Need your help with a big decision...

[yankedudel]

Aces,

My family could use your help.  We are tossing around the idea of a move from Suburban Detroit to Charlotte.  We can't seem to decide.  One day we are leaning toward staying in Michigan, the next we think moving to NC would be best. 
We both grew up here in Michigan (though we did a 2 year stint in Florida due to my job). 
My wife's company is headquartered in Charlotte and we think it would be a good career move for her to move but that means I would have to find a new job.
We have family in both places but obviously no friends in Charlotte.
The wife hates the cold weather here in Michigan.
We would be pretty close to buying a great little farm house here in Michigan close to my wife's Aunt who said she is willing to provide free daycare for our 3 year old daughter ($1000/month savings).
In NC we would have to pay daycare and be stuck with renting an apartment or house for another year or so.

We are pulling our hair out on this one.  We made a list and the pro's and con's of each pretty much outweigh each other.

We know Michigan is a DUMP but we are blessed with good jobs at this point and have always called Michigan home.

Any input would be appreciated.

 
YAF1

[Gaidin]

The only suggestion I would have for you is to consider the 2 most important things.

Which will make you the HAPPIEST!

Which is the most economic in the long run, not the short term.

[redwing7]

I grew up in michigan and have lived there all my life, i spent 34 years in the thumb on saginaw bay and thought I would never be happy anywhere else. 5 years ago I moved to the grayling/gaylord area, it took me and especially my wife about a year to get used to the change.
Now we love it, but because I'm directly involved with the auto industry and manufactoring (if your not from michigan, what that means is both of those industries are dying in michigan) we are considering moving out of state. That's something I wouldn't even considered not very long ago. I guess what I'm saying is you have to do what's best for you and your family, and home isn't where you are from it's where you make it. I completely agree with Gaiden on the economic part, that would be my biggest factor.

good luck with your decision.

 

[SIM]

Think long and hard Sir!

Charlotte is quickly becoming a ghost-town. Banking is and has always been the major economic force in Charlotte. But things have taken a nose dive. People are losing their jobs every day in Charlotte, so finding work is going to be hard to do.

The company I work for is based in Charlotte, and even though it is not in banking, folks are very concerned for their jobs.

What kind of work are YOU looking to do?

I would suggest do research somewhere other than the AH BBS. And dont trust any one source at that!

[AKHog]

If you both have jobs now, in this economy, it's hard give them up.

It sounds like you already know this, but want to justify the move anyway.

Perhaps you just want something new, or are just trying to get away from your current situation. It could suck, it could eventually be worth it, either way its going to be hard before anything.

The answer that really works the best may or may not even be one of the options you provided. Either way its unlikely you'll find a good answer to such a complex problem on a forum where nobody knows the countless factors to consider.

[yankedudel]

Understood.
We aren't looking for anyone to make a decision for us just looking for input on things we may have missed.
Thank you for all of the replies.
YAF1

[1pLUs44]

How are the summers in each place compared to the winters?

[Reschke]

Consider this...Charlotte is a great town to live in...but there are more and better jobs in the northern part of North Carolina, the southern part of South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama than in that part of North Carolina. I have several customers around Charlotte saying don't come live here now.

[WilldCrd]

STAY! the economic situation is going to get worse before it gets better. you both have jobs in Mich. If you move you will be a 1 income family which is perilous in these times. You have a kid so IMO she should be your primary concerned as in supporting her, providing a secure environment for her and a roof over her head. All the other stuff aside <weather, friends, family> The job situation should be your biggest concern as far as security goes. I would stay put for now. atleast for the next year and see how things shake out