Got the job offer down, a house is next... (Charlotte: lofts, condos)

[Anu2]

A few weeks ago, I posted because I had a decent shot at getting a job offer in Charlotte and LA (and I'm coming from CT). I got offers for both jobs and I'm most excited about the Charlotte opportunity. I'm particularly excited about being back in the housing market since I can't afford CT or LA!

I'm looking at a range of $200k-$250k for a house, maybe more if it will get me something a lot better. I was in town last week and I really liked Charlotte. One of the things I did was drive around various neighborhoods to get a feel for where I would like to live. Before coming, I had seen so many beautiful homes online in Huntersville (where my office would be) but when I saw them (from the outside) in person, I felt like they are built like track homes--true suburbia. The same house over and over again, right next to each other, with no privacy.

I'm 30 and single so I figure that living in Uptown Charlotte might be a little more interesting for me. Online, it looks like I can afford some 2-3 bedroom condos/lofts/townhomes that look like they are modern and unique.
I have heard that there is a lot of crime in Uptown Charlotte, though and I've always thought that buying condos is an iffy proposition for house appreciation.

What are other people's views? Do you think the condos in uptown Charlotte will appreciate as much as houses in Huntersville? Is the crime rate in uptown Charlotte really THAT bad? Where do you think are the high appreciation areas? Is now a good time to buy or do you think the market will soften a little later in the year?

As usual, your help is very much appreciated!

[GirlTravels]

If I was single, I would live in Uptown in a heartbeat. I don't have the crime stats but after living on NYC's Morningside Heights in college, I would have NO hesitation living in Uptown Charlotte. I live in Huntersville and it works for me with a family and I like it, but it is true suburbia. There are a lot of cool condos in Uptown and you'd find something, I am sure. You can walk to restaurants, bars, etc. and there's a nice uptown community of people who live here.

GT

[Anu2]

Thanks for responding...I'm definitely leaning towards uptown. I know there are 4 wards in uptown. Can anyone tell me anything about the different wards? Are some more crime-ridden than others? Any thoughts on which area might offer the highest appreciation in the future?

[kmway]

There is not a lot of crime uptown. It is a CITY and there IS crime, but not a lot compared to most cities of a similar size. I personally recommend 4th ward or Gateway. I am around your age and live in Huntersville, because I really wanted a fenced backyard area for my little dog. I did not want condo life because of my pet. Otherwise, I probably would have lived uptown, too.

[sheena]

Originally Posted by Anu2

A few weeks ago, I posted because I had a decent shot at getting a job offer in Charlotte and LA (and I'm coming from CT). I got offers for both jobs and I'm most excited about the Charlotte opportunity. I'm particularly excited about being back in the housing market since I can't afford CT or LA!

I'm looking at a range of $200k-$250k for a house, maybe more if it will get me something a lot better. I was in town last week and I really liked Charlotte. One of the things I did was drive around various neighborhoods to get a feel for where I would like to live. Before coming, I had seen so many beautiful homes online in Huntersville (where my office would be) but when I saw them (from the outside) in person, I felt like they are built like track homes--true suburbia. The same house over and over again, right next to each other, with no privacy.

I'm 30 and single so I figure that living in Uptown Charlotte might be a little more interesting for me. Online, it looks like I can afford some 2-3 bedroom condos/lofts/townhomes that look like they are modern and unique.
I have heard that there is a lot of crime in Uptown Charlotte, though and I've always thought that buying condos is an iffy proposition for house appreciation.

What are other people's views? Do you think the condos in uptown Charlotte will appreciate as much as houses in Huntersville? Is the crime rate in uptown Charlotte really THAT bad? Where do you think are the high appreciation areas? Is now a good time to buy or do you think the market will soften a little later in the year?

As usual, your help is very much appreciated!

If I had the extra money I'd invest in a condo uptown. I don't have a crystal ball but I don't see the Charlotte market going anywhere but up.

[melkat]

We came from CT too and the housing is so different here isn't it? You see the same house over and over and over in the same developement (in mine it is the really ugly and cheap looking Gandy model...3 on my small street alone )

I'd move to uptown too if I was single

[sheena]

Originally Posted by melkat

We came from CT too and the housing is so different here isn't it? You see the same house over and over and over in the same developement (in mine it is the really ugly and cheap looking Gandy model...3 on my small street alone )

I'd move to uptown too if I was single

Did you buy in Heritage Green?

[niknaxx]

Huntersville is definitely suburbia but no crime. Charlotte is all city and definitely crime. My boss was talking about obtaining his concealed handgun permit because of it and he's lived here for years! If you are used to living in a city like that, then it might not bother you. If you aren't used to it, I wouldn't consider it at all.

I also interviewed with a girl and she told me she missed the Lake. She moved to S. Charlotte from the Lake, around Mooresville. Her commute is obviously better but there's nothing like the Lake here... If you do a little research, I think you can find something more happening up around the Lake - seems like I heard Rusty Rudder and you could probably search this site for it. I love Huntersville and rarely go into U/T Charlotte but will be for work. I do all of my shopping in Mooresville (exit 33), Huntersville (exit 25), N. Charlotte (exit 18), and Concord. We are definitely a suburbia couple...

I'd take a look at Birkdale, just so you can see what it's like and it seems like you could find something in your range but it would be small. I like Rosedale which would give you a single family home for your money but you may not like it. It's also close to the expressway. There's also Gillead Ridge, Carrington Ridge, Monteith Park, etc.

[Anu2]

Thank you to everyone who has responded so far! This is really helpful. I guess my next question is if it's possible to buy a nicer/newer place in uptown Charlotte that is over 1,200 sq. ft. with some storage space (even bigger would be ideal) for less than $300k? I know I'm getting picky now but I've owned two houses before and they were both about 2,500 sq. ft so I have quite a bit of "stuff" (but not enough to fill up a 2,500 sq. ft. house). When I do searches on the Internet, it's really difficult for me to tell sometimes which houses are in uptown Charlotte unless I do a ZIP code lookup on mapquest. If anyone has a map of uptown Charlotte that has the ZIP codes laid out, that would actually be really helpful. I couldn't find one online that was legible. Thanks again!

[Mr.Sippi]

I was going to post the obligatory "Move to the suburbs!" post, but is see someone already has.

Young and single? I would definitely move into an uptown condo. Several under development now.

Originally Posted by Anu2

Thank you to everyone who has responded so far! This is really helpful. I guess my next question is if it's possible to buy a nicer/newer place in uptown Charlotte that is over 1,200 sq. ft. with some storage space (even bigger would be ideal) for less than $300k? I know I'm getting picky now but I've owned two houses before and they were both about 2,500 sq. ft so I have quite a bit of "stuff" (but not enough to fill up a 2,500 sq. ft. house). When I do searches on the Internet, it's really difficult for me to tell sometimes which houses are in uptown Charlotte unless I do a ZIP code lookup on mapquest. If anyone has a map of uptown Charlotte that has the ZIP codes laid out, that would actually be really helpful. I couldn't find one online that was legible. Thanks again!