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We're looking to move our family and have heard great things about Charlotte. Unfortunately we have also read very negative reviews as well about the crime rate and lack of places to spend downtime. The realtors we have spoken with as well have not been much help. Coming from out of state, we are trying to narrow down the choices to look into in that area. Great place to raise a family with a VERY low crime rate. Any advice is appreciated!! School system is important. Our budget is between $150,000 and $200,000. Family friendly neighborhood is important. We don't want to live in the hustle and bustle of a city, but enjoy being close to it. We currently reside in Hackensack, NJ near NYC. We hate that it's soooo busy around here. If anyone is familiar with Bergen County, NJ were interested in a neighborhood/town like Ridgewood, Wyckoff, Paramus, Westwood, Rutherford, Ho-HoKus. Any help or advice is greatly appreciated. We are also considering Durham & Raleigh. We both currently work in marketing and would need to figure out potential employment.
That price range is a little low for my neck of the woods. Good schools and low crime rate usually mean higher house prices. You could probably find something in the low 200's.
Have you spoken to a lender? Interest rates are so low right now, you may be able to afford more than you think.
Not interested in loaning more than what we would be. Comfortable with, that's how this country got into this mess to begin with. Maybe Charlotte is not an option? We are visiting a few places next week. Recommendations? We have Looked at homes in that price range and they seem nice. Minimum 3 bedroom around 2000sqf.
We're looking to move our family and have heard great things about Charlotte. Unfortunately we have also read very negative reviews as well about the crime rate and lack of places to spend downtime.
I think that the claims of high crime are exaggerated. There are good and bad parts of Charlotte; the key is to exercise caution when in the sketchy parts. For example, common sense would tell you not to leave your pocketbook on the front seat of a parked vehicle when you're in Patterson. The same applies when you're in many parts of Charlotte.
As far as 'feel' is concerned, that's a toughy. South Charlotte reminds my Wife & I of Holmdel. In your price range, you might want to look at Charlotte's suburbs, like Weddington, which will afford you a nice suburban lifestyle, that's very low in crime. Safer Charlotte neighborhoods can get pricey...
There are definitely areas of Waxhaw in that price range, and I think that there's very little crime down here. Lots and lots of people from NJ are in Union County. Weddington might be a bit harder to find a house in that range.
Thanks to everyone for their input. It's not easy to make a move like this. It's difficult to gauge what area to visit with limited info. We are a very hard working family that just wants a better quality of life for our little ones and we have a couple of years to really pinpoint an area so ANY info is helpful.
Thanks to everyone for their input. It's not easy to make a move like this. It's difficult to gauge what area to visit with limited info. We are a very hard working family that just wants a better quality of life for our little ones and we have a couple of years to really pinpoint an area so ANY info is helpful.
To really "pinpoint" an area, look for jobs first
Then let the job locations guide you to the best homes in your price range.
Try to understand, the Charlotte metro is VERY spread out.
For instance, if you get your heart set on living in Waxhaw and your job is in Mooresville you'll have a VERY long and frustrating commute.
Matthews is a town here which would probably give you what you need. It has a cute downtown. Excellent athletic opportunities, very good schools, and a range in home prices...similar to the various towns in bergen cty. ts also not too far from 'uptown'.
I think that price range will work. They aren't looking for something huge. I know a couple of people who are selling their homes in highland creek for under 200K. Moutains is correct about finding a job first, bc it is stinky to have to drive an hour (or more) each way to work!
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