So many North Carolina counties, so many questions! (Charlotte, Hickory: sales, amusement park)

[Patsyish]

Hello Everyone,

Thanks to all of you who contribute SO much information here - you're saving people years of research & practically eliminating the theory of "live & learn" as it applies to making mistakes when re-locating!!!

We're considering a move to NC from Long Island, NY. We're used to things like:
land (more than 1 acre)
conveniences like high speed internet
access to over night delivery (home based businesses)
garbage pick up at the curb
ridiculous county & state taxes
treed & fenced property
houses made of lumber
shingle roofs (what is it with tin roofs?!?)
basements!

In searching homes on the internet, I'm looking for most of these things - with the exception of the taxes! I'm also pretty sure that unless we build, we will be buying ground floor living space in exchange for the finished basement!

There are SO many Counties in NC... can anyone help me by suggesting a County to search in?

Are there many restrictions on home-based businesses? For example: are you allowed to have your customers come to pick up merchandise (not like Avon)?

Are business networking groups popular in the 'cities'?

If I'm viewing a house on the internet and a TV in the picture has its antenna up and pointing all over, is it safe to assume there is no cable in the area?

If you own a DW can you make alterations to it such as adding rooms?

What is the advantage of living in a sub-division?

How has the drought affected people who rely on well water?

Is most of the well water acceptable for drinking, cooking, laundry, etc or do you need additional equipment such as a conditioner?

Are there great differences between Counties for allowances such as:
home renovation & reconstruction
type of animals you're allowed to have (dogs, birds, reptiles, etc)
fencing your property
installing a swimming pool

Thanks SO much for your time, and please feel free to share any helpful information!

Best wishes,

Patsy

[Bobb]

Try Catawba County, Hickory Area, > Mountain View

[GO PANTHERS!!]

There are SO many Counties in NC... can anyone help me by suggesting a County to search in?

Well, I think you'd need to provide a bit more information before I could be sure about this answer but, The Mecklenburg county area (and surrounding counties) seems to be one of the best from many perspectives. 3-4 hours from the beach, 3-4 hours from the mountains, under and hour to 3 major lakes, very friendly, well populated, city living available, condos, subdivisions, new homes, old homes, country living with close city access, privite areas, public areas, major amusement park near by (within 1hour), relatively un-affected buy the slumping in economy, chocked full of young (and old) entrepreneurs. The Charlotte area (main city in Mecklenburg) pays more of this states taxes then any other city in NC. Not because of higher tax rates but because of the amount of money changing hands in the area. One of the fastest growing cities in the US both commercial and residential. Very little industrial.

Are there many restrictions on home-based businesses? For example: are you allowed to have your customers come to pick up merchandise (not like Avon)?

Maybe you should be looking for a mixed use property where you can run a commerial establishment down stairs. That wouldn't provide a fenced in, wooded lot. That would be in the city.

I know that many people are into the Amway, Market American, jewelry, soap, Avon, Mary Kay type business' I don't think there are many restrictions on that type of thing. I know tons of people that do it. I think it has something to do with whether or not you have employee's that work from your home. Maybe someone else can better answer this question but if your company is indeed like Avon then I don't see you having a problem.

Are business networking groups popular in the 'cities'?

Very!! But relationship driven. It's about building relationships down here. This you should be prepared for. I am from Buffalo area and have seen several people in sales from up north struggle down here based upon that difference. You need to know someone or be referred usually, word of mouth rules the south. Start making friends and talking to everyone you have an opportunity to. This will help out a ton.

If I'm viewing a house on the internet and a TV in the picture has its antenna up and pointing all over, is it safe to assume there is no cable in the area?

If you own a DW can you make alterations to it such as adding rooms?

What is a DW?

What is the advantage of living in a sub-division?

Family type atmosphere, less through traffic, great for children building relationships with other children in the neighborhood, usually privately regulated and governed, mainly about having a tight knit group of neighbors and community. Can be very clicky though... plenty of gossip... and nosey neighbors...

How has the drought affected people who rely on well water?

I think I heard tale if 1 or 2 wells drying up and having to be re-drilled. Hasn't really been an inconvenience to anyone except for avid gardeners and/or landscaping fanatics.

Is most of the well water acceptable for drinking, cooking, laundry, etc or do you need additional equipment such as a conditioner?

I haven't heard of anything to the contrary. Well and city water around here (mecklenburg county) has always been pretty good. Well water isn't chemically cleaned like city water is but it also doesn't have the helpful additives like fluoride...

Are there great differences between Counties for allowances such as:
home renovation & reconstruction

I'm a contractor and I see the cost of construction all over NC to be based upon existing conditions and specifications. Meaning that the price is driven buy your preference of quality, style, service, design, and materials. The only thing that I see driving construction prices based on county would be the site conditions on the property. Building on the side of a mountain, way out in the middle of nowhere, on sand, or on solid rock will be more expensive than conventional construction.

type of animals you're allowed to have (dogs, birds, reptiles, etc)
fencing your property
installing a swimming pool

If you're looking for a house and an acre of land I don't see you having a problem with any of these. Some sub-division neighborhoods have rules regarding construction and modification of your property and in what manner you keep pets. Usually regular family pets are fine and the construction usually has to be approved by your neighborhood Home owners committee.