Which area is best for single mom? (Charlotte, Cary: fit in, house)

[lovesunnydays]

I know books like Sperling's Best Affordable Places to Raise a Family list Cary and Matthews, but I've found a single parent may not fit in as well in these somewhat upscale "best" locations where most families are the traditional two-parent nuclear type. At least that's what happened with my move to colorado this past year - great school and all but I have not found even one other single mother in my neighborhood or daughter's school or any kind of social network - even though demographics for the area say 10% single with children! I'm happy socializing with two-parent families, but there seems to be a social stigma if you're a single mother. I know if I look hard enough there are always exceptions and families that won't care that I'm single, but I'd rather go where my chances are the best to fit in!

My house budget is $200k; I work from home so don't need to be near jobs; I like semi-rural with greenery or hills; good schools important. My family only consists of my dauther and me, with no extended family, so we're not like some families that are self-contained - we really need to find a community with friends for my daughter and myself. Any advice welcome!

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by lovesunnydays

I know books like Sperling's Best Affordable Places to Raise a Family list Cary and Matthews, but I've found a single parent may not fit in as well in these somewhat upscale "best" locations where most families are the traditional two-parent nuclear type. At least that's what happened with my move to colorado this past year - great school and all but I have not found even one other single mother in my neighborhood or daughter's school or any kind of social network - even though demographics for the area say 10% single with children! I'm happy socializing with two-parent families, but there seems to be a social stigma if you're a single mother. I know if I look hard enough there are always exceptions and families that won't care that I'm single, but I'd rather go where my chances are the best to fit in!

My house budget is $200k; I work from home so don't need to be near jobs; I like semi-rural with greenery or hills; good schools important. My family only consists of my dauther and me, with no extended family, so we're not like some families that are self-contained - we really need to find a community with friends for my daughter and myself. Any advice welcome!

My #1 suggestion for you is Waxhaw in Union County. Since you don't have to commute anywhere this is a GREAT spot for you and your daughter. Everything you are looking for is to be found there

[Glaetzer]

Originally Posted by lovesMountains

My #1 suggestion for you is Waxhaw in Union County. Since you don't have to commute anywhere this is a GREAT spot for you and your daughter. Everything you are looking for is to be found there

A very good suggestion. You'll be 45-60 minutes from downtown Charlotte (if you want to take in a sporting event or show) but you're well outside of the urban (and even suburban) environment if you want more privacy and less noise.

[lovesunnydays]

Thank you both for the suggestion. I will definitely add Waxhaw to the list of places I visit this March when I visit NC to scout around. Clayton was also recommended - would you know how that compares to Waxhaw?

[jenito33]

I am a single mother in Matthews and I love living here. My son will be starting kindergarden in the fall and if there is any friction because I am a single mom I guess I will see it then. He plays t ball and we socialize and I have never felt that people were looking at me differently because I am single.