The Settings at Lake Rhodiss, Valdese (Charlotte, Asheville: high crime, homes, gated communities)

[jthp]

We are thinking about looking at The Settings at Lake Rhodiss in Valdese. Can someone tell me anything about this community? Is there decent shopping, dining, etc.? How is the weather in the summer? Hot and humid? Any help is much appreciated as we know very little about the area.

[hapaleeretired]

I have said on these boards many times that the year around weather pattern between Morganton and Lenoir and, to a lesser extent, the Valdese area is a good one. It is protected by the mountains.
It may get a little sticky during the days in July and August but generally it cools off in the evenings.
Valdese has small supermarkets, a few fast food chains and drug stores but, the majority of your shopping will be a bit east in Hickory which is an easy drive.
A big plus for Hickory/Valdese is the location: One hour to Charlotte Airport which is an easy drive down US 321with no stop lights. Asheville is one hour via a scenic drive west on I-40.
One hour north to Boone and you can go skiing in the winter or to cooler temperatures in the summer months.

[cooperwx]

All I know about the Settings are that it's gated, and they've paid for space on about a half dozen billboards on I-40. And as hapalee says, it's an hour from anything

[Asheville Native]

Originally Posted by cooperwx

All I know about the Settings are that it's gated, and they've paid for space on about a half dozen billboards on I-40. And as hapalee says, it's an hour from anything

Nothing says "hi neighbor. I'd like to move into your community and become a part of it" like a gate and a guard.

Cause there is sure as hell nothing to be scared of in Valdese, as contrary to the opinion of many not from here, rednecks (that would be people from here) are really nice people, especially if they are treated as equals, which they are.

[Southlander]

"The Settings"?
Now that's a new name for a subdivision. So they designate an aperture and focus for your house???

[jthp]

Ok, Ashville Native, I can completely understand your distaste for gated communities popping up amongst quaint, established towns. I'm not sure why a gate would be necessary because Valdese is not exactly a high crime area. The problem is, the developers package beautiful lakes with mountains, put up a gate and presto chango -- you have an expensive place to live. Unfortunately, you can't put the genie back in the bottle and this is a formula that works, so the developers will keep doing it. If there wasn’t a gate, but beautiful homes were built in a great location and outsiders moved into those homes, would you still feel the same way?