Best Kept Secret :Albemarle, NC (Stanly County) (Charlotte, Winston-Salem: real estate market, how much)

[PamelaCmi]

I am here to tell you all that the best kept secret for affordable homes, low utility prices, low taxes in North Carolina is Albemarle, NC. It's the county seat of Stanly. It now has a new 4 lane highway to Charlotte, NC. We are a bedroom community of Charlotte, without the crime, and fear of living in a large city.
We have good schools, our own water supply (no restrictions). Some of the lowest home prices in the nation, and a family atmosphere. A great place to raise your kids, with great schools.
We are a city of about 15,000, (and mark my words, will be a real estate markets dream, because of our low home prices).
A decent home can be purchased for as little as $49,000, and a new home for about $127,000. We are within a short driving distance to the ocean, yet, safe enough from hurricanes. We are within a short distance to the mountains.
We live near the largest mall in NC, called Concord Mills mall, and there are many famous resturaunts located within or surrounding the mall.
Our city is a bit rural, with lush green rolling hills, lots of trees to shade us in summer, and mild winters. Should we have an ice storm, which does not happen often, our city and county is on the ball when it comes to restoring our power.
We have a lake about 7 miles from here called Badin lake, where all go to enjoy swimming, and family fun. We also have Morrow Mountain about 7 or so miles from here where you can hike, and the park will tell you all about the Indians that used to live here, and artifacts to view.
The people here are very warm and welcoming, and we now enjoy families from all over the country, whom have found out our quaint little secret city.
Come one, come all, and enjoy this great little city with us. We know how to apply southern hospitality here in our town of Albemarle. Come on down now, ya hear? Pamela

[cynwldkat]

Pamela,
I have to agree that Albemarle is the "best kept secret". We purchased our home right next to Albemarle in New London and have been very happy with this move. We searched from one end of NC to the other and decided this area would fit our needs and then some! We do all our shopping in Albemarle, enjoy the beauty of Badin Lake and throughly enjoy just taking drives through the beautiful countryside. It's close to everything but not to close. People have been so friendly. The weather has been great. And yes, the price of living here is unbeatable. I see new businesses and homes going up all around so I can assume that will mean more jobs in the near future. My feeling are it won't be long before we see some rapid growth here. And still be able to enjoy the beauty of the countryside and the wildlife.

[lovesMountains]

Moderator cut: baiting


Personally, if I lived in Albemarle and were NOT a realtor I wouldn't be so anxious to share the good news about Albemarle to millions of people on the internet. I'd be keeping the info a little more of a secret so too many people don't discover it and turn it into a place that you no longer recognize - which is what has happened in Charlotte.

[kmway]

Ha, good call lovesmountains.

[cynwldkat]

Hmmmmm...never thought about it that way. I suppose I just wanted to share how much I've enjoyed this move. I don't think it would be the kind of move everyone would jump on because it is rural. But as you 've said, it could change this area into something not nearly as nice. I'll still say I love it here. Now don't everyone move here!!

[NCgirl]

Hmm...I wondered this as well. However, wouldn't a local realtor know that Concord Mills isn't the largest mall in NC.

[cynwldkat]

I wondered that too. But everyone keeps talking about the largest mall in NC and I still don't know which one it is or where it's located. Any info. about that??

[NCgirl]

Hanes Mall in Winston-Salem.

[kmway]

Sorry, Hanes Mall is the second largest in NC according to my sources.
Concord Mills is the third largest BUT with 15 MILLION visitors is ranked the #1 tourist attraction in NC, which amazes me because I hate that place (too noisy).

According to the 2007 stats:
Square feet
SouthPark (largest in state): 1,575,581
Hanes: 1,494,945
Concord Mills: 1,329,038

DISCLAIMER: SouthPark is the largest with the Villages section included.
The largest ALL ENCLOSED mall is Hanes!

This piece of useless information that no one really cares about brought to you by kmway

[NCgirl]

Ha, kmway! I thought I was the only person not all that impressed with Concord Mills. I love your useless information. Although I don't think the outdoor villages should count.