Hembstead vs Providence Plantation (Charlotte: appointed, for sale, houses)

[efie30]

We are moving in the next few months. I have 3 little kids and my husband works uptown. We have narrowed down our housing selections to two neighborhoods - Hembstead or Prov Plantation. Both are nice places, but with the same $, I can get a 1980s solid house in big need of a facelift in Hembstead or a late 90s move-in-ready tract house in east Providence Plantation - both about the same size.

If you are familiar with the feel of either of these neighborhoods, what would you do considering my young family (we need neighborhood playmates, schools, commute, parks, pool, playground, sense of community)?

[cheesehead1]

Both are fabulous neighborhoods. They feed to wonderful schools, too. Hembstead is a touch closer to uptown, which is a plus to me. I have a few friends who live there, and they have little kids and love it. Don't know anyone in Prov. Plantation, but it's beautiful. Not sure about the amenities situation in either neighborhood, in terms of pool, tennis courts, etc. You've got two great choices!

[Netter09]

I'm new to this site so please excuse me if I don't know what I'm doing. Anyway, I saw your question about Hembstead and Providence Plantation. We looked at both neighborhoods when we moved to Charlotte too. We ended up living in Hembstead because we couldn't find a house suitable for us in the time frame we needed. Both neighborhoods are wonderful for families and are beautiful neighborhoods. I prefer Hembstead because it is more contained than Providence Plantation ... easier to get around in. There are nature trails that make it a walk away for the kids/you to visit their friends and walk to the pool. My kids are older now, but it was the perfect neighborhood to raise a family right up through the teen age years. There is an active neighborhood association in both communities. Hembstead has family events at the pool/clubhouse all year long. The people are wonderful! The quality of public schools are good in both Providence Plantation and Hembstead. Both neighborhoods have a swim team which kept my kids busy much of the summer. Anyone can partipipate. The tennis courts are usually available. It's been a while since I played on them and I'm not the greatest tennis player, but I believe they are in good condition, at least they five years ago. Hembstead is a little closer to uptown then Providence Plantation, and it is much easier and quiker to get in and out ofthe subdivision. The Arboretum is also within walking distance. The trails are wonderful. I can't say enough good things about it! Either place, though, you can't go wrong.

[efie30]

Thanks for your thoughts! We put in an offer today on a home in Hembstead, but am not confident we will get it. We will keep looking. There is plenty for sale!

[efie30]

@ Netter - Wanted to send you the following in a PM (private message), but was not able:

We love the house we made the offer on, it's great for our family of 5, but it just needs some updating and we couldn't come close to the asking price and have enough cash for the updates. I will keep you posted, because we will probably look at a few other homes in Hembstead if this offer isn't accepted.

Funny - I was up there a few weeks ago and stopped a lady waiting at the school bus stop to ask about the neighborhood. She gave my contact info to two other folks and both called to tell me about their houses. You folks are so friendly and helpful...THAT's what makes a great neighborhood!

[efie30]

We didn't get the Hembstead house. I never thought I would be this disappointed, but we waited too long to make an offer and they took another (better) one. Ugh! Back to square one.

[cheesehead1]

Sorry it didn't work out! It sounds like there are more houses you like in there and Prov. Plan., but it's always disappointing if it doesn't work out. Keep looking! There are tons of great houses in the area.
Best of luck!