Moving in 2010 to Charlotte, from Northern NJ - need some advice on neighborhoods (Wilmington: home, YMCA)

[XcapefromNJ]

pink caddy, you ask:

I just don't get it! Why do you enter the fray?

Let me try to explain. Some people post controversial, inflammatory, irrelevant, or off-topic messages in an online community, such as an online discussion forum, with the primary intent of provoking other users into an emotional response or of otherwise disrupting normal on-topic discussion.

See? It worked! Oh wait, that is the definition of an internet troll. Don't feed them.

[Z Town]

Originally Posted by anifani821

Hi, Z Town! First of all . . .you did the right thing starting a thread to get specific info. And secondly, congrats on your upcoming move! It sounds like you will be very compatible w/ what this region has to offer.

I read your post two times, trying to decide what area seemed to fit best according to your criteria. But then I decided to ask you if you had the opportunity to spend any time in the outlying communities or the burbs here, and if anything in particular struck you as being really interesting or made you feel at home.

Different neighborhoods come to mind, but none I can think of are a perfect match, such as everything fitting together and still having that "town center" sort of concept. Do you think having amenities close by (under 2 miles) would work for you? Or do you particularly want a town center as such? And would a commute that takes 35-45 minutes or longer work for you?

I feel certain you can find a lovely home in a great neighborhood.

I like the Blakeney area, and there are many couples w/ children - and people seem to be very friendly and open to new friendships. Just not sure if that would meet some of the criteria you listed.
Hopefully, others will post with more suggestions.

You are lucky to be moving here in the Spring - Charlotte is very pretty that time of year.

Hey, as you all will see this was my first post, and you all kind of blew my mind. A TON of info, thank you! And pictures too!? Impressive. I'm in hospitality and appreciate the engagement. Anyway - Ani, to answer your thought about Town Centers. It;s not really a necessity and I think what everyone is describing as a "downtown" feel with shops and restaurants is just what I'm looking for, and yes a couple miles away from a center like that is more than fine.

Regarding the 35-45 minute commute, personally I could go an hour, hate to say it but traffic really doesn't bother me, and I used to live in DC on the beltway so I know traffic. The only thing is the time away from family. I love music, but I don't want 2 hrs out of my day to be alone in the car listening to it.

Thanks VERY much for your reply.

[Z Town]

Originally Posted by NCgirl

I don't know how many houses are for sale, but the Hawthorne neighborhood in Belmont sounds like what you're looking for. It is one block from Main Street. I don't know the demographics but I think many families live there. I suspect you'd have to pay more than $350,000 but it meets your criteria:


Stowe Park is very close, about a 5 - 10 min. walk



Downtown Belmont has stores and restaurants. The Parks and Rec. Dept. holds several events each year. There are other events like Friday Night Live hosted by the downtown merchants.

"General Entertainment has stated that Belmont has become one of the largest draw for any of their events in the area, second only to Myrtle Beach, with the number of people that come to enjoy the live music and the atmosphere of our beloved downtown. Based on the numbers of the past 2 years the BDMA is anticipating anywhere from 4,000 – 6,000 people in the streets on any given Friday Night Live Event."


Belmont is about 15 mins. from uptown in off peak times. I think it's about 30 mins. during peak times but I may be wrong. You could take a Park and Ride CATS bus into uptown.

Hope that Helps! Like I said I don't know how many homes are available there but I figured it was worth mentioning.

Hy NC Girl - your post was extremely helpful. Sounds like Belmont fits our profile of needs. Like I said, we would open the purse strings a bit if it's the perfect situation. Though, being a "happening" part of town, is crime or "late night" noise and partiers an issue? I know I would have to be there to experience it and I certainly will asap. Just thought I would ask.

Thanks!!

[sophialee]

Originally Posted by Londonlawyer

As someone from the NY metro area, let me suggest Atlanta.

So he has a job in Charlotte and you think he should move to Atlanta...where he has no job? Great advice.

[Z Town]

Originally Posted by XcapefromNJ

I think Atlanta is a bit too long of a commute to Charlotte, don't you?

Where are you from in NJ? I think Birkdale Village would be a great place for families with small children. I often go there to Starbucks or other restaurants or to shop and think how nice it must be for someone to just walk over with a stroller and sit in the square near the fountain. It is near Lake Norman and convenient to exit 25. Definitely worth looking at based on your want-list, except that the elementary school Torrence Creek is far away and very overcrowded. It might actually be a great school (I don't know) but they have more space devoted to trailers than school building. It is a bit shocking to see.

There is always something going on in Birkdale Village, the "faux" downtown . It reminds me of Main St, Disneyland. Last year they had an exhibit of sculptures by Britto.




They even have a Victoria's Secret!

Very cool, NJ. Thanks! I live near Princeton NJ now and have been here for about 5 years. Originally from New England. To reply to your reply (thanks by the way) - WOW - Lake Norman is huge. Birkdale Village sounds fun and great and just the kind of neighborhood we're looking for. It's going to be tough to decide on an area because there's so many options. Any places in NJ compare that you and I both would know?

[Z Town]

Originally Posted by mike7586

Davidson is a very nice town and most people say it has a "New England" feel to it. Matthews is another town to consider and I second Birkdale Village. I would also suggest Dilworth or Myers Park but it would be a lot harder to find a home in those areas in your price range.

Thanks Mike! I see Matthews is a popular choice. Dilworth looks great also, that's a new one for me, I'll check it out. Again, thanks!

Z

[Z Town]

Originally Posted by sophialee

So he has a job in Charlotte and you think he should move to Atlanta...where he has no job? Great advice.

Clearly, he/she is starving for attention. Let's not give him any. Too many great people and posts on here to let a sad case take the cake. I actually feel sorry for him/her.

[Z Town]

Hey everyone - I'm a bit confused. I have a Charlotte "newbie" question. When you all refer to "Belmont" are you talking about the town directly west of Charlotte, or the small neighborhood directly to the east of downtown? I see there's two separate areas. Thanks for clarifying.

[NCgirl]

Belmont the town in Gaston county. It is a small town and to my knowledge doesn't have an issue with late night crime or noise.

Since you are open to a 35 - 45 minute commute. I also recommend you check out Baxter Village in Fort Mill, SC. It has a town center with stores and restaurants, an elementary school, parks, a library, a YMCA, an urgent care and a community pool; All within the neighborhood.

Here is the website - link and here is a video tour

[michellelf]

I would also suggest Baxter Village in Fort Mill, SC.