Huntersville vs. Ballantyne (Charlotte, Raleigh, Cary: townhouse, neighborhood, school)

[nc2sc778]

Originally Posted by ma2181

Hi all,
I will be relocating to the Charlotte area in August 2008. That is, assuming I can sell my house in New Jersey and was wondering which area would be better to live in for a newcomer. I am looking to rent first and can afford to spend about $1,300 a month. I have two children so a good school is important. Also I work for the federal government and assume my job will be located around other federal agencies. The office is a new one and that is why I do not have an exact address. I would love to commute no more than 45 minutes. That would be a luxury compared to the the 2 hour (each way)commute I do now. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Both areas are nice. I grew up in Huntersville, before it was in it's present state- I mean with all the growth. My parents still live up there and I always dread the traffic up there when visiting. It is very congested most of the time. Ballantyne is not a walk in the park with traffic either but it does have I485 going right beside it. When 485 North is complete, it will not be as close to Huntersville. I think most of the Federal Agencies are located Downtown, Southpark, or in Ballantyne so the Ballantyne area might be the best but you won't know till you have the address. I agree with some other posters that the schools are better in South Charlotte. Huntersville schools are way ahead of where they were 5 or 10 years ago but I think most reasonable people would agree they aren't there yet.

[ma2181]

Originally Posted by nc2sc778

Both areas are nice. I grew up in Huntersville, before it was in it's present state- I mean with all the growth. My parents still live up there and I always dread the traffic up there when visiting. It is very congested most of the time. Ballantyne is not a walk in the park with traffic either but it does have I485 going right beside it. When 485 North is complete, it will not be as close to Huntersville. I think most of the Federal Agencies are located Downtown, Southpark, or in Ballantyne so the Ballantyne area might be the best but you won't know till you have the address. I agree with some other posters that the schools are better in South Charlotte. Huntersville schools are way ahead of where they were 5 or 10 years ago but I think most reasonable people would agree they aren't there yet.

Thanks for your post.

The address of the new Immigration Court will be 5701 Executive Center Drive, Charlotte, NC. Will Ballantyne be an easier commute for me than Huntersville?

[SunnyKayak]

Originally Posted by ma2181

Thanks for your post.

The address of the new Immigration Court will be 5701 Executive Center Drive, Charlotte, NC. Will Ballantyne be an easier commute for me than Huntersville?

Ballantyne would be closer alot closer
5701 Executive Center Dr, Charlotte, NC 28212, USA - Google Maps
ballantyne, charlotte - Google Maps

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by SunnyKayak

Ballantyne would be closer alot closer
5701 Executive Center Dr, Charlotte, NC 28212, USA - Google Maps
ballantyne, charlotte - Google Maps

Actually Sunny, I HATE to disagree with you, but I think this is a toss up! From Huntersville you just need to find your way to I485 (maybe by Cox Mill and I85) and head west on I485 (which is not bumper to bumper that way in rush hour), exit onto Albemarle Rd and be at work in a couple of miles. Well, from Ballantyne you just do the same thing, find your way to I485 and travel east to Albemarle Rd - Neither way is quick and easy, but they really would be about the same to me!

[QC Misfit]

Shoot from Huntersville take 77 to 277 to Independence. Since they have fixed independence its a pretty quick drive.

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by QC Misfit

Shoot from Huntersville take 77 to 277 to Independence. Since they have fixed independence its a pretty quick drive.

Depending on where in Huntersville the poster would live, this would work too And once on Independence you would be going against the traffic, a very good thing!

[SunnyKayak]

You guys are right I was just looking at it from the map stand point and what roads I take to get to that area is not the best and seem long but I am familiar with them so I dont get loss (I always get lost on the southeast side of town I like QC route provided I might have to be brave and try it.

[QC Misfit]

I think Albermarle Road is the first light you come to on Independence from this way. You sort of go under Independence so stay in your left lane....

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by QC Misfit

I think Albermarle Road is the first light you come to on Independence from this way. You sort of go under Independence so stay in your left lane....

No redlight there anymore (since Independence became a freeway there), just an exit on the left. Oh, and you have to pass Cricket Arena and its exits, the Wendover/Eastway exit and THEN you get to the Albemarle Rd exit

[DaveBrown22]

Home values are on the rise all over Charlotte. Seems like people have found out the secret of our awesome climate and low property taxes. Traffic is becoming a problem on all sides of the city. We have been in Highland Creek for over 10 years now and have looked at just about everything else in and around Charlotte.

We're not moving. Highland Creek has it's own school(s), Golf Course, Tennis, 4 great private community swimming pools, private security, parks, fishing ponds, activities, clubhouses, a fitness center and more. Plus it's close to I-485, I-77 an I-85.

The home prices are still quite reasonable... for now.

www.highlandcreek.com