The area around Charlotte is pretty densely settled suburb and growing at an alarming rate. Though the layoffs at Wachovia might slow that a little. I wouldn't want to retire In the Charlotte suburbs.

Like I said the area around York is more peaceful.

Spaw

Rock Hill and surrounding area is dense suburb. Sumter is a typical southern military town. I've not spent the night there, but I'll wager its not the ideal environment for an aging folkie.

Columbia is the capital and a university town. It has its charms but it has way too many red neck conservative Ron Paul supporter types.

The area between the Atlantic and I95 has its charms going right down the coast. But Raliegh and the triangle and a lot of smaller Carolina cities on the Piedmont are also pretty nice. In the mountains I've heard a lot of good things about Asheville.

Spartanburg and Greenville have a lot going for them as well if you can get past all the "christian", "universities". Clemson and the mountains around it is lovely.