Wesley Heights opinions? (Charlotte: foreclosure, to rent, high crime)

[tryton11]

My fiance and I are on the brink of moving to Wesley Heights later this month. We are renting a 3 bedroom home on Lela Ave in that area of new homes. The surrounding areas look hit or miss, but I was curious if anyone lives over there or frequents the Wesley Heights area. I currently live uptown but have spent little to no time over there. My only vision of that area is the sketchy-as-hell Texaco gas station by 77 and the Jesus Saves abandoned church. Thx in advance for any pointers.

- t

[sam719]

I am also interested in buying a home and moving to this area. Any advice from current Wesley Heights residents?

[The Native 1]

Originally Posted by tryton11

My fiance and I are on the brink of moving to Wesley Heights later this month. We are renting a 3 bedroom home on Lela Ave in that area of new homes. The surrounding areas look hit or miss, but I was curious if anyone lives over there or frequents the Wesley Heights area. I currently live uptown but have spent little to no time over there. My only vision of that area is the sketchy-as-hell Texaco gas station by 77 and the Jesus Saves abandoned church. Thx in advance for any pointers.

- t

Since you asked for my opinion I will give you my .02. Wesley Heights is another one of those areas that is up and coming. It is surrounded by areas such as Seversville and Ashley Park that are sketchy(much like plaza midwood was 10 years ago) but will probably get better over time. I would avoid the Freedom Dr area near the shopping center. If I were going to buy over there it would have to be a really good deal. Some of the houses over there are listing for 300,000 and up. If I were considering a house in this price range I would look in a safer area that is already established such as Chantilly or Plaza Midwood. On the flip side if you scoop up a bungalow that has not been renovated or a foreclosure in W.H. you will probably have some nice equity in a few years.

[lumbollo]

I think it has two defects. One uncontrollable and the other uncorrectable. Basically these revolve around the fact that it is a neighborhood squeezed between I-77 and an area that is pretty high crime in Charlotte. Some people are not bothered by the constant noise coming off I-77, but most are probably going to be concerned about the crime. There is also some indigenous resentment to the gentrification. I say that it is probably a good idea to rent there before deciding to buy. As far as getting a good buy, I am of the opinion the flippers have already squeezed out what is going to come out of that neighborhood and prices are probably fall off their peaks now.

[hokiehigh]

I have a lot of friends that live over there and do not have any issues. I would choose to live closer to the Morehead side rather than 4th Street.

[vindaloo]

Wesley Heights is an up and coming area probably. At this stage, I wouldn't dare walk to uptown after dark without a gun. It is precarious to say the least. I am sure some of the streets are nice with nice neighbors (I once lived on Grandin Road), but it still isn't what is considered a safe place at this time. If you drive everywhere and don't walk, it may be O.K.

[Dakota4791]

It's up and coming... which means it's not "there" yet.

[bugguy]

Before you buy there, you should ride up Thrift Rd. to Tuckaseegeee and around State St. and up Berryhill Rd. Go at night and on the weekends. See who your neighbors will be. Lock your doors and go armed!

[lovesMountains]

Wesley Heights WAS up and coming before the recession and housing crisis - not so much anymore though.

I would not live there today, but I wouldn't mind owning property there as a future investment (like another 10-15 years). LIke NoDa, and other areas slowly gentrifying, IF you can afford to buy up, fix up and hold for years, it could be lucrative down the line.