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My girlfriend and I are planning a move to Charlotte in the middle of May. We've never been to the city (except that one time I had a layover for a half hour -- it looked pretty from the terminal!) so we really have no idea what to go on.
We're a young couple (early 20s), who would love to be in the middle of the city where all the action is, but wouldn't mind living a bit further out if it gave us more room (for stuff, puppies, etc.). We'd really like a house so we can feel settled in and have room to spread out, but we also love loft living. Ideally we're looking for a younger neighborhood that offers plenty to keep us occupied -- parks, museums, restaurants, and the like. I should say that we're both historians, so a good bit of historical significance in an area would be pretty cool, though not necessary.
We've spent the past two years in Houston (Montrose and Med Center for those familiar with the area), and I'm originally from New Jersey right outside of NYC, so we're pretty used to city life. On the other hand, we are accustomed to a good bit of space and peace and quiet, having lived in rural areas of NY and PA. We've never been to Charlotte, so we really don't know what it has to offer, or what to expect as far as housing goes.
Ideally, we'd like something around $1,000 a month (renting). We don't have any kids, and we're not looking for a "forever" place, just yet. Anywhere in the city will do, as we don't have formal jobs, and don't need to worry about a commute.
We chose Charlotte as our next destination for a couple of reasons: affordability, weather, and size being the most important. We HATE the Houston summers, and having to drive a half hour to get anywhere in this city is not something we enjoy. We also didn't want to move too far north because its just too expensive, and we don't miss waking up and extra 3 hours early to shovel and dig our cars out.
I've been looking around at previous posts, but none really fit our description. Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks a bunch in advance!!!
Love your name - it's one of my fave's, so how can I not help you?
The thing is, to get a house in an area like you describe your budget might not be quite big enough. Can you bump it up a few hundred just in case?
Look for rental homes in places like Elizabeth, Dilworth, Chantilly or Plaza Midwood.
There are some lofts you might want to check out in the NoDa neighborhood too, called Fat City. I don't always recommend NoDa but these are in the middle of the neighborhood, right within walking distance of a lot of things and would be pretty safe. Fat City Lofts, NoDa Apartments in Charlotte, NC near Plaza Midwood and Uptown
OP, I would strongly recommend that you come visit before you make a definitive choice to move here sight unseen (and a quick stop at the airport really doesn't count). There are parts of Charlotte that are very urban, but a good chunk of the city would be better described as suburbanish. There are areas that would meet your needs, Myers Park comes to mind, but unless you can actually visit, get a feel for what Charlotte has to offer, actually visit the museums and parks to see if they will satisfy what you are looking for, ect. it would be difficult to truly know if this is the type of city that you are looking for.
Take a look at the 4th Ward, AKA "The Historic Fourth Ward." My wife always takes visitors on walks through that area because it is so charming, historic and convenient to the downtown area.
We plan on visiting within the next month or so, but I wanted to check here first to see what neighborhoods we'd need to focus on, instead of showing up and flying blind. I'm getting the notion that south of uptown is really all that's worth looking at.
We plan on visiting within the next month or so, but I wanted to check here first to see what neighborhoods we'd need to focus on, instead of showing up and flying blind. I'm getting the notion that south of uptown is really all that's worth looking at.
Glad to hear. Make sure to visit the Myers Park area, as I think that will really appeal to you.
Our first home in Charlotte was a rental on Perrin Place in the Myers Park Area. I agree you would like that area from what you have said. We had one car and a baby. My husband went to work and I put the baby in the stroller and strolled away.
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