Ballantyne-Matthews-Huntersville: Which is best for schools and lifestyle? (Charlotte: neighborhoods, theater)

[dcrumbaugh]

Taking a vote as we're moving to Charlotte next Summer. Which of these three communities would offer the best as far as school; easy access to the amenities in Charlotte; and overall best community feel?

Commuting is not a concern but access to lots of great restaurants, shops, theatre, etc is. We also LOVE to golf and play tennis and would still love to bike or walk to most things vs. driving. Our daughter is a terrific singer so any great choir or musical theatre access is a plus. What's your opinion of these three?

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by dcrumbaugh

Taking a vote as we're moving to Charlotte next Summer. Which of these three communities would offer the best as far as school; easy access to the amenities in Charlotte; and overall best community feel?

Commuting is not a concern but access to lots of great restaurants, shops, theatre, etc is. We also LOVE to golf and play tennis and would still love to bike or walk to most things vs. driving. Our daughter is a terrific singer so any great choir or musical theatre access is a plus. What's your opinion of these three?

I know this may not be the answer you want to hear, but they all offer a great quality of life. You really will just have to visit and spend some time in each to get the feel for what is right for your family I will add though that Matthews has a terriffic little theater company with many productions involving children

[travlingrlclt]

I would choose between Ballantyne or Huntersville.

[jackster1]

I would agree that Ballantyne is cool and newer and Huntersville is awesome aswell. . Your getting the lake in Huntersville so it depends if you are going to use that ammenity more often than not.

[QC Misfit]

Huntersville rules! Everything else drools!!!

Sorry the kids are saying silly things like this as of late....

[mullman]

The areas you are looking at are fine, but there are also excellent private schools in the same areas.

[smclarke4]

Depending on what part of matthews it is you will have different school. some are the Elizabeth Lane, South Charlotte Middle School and Providence High, whilst another part is Matthews Elementary, Crestdale and Butler, whilst yet another is Crown Point and East Meck. I love Matthews, lots going on in the town center, lovely library, theater and farmers market.

[trishlee]

I live in Huntersville and like it very much but it is not set up for bike riding at all. I sure wish they would have thought of that. There are designated bike lanes but they last about 50' and then suddenly come to an end. The roads are not real safe to ride on without a bike lane. And of course, the hills make it a challenge. We still do ride around various neighborhoods. My neighborhood has a good bike lane but it is only 1.8 long. You really can't ride to stores and restaurants unless maybe you live in Birkdale.

[dcrumbaugh]

Thanks for all your input. I've also been getting some feedback that the traffic is terrible in Huntersville and that it typically takes a 1/2 hour to 45 minutes to travel a 1/4 mile. Would you agree with that assessment? We are also more pool people than lake people. I think you're right we'll just have to visit the various communities when we're down there next week. Thanks again for your input.

[coldvi23]

Originally Posted by dcrumbaugh

Thanks for all your input. I've also been getting some feedback that the traffic is terrible in Huntersville and that it typically takes a 1/2 hour to 45 minutes to travel a 1/4 mile. Would you agree with that assessment? We are also more pool people than lake people. I think you're right we'll just have to visit the various communities when we're down there next week. Thanks again for your input.

I live just off 23 and traffic is fine for me. Rush hour can be a bit of a hassle, but it's not bad at all in my opinion.