$150,000 house in NC.....for real?

[aarononymous]

new homes start at $151k where we live, 3br & around 1800sq/ft
Fieldstone Farm in Indian Trail, it's a Centex community

great union county schools & not too far from Charlotte

[Sean_CLT]

If you can, open up your parameters just a bit. The difference between a $150,000 home neighborhoodand a $175,000 home neighborhood is noticable and I think, worth it. (And I made such a move a few years ago.)

[Carolinagal1995]

The better schools are outside of Mecklenburg County. Check out Union or Cabarrus County. There are plenty of homes in great school districts for 150k. In Union County the better clusters are Porter Ridge, Sun Valley, Weddington, and Piedmont. All of these clusters are on the west side of Union County and convenient to Charlotte. At 150k you can easily find a 1600-1700s.f. home in one of these clusters. However, it will more than likely be a frame, not 4 sided brick, and not be in a neighborhood full of custom homes.

If you choose to stay in Mecklenburg, the best school cluster is Providence in Matthews. However, it is almost impossible to find a home for 150k in the Providence Cluster. Mecklenburg is the abyss for public schools. There are plenty of great private schools for a reason.

Also, pay close attention to the prices. They are depressed right now. However, Charlotte is gaining steam and starting to recover. Who knows where we will be in 2011.

[iheartthoreau]

I'm a teacher that lives in 28212...we are zoned for Butler HS (one of the best high schools in Charlotte)...we bought a 4 bed/2 bath...hardwoods...AND the extra lot next to us...wooded common area behind our house that can't be built on...cul-de-sac close to the greenway for $140,000. Nice, solid area...15 minutes to uptown... There are some neighborhoods, just like clothing lines, that you are paying for the brand..the prestige of living in a certain neighborhood....if you aren't into that...you can find some wonderful homes, in nice areas, with good schools for great money! Good Luck! Oh, and our taxes are about $1700 a year.

[tban]

My sister just bought a house just outside of the Highland Creek subdivision for $170k. Her house is 2500 sq ft, 3 BR, 2.5 BA - newly built neighborhood with houses still being built. Not bad for her first house.

My friend bought a house near my sister's neighborhood for $170k (foreclosed) that is 3000 sq ft, 4 BR, 2.5 BA w/ bonus room downstairs. His house is on a 0.4 acre lot.

They both live in Northeast Charlotte near Concord, NC.

I couldn't imagine living in a state where homes were $350k minimum. I'd feel depressed, lol

[stolik3]

wow. all great news.

iheartthoreau, i am looking to become a teacher there as well, either Biology or ESL, so considering starting teacher salaries, I couldn't afford much more than that, but regardless, I don't need nor want more than a small modest home. We will be looking for 3, maybe 4 bedrooms, 1600-1800 sq. ft., less than a half acre of land, and that's about it. We are easy to please.

i know some people looking to buy a home in New Jersey now, they can't find anything under $320,000, unless you want to buy and renovate. Then you could find something for........$290,000

[DawnW]

Given your peramiters you should be able to find something.

We moved here from CA and when we moved a 1500 sq. ft. home was selling for 600K in most areas! And that was with almost NO yard to speak of.

I agree with looking in Union County.

[joy78]

It's hard to find a house with basement around here though but for the prices, you cannot beat it...