Charlotte?

[diam124]

My husband and I currently live in Maryland (DC/Baltimore area) and he has a couple connections at a large employer in the Charlotte area. Due to the fact that he hates his job and the cost of living is pretty high where we are, we're in the early stages of considering a move to the Charlotte area. I know absolutely nothing about the area though. What are considered nice areas of Charlotte? (we tend to favor newer suburban neighborhoods with a lot of amenities, but I'm not against older nice areas). Where are the best school districts? From what I've seen on real estate websites we could afford a really nice house, but what areas should I narrow the search down to? What bothers me most about where we are right now is that in my opinion, the public schools around us are not very good and the housing prices are outrageous in the best school district (which still isn't great in my opinion).

[southerner]

You should PM Jaycee. I doubt she'll see this thread. She doesn't log on that often.

[mamax2]

I lived there a few years ago. South Charlotte has a lot of the newer developments/subdivisions, but I prefer Dilworth area b/c it has a lot more character and is much closer to downtown (the difference b/t a 45 minute commute and a 10-15 minute commute). I've heard the city's developed a lot (for the better, which amazes me b/c I thought it was pretty darn cool as it was!). Good luck w/your move - it's a great town.

[chandy]

So funny to see someone else posting this thread! We've just started considering/researching a move to Charlotte as well. It would be a HUGE change for us, but I think we're ready for a change, and so ready to get out of the heat.

I have all of the same questions as you, diam124 so I thought I'd subscribe to this thread!

[KrissyCat7]

We are also moving to the Charlotte area in October. We are looking in Concord, Conrnelius, and Huntersville. If anyone knows anything about any of those areas, Id appreciate any tips, advice, etc.

[diam124]

Question about the Dilworth area - how are the public schools there?

[mamax2]

Question about the Dilworth area - how are the public schools there?
I honestly don't know a thing about the schools in Charlotte. I was single then so that never really crossed my mind. My bosses (one of whom lived in Dilworth, the other in South Charlotte) both sent their kids to private or parochial school. Most colleagues I worked with did the same. Not sure that's what you want to hear...

[mya174]

I am a Charlotte native, currently living in Gaston County. I will be glad to answer questions! I taught school in both Charlotte-Mecklenburg and Gaston County schools. IMO, I would look to buy a house in Gaston County, Union County, or the Fort Mill area. Really anywhere outside of CLT. The school system in Charlotte has disappointed many people. There are constantly issues in the paper about Charlotte schools. Make sure you do your research on the neighborhoods before you pick an area. Dilworth is great but expensive. You don't get a lot of house or property for you money.

I moved to Gaston County so my child would not go to Charlotte schools. This is becoming a popular move for a lot of people. One real estate web site you may want to check out is carolinahome.com .

If you have any questions feel free to ask away!

[Camdynlyn]

I'm originally from Albemarle (about 40 minutes east of Charlotte) so we go there often. My mother works in Concord and it's a beautiful area. I was just coming to suggest PMing Jaycee as well. She lives in the Ballentine area. VERY nice area. I've been to her house and it's a newer place with TONS of shopping areas/eateries.

I have friends that teach in Union County and Charlotte-Meck. I would also suggest the Union County schools but I think the Charlotte-Meck schools are decent. Kinda similar to the situation we (Wake County-- Raleigh) are in. I'm a teacher so I hear it all the time but it's just because the counties are growing and the number of kids is outrageous and it's hard to manage and make everyone happy in the biggest county in the state.

I'm excited that more and more people are looking at NC to move. It's beautiful here and we'd love to have more people at our regular GTGs! :D We usually have between 5-10 as is!

[chandy]

Thanks for all of the information so far! I was looking at that carolinahome.com website and found lots of cute houses in Union County in our price range. How long of a commute to Charlotte would that be?

As far as schools go, coming from Arizona anything would be an improvement:rolleyes: We don't exactly lead the nation in public education here...

I would definitely come to the GTGs when we move out there. I'd love to make some friends in the area!

[mya174]

Thanks for all of the information so far! I was looking at that carolinahome.com website and found lots of cute houses in Union County in our price range. How long of a commute to Charlotte would that be?

As far as schools go, coming from Arizona anything would be an improvement:rolleyes: We don't exactly lead the nation in public education here...

I would definitely come to the GTGs when we move out there. I'd love to make some friends in the area!

I love carolinahome! Makes house hunting SO much easier. As for the commute, it would depend on where in Union you live and where in CLT you work. Stallings, Indian Trail, Waxhaw, Hemby Ridge(or is it Bridge, I forget)...are all close to CLT.

I hear really good things about Union County Schools.

Let me know if I can be of any help!

[Holls]

We are also moving to the Charlotte area in October. We are looking in Concord, Conrnelius, and Huntersville. If anyone knows anything about any of those areas, Id appreciate any tips, advice, etc.


I'm grew up in Concord and loved it. My family still lives there! If you think of anything in particular that you want to know feel free to ask! :)