Honestly, I don't understand the Charlotte-bashing that has become such a popular hobby these days. Especially not coming from a place like Union County, which seems to be living on the reputation it had 30 years ago. Unfortunately, in 2006 it's exurbia-on-steroids. Fastest growing county in North Carolina, meaning developments are popping up faster than toadstools and the infrastructure is strained to the point of collapse. Last time I was down there (having driven no faster than 15 mph in the gridlock on Highway 16) I drove past a dead deer carcass lying at the edge of a Target Superstore under construction, in the middle of what used to be fields and forests, and that kind of summed the place up for me. Charlotte will be a good fit for you if you need culture in your life (excellent opera, symphony, ballet company, several theatres) some actual gourmet and/or ethnic food now and then (we are not talking Macaroni Grill, ok?), and the hustle and bustle of lots of different kinds of people. Best of all, the city is well-known for its beautiful gardens, and there are many gardening groups and public gardens to become involved with and learn with. You should check it out.

Welcome- you will have a lot of fun checking out the local nurseries. For native plants- Try Meadow Beauty nursery. Carl & Donna are the best. Located on Ranches Rd. Near Hypoluxo & Jog. They are open to the public on Sat. only from 8-12. Their property is awesome and with the cooler weather coming you will be able to see LOTS of birds and wildlife. Also check out Abell's Nursery on Hypoluxo. Family owned. Very nice staff. Tropicals- Excelsa is awesome and if you are into bamboo, Tropical Bamboo is right around the bend from them. Beverly

I have been quietly lurking and reading the threads, but had to jump in and post on this one. I am originally from NC and loved it there, but we found it too expensive to buy retirement land there. We found a gorgeous piece of property on a high bank of the Illinois River in Havana, IL. There is a large nature preserve across the river that will never be developed and ruin our view. Bald eagles fish in the river in front of our land. The little town of Havana is so quaint, there are even cobblestone streets in the downtown area! It is my dream land and I can't wait to build a house up there. The only drawback to the area is that duck hunting season is a big deal and for that part of the year, there are a lot of hunters and duck blinds. I really don't have anything against hunters, I just don't want to see any beautiful ducks get shot. I love reading about everyone else's "perfect place". I had a sister who retired to Florida a few years ago. That was the year of the 3 big hurricanes to hit the coast. She moved away the next year. Ha ha.

That has nothing to do with a one or two story. I am in Sarasota County and am building a two story of 2800 square feet. What you can't build is a home with a gable roof. It needs to be a hipped roof for hurricane codes. You will have to build above the flood zone though or else you won't be able to get insurance. If you'd like you can message me.