Relocating family NC or SC Schools,community,lake intercoastal access (Charlotte: for sale, foreclosures)

[johnnyocc]

Hi all, I am retired, with 3 young girls looking to relocate out of the cold and expensive NY suburbs. I need insite to different areas which afford me great schools, nice gated community lifestyle, which offers good ammenities such as pool + clubhouse. My price range is $400,000-$600,000. I would like a larger home 4+ BR. I have seen many good deals including forclosures, but can not get a good feel for individual areas. Also I would love a house that was on or had access to Lake Wylie, Lake Norman, or intercoastal, I like areas such as Grande Dunes in SC, but I hear the Myrtle beach schools are not good. North Carolina I hear has a better reputaion for schools as in the Weddington, Waxhall areas. but as beautul as those homes are are not by the water, although they are still a consideration.
Now I know what many of you may suggest is to reaching out to a realtor, my concern is that they may tote their area as supperior and not give me an unbiased opinion, your response is appreciated

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by johnnyocc

Hi all, I am retired, with 3 young girls looking to relocate out of the cold and expensive NY suburbs. I need insite to different areas which afford me great schools, nice gated community lifestyle, which offers good ammenities such as pool + clubhouse. My price range is $400,000-$600,000. I would like a larger home 4+ BR. I have seen many good deals including forclosures, but can not get a good feel for individual areas. Also I would love a house that was on or had access to Lake Wylie, Lake Norman, or intercoastal, I like areas such as Grande Dunes in SC, but I hear the Myrtle beach schools are not good. North Carolina I hear has a better reputaion for schools as in the Weddington, Waxhall areas. but as beautul as those homes are are not by the water, although they are still a consideration.
Now I know what many of you may suggest is to reaching out to a realtor, my concern is that they may tote their area as supperior and not give me an unbiased opinion, your response is appreciated

Johnny, my best suggestion to you is to look at little Tega Cay, SC, just outside the Charlotte city limits. This little town is on Lake Wylie and is just awesome in my book. There is a nice golf course running through the town, two pools, and a great park on a point right on the lake. Schools are also good and it's a very family oriented place to live.

In addition, in the nearby town of Lake Wylie, which also sits on Lake Wylie, lol, you would want to check out River Hills subdivision for a very nice, established, gated community. It's a golf course community on the water with lovely, mature lots. Homes are older, most from the late 70's and 80's, but custom and well-built.

Best of luck to you.

[melbern]

It might be easier if you could whittle down between inland and coastal. If you want to be near a larger city or are happier with smaller communities with less amenities, etc. In my area (Eastern NC) there are definitely homes in gated communities in your price range, on the coast or intercoastal. You could also look at a riverfront home in the New Bern area (where I live) which has access to private schools. You could also look at an area like Oriental, which has the home amenities you want. There is a good charter school in Arapahoe. It's more isolated there in general though - but honestly I think that Pamlico County is really beautiful and can provide a great water lifestyle. My two cents on one area anyway.

[johnnyocc]

I have fine tunes to some degree that I am looking for a lake access 4+ BR home on Lake Wylie/Norman with excellent schools, what differences tax wise between counties and between north and south Carolina? I am retired and am not concerned with proximity to major city. I would like if possible a community clubhouse. I would like to keep within $400,000-$650,000 price range. Are there availability of foreclosures in lake front homes? Is there a broker that will allow me access to REO or foreclosure homes? I have seen on Zillow where homes that sold for $1,100,000 14 months ago just sold for $750,000 last month a rather large 7,094 sq/ft 4 BR 5 bath home on 15850 Feeny Ct. in Charlotte, on Lake Wylie, this was not even a REO or foreclosure, so as much as I hear that values have not come down much, there is evidence that the market has slowed and will continue to do so. I do not mean to debate property values, I am just trying to make a purchase for the best price I can.
I also have a home for sale in Westchester County NY. Are there any companies that offer house swap opportunities?? Thanks to all that take the time to read and answer my question

[melbern]

Oops sorry, I thought you had mentioned intercoastal (as in ICW). I don't know anything about that area, but I can tell you that NC state income taxes are very high and set to go higher. Not sure about SC though. And if you're retired I'm not sure how that affects you.

[johnnyocc]

I was, but I have been doing alot of reading here, and feel that my best, fit would be lakefront, I would definetly consider IWC but have found that schools m(Public are better around the upscale lake front communities. thanks for the reply, Johnny

[Francois]

Now that you've decided on that location, probably the Charlotte subforum would be better (as opposed to this, statewide one) since it has more of the local folks.

[mom2002]

You should check out Tuskarora Point. Excellent schools, all homes with lake view, private beach area, boat slips available, and you can buy into the Point Country Club if you would like to use their amenties or join The Harbor swim meet for full access of the pool.

http://CMLSListings.marketlinx.com/portal/publiclist.aspx?PID=375008&MID=16055&LID=1037293&A T=3