for lakes within an hour (Lake Norman, High Rock, Baden, Smith Mountain(VA)). Schools are great, and you can get a lot of house for $700k. We have 4 kids and the public schools are great, as well as some good private schools. See more below.
* Lowest Cost of Living among major cities throughout the US.
* Easy access to the beautiful Outer Banks beaches and the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains.
* A wealth of cultural, sports, and recreation venues.
* The 3rd hottest real estate market in the U.S. for expanding and relocating companies.
* North Carolina has been ranked #1 for business climate by Site Selection magazine.
* Ranked by expansion Management as second "hottest city" for manufacturing
and second best real estate market - Fri May 23 2008, 09:26