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Most people would suggest to rent for at least a few months to get a better feel for the area before buying. Probably at least 6 months...that way although your rent will be a little higher than a full year lease, it won't be as bad as if you were going month to month.
I assume you got the job on Executive Center Dr. off Albemarle Rd? Congrats. If so, one place I'd maybe check out is the apartments near the Harris Teeter at the corner of Idlewild and Margaret Wallace Rd, basically the corner of Charlotte/Matthews/Mint Hill. It's a decent area in my opinion and shouldn't be more than like a 15 minute commute by car.