Where to live if working near I-77 and I-485? (Charlotte: low crime, new home)

[mich2fla]

Got a call from a head hunter about a job possibility in the Charlotte area. My family did enough research on Raleigh and that's the only area we know about NC. Can someone on this board shed some quick information for me?

We are currently in the Grand Rapids Michigan area.

Things we are looking for in a community or subdivision:

-good schools (we have 4 kids under the age of 10) and good community support (PTO, good teachers, etc)

-reasonable housing prices and taxes (we are looking not to spend more than $275-300k)

-easy commute to I-77 and I-485. (I can handle 25 minutes per way each day with an occasional accident/construction delay.)

-plenty of stores withing 5 miles (Home Depot, Target, grocery stores, etc)

-low crime area

That's all I can think of from the top of my head.

Many thanks and enjoy the holidays!

[Charlottean]

I sent you a private message.

[Vini]

Originally Posted by mich2fla

Got a call from a head hunter about a job possibility in the Charlotte area. My family did enough research on Raleigh and that's the only area we know about NC. Can someone on this board shed some quick information for me?

We are currently in the Grand Rapids Michigan area.

Things we are looking for in a community or subdivision:

-good schools (we have 4 kids under the age of 10) and good community support (PTO, good teachers, etc)

-reasonable housing prices and taxes (we are looking not to spend more than $275-300k)

-easy commute to I-77 and I-485. (I can handle 25 minutes per way each day with an occasional accident/construction delay.)

-plenty of stores withing 5 miles (Home Depot, Target, grocery stores, etc)

-low crime area

That's all I can think of from the top of my head.

Many thanks and enjoy the holidays!

Check out Stone Creek Ranch In Ballantyne ....... you should find something there in your price range. It's a new home community being developed by Centex. Details on www.centex.com . Great school district (probably the best in Meck county) and easy commute to 485. And great shopping within the 5 mile radius you mentioned. Goodluck !

[south.charlotte&union]

You will have many opportunities in your price range. I would suggest South Charlotte or Western Union County. Where exactly is the job located -- that would help to narrow down your choices.

Check http://www.ncreportcards.org/src/ for school reports -- feel free to PM me if you would like details about which schools are where.

We relocated here 8 years ago (first to S Charlotte, now we are in Union county). I would be happy to set up an automatic web property search to help you see what is available in the areas you are researching. Best of luck to you and have a Happy New Year!

[Madjacz]

try blakeney green area (south charlotte, between union and mecklenberg co.)... new target there and nice homes.

[mich2fla]

Thanks for the posts, pm's, and emails! We now have something to research on.

Since Charlotte is close to the SC border, are there any pros/cons to live in SC and work in NC? Is the schools better in SC? Are taxes about the same? More house for the money?

[Madjacz]

fort mill schools are ok in SC but I think NC schools are better...

[Girl]

madjacz - that's generally true, but Fort Mill schools are infinitely better than Mecklenburg County (Charlotte) schools. For that reason I'd suggest the original poster definitely think about Fort Mill. We moved to this area SPECIFICALLY for Fort Mill schools.

Also, taxes are a bit cheaper in York County vs. Mecklenburg County and the commute is not bad from FM to Charlotte. There is little to no crime in FM and we have tons of shopping available to us nearby.

Also, with a budget of $275-300K for a home, a really nice house can be had! We paid $260K for our 2,800 sq ft, 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath house on .25 acres in a really nice subdivision.

mich2fla, definitely check out Fort Mill! It fits all your criteria! If you want a realtor recommendation I'd be happy to give you one - feel free to PM me.

[mich2fla]

Thanks Girl! What's your zip code so we can research it further.

[south.charlotte&union]

As a district, Fort Mill may be rated highly as compared to Charlotte Mecklenburg (county-wide), but I always advise my clients to look at individual school performance for the areas in which they are looking. Best of luck, and as always, let me know if I can help