We moved to North Carolina but are about to leave because the salaries aren't high enough and the diversity we value ended at the city limits

Wed, 03/15/2023 - 11:05

Cielo De Jose and William Scott moved from California to North Carolina a year ago, and are already planning to head back west.
Cielo De Jose

Cielo De Jose and William Scott left California to live a more relaxed and affordable lifestyle.
They opted to rent in Charlotte, North Carolina, because of the affordability and diversity.
The state hasn't lived up to their expectations, so they've decided to return to California.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with spouses Cielo De Jose, 37, and William Scott, 50, about their experiences moving from Riverside, California, to Charlotte, North Carolina, in February 2022. The couple has decided to return to the West Coast. The following has been edited for length and clarity.