Considering Wilmington (Charlotte, Mooresville: real estate, apartment, home)

[Movingsoon1]

We're considering moving from the Rust Belt to somewhere with better weather and solid growth in its future. We've heard good things about Wilmington.

Any recommendations on neighborhoods or areas to check out? Our white collar jobs allow us to work pretty much anywhere as long as we have a high speed net connection and are near an sizable airport. We're probably going to take a family trip in the next few months to look around.

We currently live in a town of about 15,000 that's in the top 10 school districts in our state, so great public school system is a must. We're looking for suburban (or exurban even) living -- yes, we live in a McMansion and like it, thank you very much! .

Thanks for any suggestions, insight, links to stats/data, etc.

[cdugas01]

CNNMoney Magazine has ranked Wilm in the top 10 cities to buy in now for appreciation, so it should be a wise investment. Schools depend on your children's ages and interests. We have a magazine called Wilmington Parent that runs a great spread on schools I think twice a year. I am pretty sure they just did one last month and I think
I still have a copy if you can't get it online. Let me know. We have plenty of McMansions on the water and off. Let me know if you want info on any.

[Movingsoon1]

Cdugas01 - thanks for the info. I was able to find the Wilmington Parent magazine online. Here's the link for any other readers who read this thread. Looks like a great resource. Wilmington Parent Magazine

Regarding neighborhoods/house - we'd like to replicate (or upgrade) what we have currently. 4 bedroom/2.5 ba on about 1/3 acre. I understand basements are rare out there, so a FROG/bonus room would equate. My wife and I both use home offices. Price range $300k - $350k. Neighbors hang out with each other, carpool, kids running around in the summer - typical white picket fence stuff. Any neighborhoods/developments that might match

Regarding schools, I have a 1st grader and 3 year old. She's huge into dance (3x a week) but academic reputation is the prime criteria.

I'll definitely look into the CNN/Money article since I currently own a couple (smallish) multifamily apartment buildings and would like to continue investing once settled.

Any other thoughts would be most welcome. We're also going to swing through Charleston; and Charlotte/Mooresville is on radar because we have friends there.

[West_ny]

Could you post a link to that article I'd like to read it. I went to their website, but couldn't find it. Thanks!

[Oyster07]

New Rules of Real Estate 2006: Best Places to (Still) Invest - November 1, 2006

I think this is it...

[West_ny]

Thanks! Seems I read another article here on the forum were some article ranked Wilmington #2 for something. (and it was something good)