small town near Charlotte? (Raleigh, Cary: houses, job market, neighborhood)

[dizliz0925]

Thanks, everyone for your replies. We are going to be visiting the area in a few weeks, and plan on soaking up as much as we can. As far as buying a lot of land, that’s not too important too us. We currently live in the historic area of Jacksonville, and have a house that was built in 1930. We would love to find an old house to buy. According to several websites, it seems housing is pretty affordable up there – in our area, 1600sf homes are going for 400k+. It’s ridiculous.

We are thinking of Charlotte (as opposed to Raleigh), because of the proximity to the mountains, and the fact that I am in finance (and it seems Charlotte is the place to be for that).

How’s the education system in the Charlotte area. I’m sure SuzM can attest to the fact that the public schools in Florida are horrible (at least they are in Jax), so if we stay here, we’ve been looking at the private school route.

Also, what about state income tax? Florida has no state income tax, so I was curious on how much this would take from my paycheck.

Thanks again.

Dizliz.

[lovethecarolinas]

Originally Posted by dizliz0925

Thanks, everyone for your replies. We are going to be visiting the area in a few weeks, and plan on soaking up as much as we can. As far as buying a lot of land, that’s not too important too us. We currently live in the historic area of Jacksonville, and have a house that was built in 1930. We would love to find an old house to buy. According to several websites, it seems housing is pretty affordable up there – in our area, 1600sf homes are going for 400k+. It’s ridiculous.

Dizliz.

We are located just outside of Charlotte (SC side) and since you mentioned you like old homes I thought I would run a site past you that is rather fun/interesting to look at...it is called historic properties (it also includes old houses)

[jbob]

Dizliz,

Hello. We are in precisley the same position. We also have a 21 month old and are looking to move to NC. Our research has led us to small towns outside of Asheville because of the cooler weather, liberal-ish politics (funny as we are also coming from a red state) and more outdoor activities. However, the drive to Charlotte is daunting. We need to fly fairly often and are not looking forward to the drive. In other words, we are still looking. I really like the Stars Hollow reference. That's exactly what I would hope for.

We will be following this thread to see all the good ideas.

Some websites we have found helpful when comparing areas are:

removed

Good luck- and if you find that perfect spot, let us know!!!

[JAS]

NC state income tax is 6% up through about $25k of NC taxable income; 7% from around $25k - 100k income; 7.75% from $100k - about $200k; 8.25% above $200k.

There is also a personal property tax on your vehicles, which will run about $100 - $300 per vehicle based on the value (for example, our '02 Camry probably had a tax of about $12 or so last year).

[Sue_in_CT]

I am self-employed here in CT, a state which has state income tax also. I am responsible for making estimated quarterly payments just like I am for my federal taxes. However, I only pay taxes based what my Adjusted Gross Income number is on my federal tax return. (This means the final number after I take deductions for a home office, business vehicle, etc.) Does anyone know if that is the same situation in NC??

(In other words if I made $50,000 in income, but my Adjusted Gross Income was $28,000 after business deductions, I only pay taxes on the $28,000.)

***Sorry for the math class !!

[canine7]

i wanted to buy some land in nc for under 12,000-i love the state.
ANY SUGGESTIONS,I couldnt find anything in raleigh for under 14,000 listed at realtor.com(garner 14,000 for half an acre).
i heard north of high point is a good investment,but i cant tell which lots are in the north.They do have a few listed for a couple thousand.
any sugesstions

[mm34b]

Originally Posted by jbob

Dizliz,

Hello. We are in precisley the same position. We also have a 21 month old and are looking to move to NC. Our research has led us to small towns outside of Asheville because of the cooler weather, liberal-ish politics (funny as we are also coming from a red state) and more outdoor activities. However, the drive to Charlotte is daunting. We need to fly fairly often and are not looking forward to the drive. In other words, we are still looking. I really like the Stars Hollow reference. That's exactly what I would hope for.

We will be following this thread to see all the good ideas.

Some websites we have found helpful when comparing areas are:

removed

Good luck- and if you find that perfect spot, let us know!!!

Where did you get the idea about liberal-ish politics? The city of Asheville is, but the surrounding areas are not. I'm 25 miles south of Asheville in Henderson County.

[dizliz0925]

Does anyone know anyhting about Gastonia?
looks like a nice town, but I rarely see it mentioned.

[Carolina Girl]

I live in Matthews too and it is unbelievably congested now. I wouldn't move here again. Yes, it is a quaint little historic town with an attitude and I use to like it but it is just too busy with too may attitudes. So, in another month we will be moving to our new home in an undiscloseod small town that is much more to our liking. Yes, I am an native but my husband isn't. Nothing in Mecklenburg County is 'charming and small townish' anymore. I know the state like the back of my hand and there are many lovely places, but they aren't around every corner and there are no cheap rides anymore. If you go around Lake Norman/Huntersville, and get within sight of the lake, you are talking megabucks.

[Carolina Girl]

Originally Posted by dizliz0925

Does anyone know anyhting about Gastonia?
looks like a nice town, but I rarely see it mentioned.

Yes, I know Gastonia pretty well as I worked there for 3 years (commuted) and have many friends who live there. It is in Gaston county about 30 miles from downtown Charlotte. It is an old mill town. What do you want to know?