North Charlotte vs. South Charlotte (new home, neighborhood, buying)

[kv82]

I'm having a hard time deciding whether to buy a new home in North Charlotte (around Eastfield Road near Highland Creek) or South Charlotte (close to Carowinds). I work near uptown. I've only been living in Charlotte for a couple of months, so I don't really know what area is good and what areas have the worst traffic. Any suggestions and comments on those areas would be appreciated.

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by kv82

I'm having a hard time deciding whether to buy a new home in North Charlotte (around Eastfield Road near Highland Creek) or South Charlotte (close to Carowinds). I work near uptown. I've only been living in Charlotte for a couple of months, so I don't really know what area is good and what areas have the worst traffic. Any suggestions and comments on those areas would be appreciated.

The Carowinds area is actually southWEST Charlotte - the Steele Creek area. Just know, south Charlotte is more desirable for schools. I like the Eastfield Rd area (which in not "north Charlotte", but north Mecklenburg) and Highland Creek in particular, you can't really go wrong there. Commute from both areas would be about the same. Best of luck!

[Orangeish]

Originally Posted by lovesMountains

The Carowinds area is actually southWEST Charlotte - the Steele Creek area. Just know, south Charlotte is more desirable for schools. I like the Eastfield Rd area and Highland Creek in particular, you can't really go wrong there. Commute from both areas would be about the same. Best of luck!

any tangible benefits to buying in North Charlotte, LovesMts?

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by Orangeish

any tangible benefits to buying in North Charlotte, LovesMts?

Well, I just edited my post for clarity - the area around Eastfield and Highland Creek is not North Charlotte but North Mecklenburg - and yes, I do think buying in several places in that general vicinity would allow you to see appreciation and not depreciation over time in your home's value. Highland Creek in particular has enjoyed continued appreciation since it was begun 15 or so years ago - it is a desirable area.

North Charlotte would be the NoDa area, Hidden Valley area, Derita, etc...Many yuppie types have bought in NoDa in particular hoping for big returns on their investments later down the line. It will happen, but may take another 10 years as not enough of NoDa has been gentrified yet and the light rail has yet to be completed.

[Carolina Blue]

One suggestion for looking in the Eastfield Road area, is to find out where the final leg of I-485 will be built in relation to the community you are considering.

[Hoagie58]

Eastfield Rd and Prosperity Church are TERRIBLE during normal commute times. Eastfield is a 2 lane road that should have been widened about 10 years ago. Other than HEAVY traffic, the area in general is very desirable!

[DBGNCSU05]

Originally Posted by lovesMountains

Well, I just edited my post for clarity - the area around Eastfield and Highland Creek is not North Charlotte but North Mecklenburg - and yes, I do think buying in several places in that general vicinity would allow you to see appreciation and not depreciation over time in your home's value. Highland Creek in particular has enjoyed continued appreciation since it was begun 15 or so years ago - it is a desirable area.

North Charlotte would be the NoDa area, Hidden Valley area, Derita, etc...Many yuppie types have bought in NoDa in particular hoping for big returns on their investments later down the line. It will happen, but may take another 10 years as not enough of NoDa has been gentrified yet and the light rail has yet to be completed.

Depending on how zoning shakes out, the Eastfield area around Highland Creek could be a great area for schools.


Also, I agree with Hoagie - Eastfield Rd. should be 4 lanes to handle the rush hour volume. Once you're on Prosperity Church Rd, though, you can make decent time getting to work.

[susan42]

Originally Posted by DBGNCSU05

Depending on how zoning shakes out, the Eastfield area around Highland Creek could be a great area for schools.


Also, I agree with Hoagie - Eastfield Rd. should be 4 lanes to handle the rush hour volume. Once you're on Prosperity Church Rd, though, you can make decent time getting to work.

Part of Highland Creek is actually in Cabarrus county-lower taxes and better schools.I believe this part of the subdivision demands higher prices and people have been known to sell in Highland Creek, only to move to the part that's in Cabarrus county.

[LBIkid]

I live in this area and the traffic is not TERRIBLE. Eastfield and Prosperity Church Rd. get congested during normal rush hour times, but I've never had to sit on either road for more than 15 minutes or so. Its no worse than other parts of town, and better than some. You should do some research into the planned route for 485 to make sure its not too close to where you're looking. Otherwise, I think its a great area. We have many new schools in the area at all levels and at least one under construction. There are plenty of amenities within an easy drive without having big box stores in your backyard per se. If you have a specific neighborhood in mind, feel free to shoot me a PM and I can give you some more specific advice.

[DawnW]

DH said he will never consider moving to North Charlotte now that he is used to taking the Lynx train into Uptown. He loves it.

I know a North Charlotte train is in the works, but it may be years before it is completed.

If you are at all interested in taking the train to work, South Charlotte is your best bet.

Dawn