Question about Hampton Cove (McMullen: cul-de-sac, renting, HOA)

[aly-bound]

Ok, I have a question about Hampton Cove (not the area, the actual neighborhood).

I have been on the website and seen all the different neighborhoods. For those who know the area, which of the neighborhoods is the nicest?

I really like the appeal of Hampton House.

We will be looking to NOT exceed $475k, and the lower, the better (isn't that everyone though!). At $475k that does not wipe us out on downpayment and leaves us a good "kitty" to decorate.

[Charles]

Depends on how you define nicest. Nicest to me means flat lightly, slowly traveled streets, with cul-de-sacs for kids to play in, like Twelve Stones (on the far northeast side).

I think the entire community is pretty and well maintained. The HOA will not tolerate neighbors who let their homes look bad. (I've had letters sent to me for leaving my trashcan in plain sight for example - didn't bother me - I complied - I'm glad they're tough.)

Some subdivisions in Hampton Cove have bigger, more expensive homes. Some streets (feeder streets like Cove Lake and Hampton Cove Way) are more heavily traveled. Some streets are hilly. Most neighborhoods have lots of kids.

It's just a great place to live, I'm glad we chose to buy there.

[aly-bound]

Charles...thanks for the info!

I would DM, but apparently I have reached a max for the night!!!

[BobWallace]

They are all quite nice neighborhoods in Hampton Cove.

Proximity to the Hampton House or other amenities might be a distinguishing characteristic, or proximity to the schools, or maybe backing up to a lake or golf course.

[Pirat_cat]

I agree they're all nice neighborhoods. Cobblestone Cove is the only one still building new houses (start in the low 300s I think) so if you want something brand new that would be the place. You should also have plenty of nice options in your price range for pre-owned houses too.

[Mawoods]

Come on out Little Cove Rd to McMullen Cove. When that road is finished it should really be easy.We will all celebrate when they finish.

[GretelB]

Depends what you want in a home (1) new vs. pre-owned and (2)location. We live in the older part of the neighborhood (Deford Mill) because proximity to the bike trail, school, and grocery was important to us. We walk and ride bikes a lot so wanted to be able to do that without getting in the car - and like walking to the grocery store. That said, we have had plenty of home repairs on our 14 year old home. If you are OK with a pre-owned home, some of the homes in Treyburne are very very pretty, as well as the homes right near the Hampton House (Hampton Cove Estates, Tammerack Lakes and Glen Eagles).

For newer homes, you will need to buy further down the road - in Cobblestone or Twelve Stones. Many beautiful homes there as well, but it is a little bit further to the Lowe's etc. Then again, with a new home, hopefully you will have fewer trips to Lowes than we do!

[tammie2]

Gretel, we are neighbors!! I am on Audubon.

We were looking in Arbor Woods and Deford, the kids picked Deford because it was closer to school, I thought Arbor Woods was prettier with the moutain backdrop(both offer mid level 4br/3ba/2 car homes at $300K-give or take a little). The kids loved the idea of being able to walk to school. Really we didn't care all that much(isn't that crazy?) but this is our 4th home in our 7th state, it seems we are less picky each time I think if there is a next time I will buy sight unseen

Just as an FYI, I have a friend that bought in Cobblestone after renting in Sussex. She hates where she is and wants to move back to this side of the street. She loved being able to bike to Hampton House just up the street and she felt more connected with the neighborhood on this side.

I also know many that like the secluded feeling of Cobblestone and Twelve Stone, so it is all about what you want.

If you enlighten us as to what it is you are looking for, I am sure we could help you more.

I would also recommend staying away from homes on Little Cove Rd, they seem like a good value for the money, but they are always flooding. One particular house had the carpet out front 3 times this last fall/winter. Craziness!