Looking for help from Chicagoians (Charlotte: condo, new home, neighborhoods)

[nextadven]

It seems I'm (happily) joining the the crowd of people relocating to the Charlotte area. I'm moving from Chicago and am hoping for some advice from people who are familiar with Chicago. I've lived in Oak Park for the past 10 years and really love it -- I love that it's a diverse/liberal/activist/progressive neighborhood, love the leafy streets and old homes (other than condo construction, there's very little new home construction in OP -- the average house was built in the 1940's), love that it's close to the city proper, but not in it, love all the little quirky/boutique shops, and love that it's NOT new development and sub-divisions. I'm wondering if anyone can tell me about neighborhoods in the Charlotte area that are similiar. I need a good elem school and will be working on the west side (Byrant Park) of Charlotte. Am willing to travel up to 40 min or so during rush hour. My housing budget is in the $250,000 range. Thanks to anyone who can help!

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by nextadven

It seems I'm (happily) joining the the crowd of people relocating to the Charlotte area. I'm moving from Chicago and am hoping for some advice from people who are familiar with Chicago. I've lived in Oak Park for the past 10 years and really love it -- I love that it's a diverse/liberal/activist/progressive neighborhood, love the leafy streets and old homes (other than condo construction, there's very little new home construction in OP -- the average house was built in the 1940's), love that it's close to the city proper, but not in it, love all the little quirky/boutique shops, and love that it's NOT new development and sub-divisions. I'm wondering if anyone can tell me about neighborhoods in the Charlotte area that are similiar. I need a good elem school and will be working on the west side (Byrant Park) of Charlotte. Am willing to travel up to 40 min or so during rush hour. My housing budget is in the $250,000 range. Thanks to anyone who can help!

Try sending the poster RobbBrown21 a direct message for some help. He too is from Chicago and has visited Charlotte with thoughts of relocating. I believe he could answer a lot of your questions, plus he's just a really nice guy

[lovecharlotte]

Sorry I can't help with the Chicago connection but we relocated from New York and Liz Snide with Allen Tate at South Park was great as she had relo'd years before from New York. I still ride horses with her in Union County and she knows the South Charlotte area (she also has children and gives good tips on schools, neighborhoods, rec leagues, great contacts!). It might be worth a call to see if she can help you out. Good luck and best wishes!
B.