Possibly relocating to Charlotte from Detroit.. need some suggestions (Huntersville: real estate, foreclosed)

[5e2canada]

My wife may be taking a job that would require us to move from the Detroit area, down to Charlotte. We have 3 children under the age of 10 and we're trying to look for an area of the city or a suburb that would be a good place for a family.
We're going to be renting a home for at least the first year we're there, and have already found homes for rent that are well within our price range all around the city, but as we're not familiar with the area, we'd like some advice from those who live there about the best places to live and some of your own advice.

P.S. We've been reading the forums and have read everything from glowing to hate-filled reviews of the area. We aren't looking for any advice on whether we should move there. The move hinges on her being offered the job. And believe us, coming from Detroit, Charlotte will definitely be a move up for us.

[NCN]

Where you would want to live would depend more on where she will be working. Charlotte traffic can be a chore, so you will want to get on the side of town that she will be working on, but a lot further out, probably. Indian Trail is a family friendly area on the East side of Charlotte. It is in Union County. That is just one of the towns in Union County. Click on government and go to the bottom and click on the towns. You will want to stay as far West in Union County as you can so you don't have to drive so far. Most people moved to this county for the better schools.

http://www.co.union.nc.us/

Southside has Fort Mill, Tega Cay is one of my favorites and then there is Indian Land, all in South Carolina and North has the Lake Norman Area of Davidson, Huntersville, etc. Good luck with your search.

[mcuzino]

I work with some people who moved from the Detroit area. They like you are just thankful be out. unfortunately they have homes back there they cannot sell and will probably get foreclosed on. They are sad about that but optimistic about their future here.

[joanchris2000]

My husband grew up in Detroit, and when looking for homes here we looked all around. He kept being gun-shy about staying IN Mecklenburg county, as he had memories of being a teenager in Detroit public schools and the mess they were in, and did not want anything even remotely similar for our children. While there is redistricting and such going on in Union County, where we ended up, there is still nowhere in Union County that they could send our kids to that would be similar to what could happen in a similar situation in Charlotte-Mecklenburg if they deciced to bus, and/or redistrict. Still, in my mind, Charlotte is NOT Detroit, but my husband insisted we stay out of the city proper.

[cheesehead1]

Where will your wife's job be located? Once we know that, as well as your price range, we will be able to help you find a neighborhood that will work for your family.
Also, if you find specific neighborhoods that you are interested in, please post back. People here may be able to tell you about them, in terms of safety, schools, traffic, etc.
Best of luck and welcome to Charlotte! It is a really nice place to live.

[5e2canada]

Well, first she has to be offered the job, but it's looking like that will happen (crossing our fingers). As soon as we find out, we'll let you know what neighborhood it's in.
We're kind of hoping that it will be near my job. I work at California Pizza Kitchen, so if she gets the job, I'm going to request a transfer to the Charlotte store. It's near the SouthPark Mall, so I guess that's a starting point.
Thanks!

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by 5e2canada

Well, first she has to be offered the job, but it's looking like that will happen (crossing our fingers). As soon as we find out, we'll let you know what neighborhood it's in.
We're kind of hoping that it will be near my job. I work at California Pizza Kitchen, so if she gets the job, I'm going to request a transfer to the Charlotte store. It's near the SouthPark Mall, so I guess that's a starting point.
Thanks!

Price range?

[gkleoni1]

Give us some more specifics and we will all chime in with suggestions. BTW you made me laugh with the "should move" clarification. I guess you have noticed the "don't move here w/o a job" police. Hehehe

[5e2canada]

Originally Posted by lovesMountains

Price range?

We're looking for either a townhome or single family house to rent in the $1000 price range. Of course, lower would be better. We've been looking at some real estate sites online and have have found some nice homes in the $800 - $900 range.

[hooligan]

Originally Posted by 5e2canada

...It's near the SouthPark Mall, so I guess that's a starting point.
Thanks!

It's *attached* to the South Park Mall.

South Park and the surrounding area is pretty pricey.

I live ~10 miles away in S. Charlotte (Ayrsley/Steele Creek area) and it takes me anywhere from 10-15 mins to 20-25 mins to drive from here to South Park depending on the route and traffic, my office is right across from the mall. Not bad at all.