Concord - Highland Creek or Laurel Park (Charlotte, Kannapolis: real estate, crime)

[JustCreepin']

Hello all,

I'm newly registered, but have been lurking and searching the forums for the last several months. There is a wealth of info on here !!

Quick info to help you out:
1. Family of 4, wife is Stay-At-Home Mom, 2 kids ages 3yr & 1yr.
2. Job is moving me to Salisbury, NC; however, moving from a small town in TN & having my parents located in Indian Trail makes me want to be inbetween and close to Charlotte - like Concord! I will most likely be commuting up I-85 to get to work.
3. This past weekend, went on a house-hunting trip with my wife (she is currently visiting the parents in Indian Trail & I came down for the weekend) and saw Highland Creek, Winding Walk, Christenbury, Laurel Park, Kellswater Bridge, & Moss Creek.

Now, for the questions:

To me, the easiest thing to do is to build new - no looking at a lot of houses or waiting for the "right one" to pop up.

That being said, it seems like the Cabarrus side of Highland Creek is almost all built out! We are looking specifically at St. Lawrence Homes in the Dominion (Glen?) part of Highland Creek - it is very close to the amenities (very important for the wife) and the entrance is "on the edge" of Highland Creek (closer to I-85 for me). Sounds good, right? However, is it just me or are the builders gouging prices on the remaining lots? Builder was adding a $16,000 "lot premium", and trust me - the lot wasn't "premium"! Also, $17K for front-face brick - I wouldn't even get that except almost every house on the street has it and my house would stand out! Is this normal? My main concern is that if we get a "new" house that is priced pretty high (wife was thinking over $415K for 36-3700 sq.ft) in Highland Creek - how is that gonna appreciate well? Would people be willing willing to pay over $500K there later on? $550K?

Laurel Park is a Niblock community that has very nice homes - a little pricier, but nice. Since the community has tons of room for new houses, I'm sure it will appreciate.

The main concern are the schools. I'm a big proponent of public schools and the forseeable need is Elementary. Highland Creek = Cox Mill & Laurel Park = Weddington. Both go to Harris Middle School (currently) and then my understanding is that Highland Creek = NW Cabarrus & Laurel Park = Robinson?

How does Weddington compare to Cox Mill? We have a family friend in Laurel Park and she is taking her son out of Weddington and trying to get into the charter school (in Harrisburg?). She was raving about Cox Mill.

If you've gotten down this far in the post, Congratulations! Sorry for the long post, but I've noticed that the more info people give, the more specific and helpful the information can be. Thanks!

[gabmac]

Originally Posted by JustCreepin'

Hello all,

I'm newly registered, but have been lurking and searching the forums for the last several months. There is a wealth of info on here !!

Quick info to help you out:
1. Family of 4, wife is Stay-At-Home Mom, 2 kids ages 3yr & 1yr.
2. Job is moving me to Salisbury, NC; however, moving from a small town in TN & having my parents located in Indian Trail makes me want to be inbetween and close to Charlotte - like Concord! I will most likely be commuting up I-85 to get to work.
3. This past weekend, went on a house-hunting trip with my wife (she is currently visiting the parents in Indian Trail & I came down for the weekend) and saw Highland Creek, Winding Walk, Christenbury, Laurel Park, Kellswater Bridge, & Moss Creek.

Now, for the questions:

To me, the easiest thing to do is to build new - no looking at a lot of houses or waiting for the "right one" to pop up.

That being said, it seems like the Cabarrus side of Highland Creek is almost all built out! We are looking specifically at St. Lawrence Homes in the Dominion (Glen?) part of Highland Creek - it is very close to the amenities (very important for the wife) and the entrance is "on the edge" of Highland Creek (closer to I-85 for me). Sounds good, right? However, is it just me or are the builders gouging prices on the remaining lots? Builder was adding a $16,000 "lot premium", and trust me - the lot wasn't "premium"! Also, $17K for front-face brick - I wouldn't even get that except almost every house on the street has it and my house would stand out! Is this normal? My main concern is that if we get a "new" house that is priced pretty high (wife was thinking over $415K for 36-3700 sq.ft) in Highland Creek - how is that gonna appreciate well? Would people be willing willing to pay over $500K there later on? $550K?

Laurel Park is a Niblock community that has very nice homes - a little pricier, but nice. Since the community has tons of room for new houses, I'm sure it will appreciate.

The main concern are the schools. I'm a big proponent of public schools and the forseeable need is Elementary. Highland Creek = Cox Mill & Laurel Park = Weddington. Both go to Harris Middle School (currently) and then my understanding is that Highland Creek = NW Cabarrus & Laurel Park = Robinson?

How does Weddington compare to Cox Mill? We have a family friend in Laurel Park and she is taking her son out of Weddington and trying to get into the charter school (in Harrisburg?). She was raving about Cox Mill.

If you've gotten down this far in the post, Congratulations! Sorry for the long post, but I've noticed that the more info people give, the more specific and helpful the information can be. Thanks!

I would say that is excessive for lot premiums and brick front. I do know that you can get a good deal on a resale because alot of times the owners have had the home for a few years and they bought it for less than the builder is selling the same home for now. I could give you a few examples but maybe we should PM each other. I have heard nothing but good things about Cox Mill. I live in Cabarrus in Concord in the MOss Creek subdivision so my children go to Odell but there are kids that have played sports with my kids who go to Cox MIll and I know the parents are happy!! My father in law lives in Indian Trail and we wanted to be close but not too close but it is a nice trip from Concord. FYI, not sure if you are aware but there are back roads to get to I-85 that will make your life easier. PM me if you want to chat further.

