Outlook in North Carolina

[The Cutterman]

We're contemplating relocating from CT to somewhere in NC for many reasons, including my wife's horses and wanting more property for that. I've owned my landscape/tree business for many years and been in the business and all its' ups-and-downs for over 20. Obviously the economy has affected our country as a whole, including our industry but I'd like some input from those of you who may either be in NC or know others in that area as to the outlook for viability of my business down there. We're looking around the Raleigh/Durham area and points north and east of there (past I-95), but not western NC.
We know several people who have transplanted from the north to NC and they have a positive outlook, saying there is a need for the service.
Any info would be helpful and appreciated. Thanks!

[DanManofStihl]

I sold a good bit of stuff to the outerbanks when I worked for john deere landscapes. I left there about 3 months ago and the last time I was done in eastern north carolina it looked very bleak for the irrigation and the landscape market most said they were going to end up having to lay there employees off and find other jobs. There was not one person that I talked to down there that said they were doing well. Most of the people we sold products to in the edenton Elizabeth city area were not doing well either. Some of them were actually returing there extra products so they could make pay roll. There are a couple of times I went done there to deliver products and I actually brought more products back then we sold.

[letsplay]

We have a house for sale in Angier NC, that is about twenty miles south of Raleigh, the property is three miles from being able to jump on I-40 and about ten minutes to I-95. The property is about .88 acres and has no restrictions so you could have horses, extra garage/shop etc. Neighbors are all family folk in the area and spread out so you are not right on top of anyone and you have privacy to do what you want. Just got married so don't need two houses and the one we are in now is a little closer to wifes work and my customers. PM me if you are interested or thinking about moving down this way still.

[Albery's Lawn & Tractor]

Greensboro I hear is till doing good. But it depends too on what type of business your gonna have, maintanence businesses (basic mowing services) will do good in cities with military bases. Husbands deploy and someone has to mow, and military always get a steady paycheck. In my area I make 75% of my money mowing. Its just hard to get people to spend extra for landscaping, and irrigation companies have all but folded.

[lifetree]

Greensboro I hear is till doing good. But it depends too on what type of business your gonna have, maintanence businesses (basic mowing services) will do good in cities with military bases. Husbands deploy and someone has to mow, and military always get a steady paycheck. In my area I make 75% of my money mowing. Its just hard to get people to spend extra for landscaping, and irrigation companies have all but folded.

Albery -- Good insight to your market !!

[Albery's Lawn & Tractor]

There are several military bases here in NC. Goldsboro is still doing good, Fayetville is as well. Greensboro is just a really nice place and was one of the best cities here in NC and i believe it was the fastest growing city as well. One thing I guess I should have mentioned though is competition is extremely tough as everyone with a mower is cutting. Also we don't work 12 months here, 8-9 months is the norm here.

[john_incircuit]

We are in the Raleigh - Durham area. It is not recession proof, but a number of our customers are either retired or work at one of the 3 universities around here. January was slow compared to last year, but we had a lot of rain and snow.

There is no shortage on folks that cut the grass, so you really need to find the value add that is unique to you.

[12Valve]

Got a buddy in greensboro said it was real slow the company he was working at has laid off all their irrigation guys. I was working for a company in mooresville got laid off a month ago. Lots of nascar guys around here with not so much money anymore. If I was coming to NC have you looked into wake forest are on the outskits of raleigh looks that place is fixing to explode.

[letsplay]

Wake Forest is overbuilt with high end houses that are empty. It was taking off but they don't have the infastructure to support the population increase. The drought in 2007 really showed the infastructure problems when all watering was banned. Between that and the economy and the lack of spending on roads(traffic in and out to rtp is terrible) it will be a while before growth continues there.
I think any where in nc is slow right now but not as bad as other states. We basically have had two rough years due to the drought and the economy. If the economy picks up in 2009 I think nc will take off again but I think diversity and having multi talented people around you will be key. Nc is a great place to live. Even after living in other states I always come back to nc.