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We currently live in northern NJ, where we wouldn't even consider a home without a 2 car garage because of the snow. Wondering if we should consider homes in Charlotte without garages, as there seem to be a lot of homes with parking spots only. We like the looks of the older neighborhoods, but those are the ones who seem to have no garages. I know that Charlotte gets snow, but how are the winters from a northern's point of view?
Thanks for any input! This board has been so helpful with narrowing down our choices for our retirement relocation.
You don't absolutely have to have a garage. However, it does make it much easier to go from home to car in any inclement weather. Also, sun damage to cars sitting out all day does take a toll.
It is the rain that aggravates me. So much nicer to pull into a garage w/ those groceries when it is raining.
But as far as making a big mistake not to have a garage . . . probably not, especially if you will be staying in the house for a long time. Sometimes it comes up as a negative with re-sale, as many young couples like to use their garages as covered spaces for kids to play during the day when there is bad weather!
We currently live in northern NJ, where we wouldn't even consider a home without a 2 car garage because of the snow. Wondering if we should consider homes in Charlotte without garages, as there seem to be a lot of homes with parking spots only. We like the looks of the older neighborhoods, but those are the ones who seem to have no garages. I know that Charlotte gets snow, but how are the winters from a northern's point of view?
Thanks for any input! This board has been so helpful with narrowing down our choices for our retirement relocation.
For me, a garage is just one more place to collect junk you don't really need. I don't hold it against a home when it doesn't have one - neighborhood and location are much more important. And like you said, down here we don't get the snow so you don't miss one for that purpose, except maybe once a year.
At least consider if you can add a carport. I have to consider slipping in wet weather at my age. I suspect if you're retiring in CLT, that will eventually become important to you, also.
We currently live in northern NJ, where we wouldn't even consider a home without a 2 car garage because of the snow. Wondering if we should consider homes in Charlotte without garages, as there seem to be a lot of homes with parking spots only. We like the looks of the older neighborhoods, but those are the ones who seem to have no garages. I know that Charlotte gets snow, but how are the winters from a northern's point of view?
Thanks for any input! This board has been so helpful with narrowing down our choices for our retirement relocation.
Considering that most houses don't have basements which were ubiquitous with most NJ homes, I see a garage as a must! Everybody has some junk they need to keep out of sight!
Not much snow here, but the garage is the 'southern porch' around here.
Also keep in mind that fewer homes have basements here than up north. I'm from the DC suburbs and it's hard to find basements here in Charlotte. Most homes are built on slabs.
Personally, I couldn't imagine going w/o a garage - it's very useful. The summers do get very hot here, so it's nice to keep the car protected (I actually do use my garage to harbor my car!).
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