[thebearsmom]

Hey Just Creepin'

We purchased from St Lawrence and they are a fabulous builder. That being said...we did not build with them- we bought an inventory home. As I have said before- I love my home and my builder. As we have lived among the construction for the past couple months, I can tell you that the sight supervisor here is first rate. He is on top of every home on a daily basis, and knows every detail. Plus he's nice guy which is unusual to say the least!

You can't beat this location, and the neighborhood is great. Cox Mill is a wonderful school and you will be amazed at the friendliness and willingness to help of the staff. There is talk of building further schools across from Cox Mill- I believe it will be a middle school, but don't quote me on that!!

Your wife would love HC because it is so kid friendly! There are also a lot of SAHMs.

That's my plug for HC...we'd love to have ya as neighbors Feel free to PM me if you or your wife have specific questions!

Anita

[Smiley812]

Hi,

Just purchased in Kellswater Bridge. We are relocating from NYC. Kellswater Bridge is a beautiful gated community, very family oriented, perferct middle school and Highschool within the community for our 10year old. Close to Charlotte, minutes to shopping malls, town center within community for all your shopping needs.
Cant wait for home to be complete. Kannapolis Real Estate and Charlotte NC Reatl Estate at The Village at Kellswater Bridge
Right now in phase 1, there will be four more phases. Very Very beautiful you must ck out...

Originally Posted by JustCreepin'

Hello all,

I'm newly registered, but have been lurking and searching the forums for the last several months. There is a wealth of info on here !!

Quick info to help you out:
1. Family of 4, wife is Stay-At-Home Mom, 2 kids ages 3yr & 1yr.
2. Job is moving me to Salisbury, NC; however, moving from a small town in TN & having my parents located in Indian Trail makes me want to be inbetween and close to Charlotte - like Concord! I will most likely be commuting up I-85 to get to work.
3. This past weekend, went on a house-hunting trip with my wife (she is currently visiting the parents in Indian Trail & I came down for the weekend) and saw Highland Creek, Winding Walk, Christenbury, Laurel Park, Kellswater Bridge, & Moss Creek.

Now, for the questions:

To me, the easiest thing to do is to build new - no looking at a lot of houses or waiting for the "right one" to pop up.

That being said, it seems like the Cabarrus side of Highland Creek is almost all built out! We are looking specifically at St. Lawrence Homes in the Dominion (Glen?) part of Highland Creek - it is very close to the amenities (very important for the wife) and the entrance is "on the edge" of Highland Creek (closer to I-85 for me). Sounds good, right? However, is it just me or are the builders gouging prices on the remaining lots? Builder was adding a $16,000 "lot premium", and trust me - the lot wasn't "premium"! Also, $17K for front-face brick - I wouldn't even get that except almost every house on the street has it and my house would stand out! Is this normal? My main concern is that if we get a "new" house that is priced pretty high (wife was thinking over $415K for 36-3700 sq.ft) in Highland Creek - how is that gonna appreciate well? Would people be willing willing to pay over $500K there later on? $550K?

Laurel Park is a Niblock community that has very nice homes - a little pricier, but nice. Since the community has tons of room for new houses, I'm sure it will appreciate.

The main concern are the schools. I'm a big proponent of public schools and the forseeable need is Elementary. Highland Creek = Cox Mill & Laurel Park = Weddington. Both go to Harris Middle School (currently) and then my understanding is that Highland Creek = NW Cabarrus & Laurel Park = Robinson?

How does Weddington compare to Cox Mill? We have a family friend in Laurel Park and she is taking her son out of Weddington and trying to get into the charter school (in Harrisburg?). She was raving about Cox Mill.

If you've gotten down this far in the post, Congratulations! Sorry for the long post, but I've noticed that the more info people give, the more specific and helpful the information can be. Thanks!

[QC Misfit]

You could see if the builder has a spec home. The further along it is the more they are willing to negotiate.

[Relo]

Builders in many subdivisions want to get rid of their specs that they had all winter. Now is a nice time to negotiate.

[BlueLily7]

I hear good things about Highland Creek for stay at home moms.

[shyam619]

I am dying under the pressure of choosing between Highland creek(St. Lawrence) in the North and Berewick (Shea homes) in the South. Here are the points I considered:

1. South has easy access to the Lynx, while North has access to only Park and Rides to commute to uptown without guzzling gas. Both require a drive of about 4-5 miles before I can access a mode of public transportation.

2. Public schools are good in Cabbarus county compared to Meck in south. But I have an infant who will take 8 years to reach middle school. Who knows if I am going to be in the same house for 8 years, I think one cannot plan that far ahead and more schools might come up in 8 years than what I research now and might mess up my calculations.

3. I am getting a small built house (2400 sq. ft) with a bigger lot (.22 acres) in Cabbarus county compared to a more advanced house (upgrades!!) in the south (2700 sq ft) with a smaller lot size (.18 acres). Built area in south is bigger than the one in north but the lot size is smaller (least of my issues).

4. I found the houses built south are more closely spaced than in the north where they are spaced well apart allowing room for some privacy.

5. Cost of house in South is about 20-25 K more than in the North, is it worth it? Cost of living is higher in south too. The same Exxon gas in south is about a buck costlier per gallon. Many more.

6. Crime is higher in North than in South.

Does anyone have some points that I failed to consider? Your suggestions are well taken and might swing my opinion, but I promise I wont pin you up against the wall for it.

[baybook]

I live on the north side and love it. Have not been touched by crime although you will see a lot of others post their fears about crime in the north. Love the Highland Creek community. More established than Berewick. Personally, I looked at Berewick about 5 years ago when we moved here, and they have not made as much progress as they anticipated then. I like HC because it is established and I think you can be pretty sure that what you see now is what you will get 5 years from now.

Good louck to you!

I might also suggest looking at resale homes in HC.