Charlotte Vs Raleigh (Arlington: appointed, real estate, house)

[SBD]

Hi - We are considering moving from the Chicago area to NC - for warmer weather, lower property taxes and housing. We have 2 little kids that are not even in elementary school yet - so the school system is of utmost importance. Also, we are Jewish, though not very religious. So we'd like to be in an area that is known to have at least some Jews. My wife did some research and said the top rated districts are more in Raleigh than Charlotte and that Charlotte has more Jewish people. I'm sure there is a lots of pride in each city but any thoughts would be extremely helpful.

Thanks

PS - We are big in to the outdoors - love mountains and beach and would wanted a wooded neighborhood (assuming both have wooded areas but just thought I'd mention it)

[anifani821]

Have you spent time in both cities? They are very different. Raleigh is the seat of government for the state, plus NC State University is there . . . Charlotte is more a business-based city.

And I gotta ask . . . typically we move wherever we find employment. You work from home? If so, I would think you would be most interested in neighborhoods than anything else, and you haven't given us enuff into to be able to advise on that.

[SBD]

Originally Posted by anifani821

Have you spent time in both cities? They are very different. Raleigh is the seat of government for the state, plus NC State University is there . . . Charlotte is more a business-based city.

And I gotta ask . . . typically we move wherever we find employment. You work from home? If so, I would think you would be most interested in neighborhoods than anything else, and you haven't given us enuff into to be able to advise on that.

Actually I have not spent much time in either city but plan on doing so this year. We would actually prefer to be in a suburban area and not the city - so the cities themelves are not crucial. I work from home and am hoping to have the opportunity to be able to transfer wheile staying with my company - so assuming that happens, commute and such is not a major issue. I have been referred to South Charlotte but Charlotte is a bit confusing because it all goes by neighborhoods - which there are so many. In Chicago, we go by suburb when looking at real estate. We would be looking to spend no more than $400k on a house, ideally on .4 + acres. Don't want older homes (preferbaly something in the last 10 - 15yrs), but again with mature wooded areas. Hope that helps. Ask away if you need more info.

Thanks

[chicagocubs]

Originally Posted by SBD

Actually I have not spent much time in either city but plan on doing so this year. We would actually prefer to be in a suburban area and not the city - so the cities themelves are not crucial. I work from home and am hoping to have the opportunity to be able to transfer wheile staying with my company - so assuming that happens, commute and such is not a major issue. I have been referred to South Charlotte but Charlotte is a bit confusing because it all goes by neighborhoods - which there are so many. In Chicago, we go by suburb when looking at real estate. We would be looking to spend no more than $400k on a house, ideally on .4 + acres. Don't want older homes (preferbaly something in the last 10 - 15yrs), but again with mature wooded areas. Hope that helps. Ask away if you need more info.

Thanks

Hi, maybe I can help...at least with the Charlotte bit.

Neighbourhoods here are like tiny little suburbia each on their own. South Charlotte, Ballentyne, might be compared to a fancy Schaumburg or even a newer Winnetka... North Charlotte has UNCC (think Circle Campus in an Arlington Heights- type area). School systems; well, I am not a fan of any of them here, but, that would be for you to research more.

$400k for a house would be very easy; the larger lot size might put you in an older home.

If you like the suburbs and not the city, then, you will like Charlotte. It is like one giant suburb. But, please do your research beforehand (on this forum, even) so that you are not disappointed.

[NCgirl]

Hello,

If you search this forum you'll find many opinions about each city. Both are great places to live and I think you can find what you are looking for in both.

$400k on a house, ideally on .4 + acres. Don't want older homes (preferbaly something in the last 10 - 15yrs), but again with mature wooded areas.

We would actually prefer to be in a suburban area and not the city - so the cities themelves are not crucial.

There are other, smaller towns in Wake (Raleigh) and Mecklenburg (Charlotte) counties. There are also other counties in each metro area.

Here are some related threads:

Charlotte or Raleigh?
What is the difference between Charlotte & Raleigh?
Threads Comparing Charlotte to other regions

Since you mentioned suburbs here is a post I made in another thread.
What are the desirable suburbs of Charlotte for families?

Charlotte's official tourism site has some good info. about the city and surrounding area. Charlotte's got a lot.

Hope that helps!