Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Hello All
My family of four is excited and awaiting a move to Charlotte in the fall of 2016, and I need help figuring out the lay of the land considering all my family and friends are residing and familiar with the northeast. I have heard some wonderful things about Charlotte , but need some tips. From my research I can say that I am interested in the Myers Park/Eastover/Dilworth area. I am not fond of newer looking areas/ neighborhoods, but do not want to be socially outcastes for not being native to Charlotte, my question is would it be smarter to move my family into The Myers Park area, or move them to The Marvin/Weddington area or an area like Ballayntyne, I am not very fond of "New Money" type of thinking i.e (fancy new cars, fancy new McMansions, designer from head to toe) this keeping up with the Joneses lifestyle is not in my blood nor will do I want my kids experiencing this at school, we are more of the low-key family(older nicer cars, nice clothes, older house with character) and that's why Myers Park has interested me...but are the families really different in their thinking from Myers park or Ballayntyne? Also I woul have my kids enrolled at Charlotte Country day school, if possible, or the other private schools but have heard wonderful things about Myers park High School any pointers there also? Thanks!
Location: The place where the road & the sky collide
23,814 posts, read 34,688,469 times
Reputation: 10256
Quote:
Originally Posted by Boston2234
Hello All
My family of four is excited and awaiting a move to Charlotte in the fall of 2016, and I need help figuring out the lay of the land considering all my family and friends are residing and familiar with the northeast. I have heard some wonderful things about Charlotte , but need some tips. From my research I can say that I am interested in the Myers Park/Eastover/Dilworth area. I am not fond of newer looking areas/ neighborhoods, but do not want to be socially outcastes for not being native to Charlotte, my question is would it be smarter to move my family into The Myers Park area, or move them to The Marvin/Weddington area or an area like Ballayntyne, I am not very fond of "New Money" type of thinking i.e (fancy new cars, fancy new McMansions, designer from head to toe) this keeping up with the Joneses lifestyle is not in my blood nor will do I want my kids experiencing this at school, we are more of the low-key family(older nicer cars, nice clothes, older house with character) and that's why Myers Park has interested me...but are the families really different in their thinking from Myers park or Ballayntyne? Also I woul have my kids enrolled at Charlotte Country day school, if possible, or the other private schools but have heard wonderful things about Myers park High School any pointers there also? Thanks!
You may perceive a difference in the 'type' of people living in Ballantyne or Myers Park but there is none. People are people. If you hear rumors of one area being full of people with worse qualities - check the source. Chances are they are just biased. Great people live in both areas.
As for fitting the feel and preferences you have described you certainly will prefer Myers Park, Cotswold, Foxcroft, Elizabeth neighborhoods when searching for a Myers Park zoned house and older neighborhoods with mature trees and homes. These areas are easy to see in half a day. I recommend you do so. Also - have no fears of being a transplant. The majority of these neighborhoods (and the city in general) are just like you.
Now is a great time to buy but take your time. It wouldn't be a bad thing to shop and let the fall/winter cool down come. The uncertainty of the next president may help you in the real estate market. I could be wrong though. Either way - Charlotte is a great city to bet on.
Also - if keeping up with the joneses or appearing to be interested in keeping up with the joneses is not your cup of tea you may need to hold your nose. All of the great neighborhoods you are seeking have grown quickly with the city and the residents are busy buying cars, renovating homes and installing pools. I recommend you seek a home that fits your family and be at peace with that no matter the neighbors mindset. Finding an area that is not materially driven but is still desirable is difficult. Worry about what you can control instead.
Myers Park is a great school as is Country Day (both have International Baccalaureate programs available) Providence Day school is also very good. I agree with your choice of the older in town neighborhoods (if you can afford them - most can't)
Don't worry about being outcasts - Charlotte is full of newcomers even in these areas. I find people here very tolerant and accepting. I'm from Pennsylvania and my husband is from Canada. Our son went to MP high school and had a great experience. (He's now at Stanford) Also check out Elizabeth neighborhood.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
