[NCgirl]

Originally Posted by K. Dunn

Hello and thanks NCgirl and Chicagocub fan!

Don't worry chicagocub I have read all the post telling all the negatives regarding the job market, but like lots of other post have said, their are literally thousands of metro area's being effected right now, and most of them are hovering in that 6.7-7.1 % unemployment rate just like Charlotte. I definately won't be moving anywhere until a job is locked in, that is why I am researching areas in advance, trying to find that location that we both like physically but will also support me job wise. I am always optimistic that everything happens for a reason and that will end up being the deciding factor where we end up!

Now back to NCgirl, thanks for the welcome! No job locked in yet, a few ranging from inner metro area to some in the outer areas. So kind of vague still on that point sorry to say. Now I can say I am willing to commute generally about 15-20 miles max [30 minutes with traffic]. Huntersville and Matthews were the first ones to pop up on my radar due to demographics, I hadn't noticed Pineville and Mint Hill yet, so I will research those too, thanks. It seemed to me any of the outer counties might be too far, but like you said that just depends on where my job is eh?

You're welcome. Yes it really depends on your job location. One question for clarification. When you say suburbs do you mean a town outside of Charlotte or any area outside of Charlotte's uptown (downtown)? Since you mentioned that you are also considering the Triangle towns of Apex, Holly Springs, Cary, & Chapel Hill, I assume you mean a non-Charlotte town. I ask because I've seen a few posters from other states refer to the 'burbs as any place outside of a downtown area.

If you want to live outside of the Charlotte City limits you'll need to live on that side of the county/region. Charlotte takes up the majority of Mecklenburg county so living in a neighboring county may not be too far from where you'll be working. Here's another good map! As you can see in some areas Charlotte is thisclose too other towns and counties. However because the city is spread out it can take a long time to get from one location to another. That's why people recommend living close to your job. After you learn more about this area, it may help you decide which job offer you take. On the other hand you may fall in love with a house/town and decide that you can make a longer commute.

Originally Posted by K. Dunn

The Triangle area especially Apex, Holly Springs, Cary, & Chapel Hill attracted us for their great public schools and strong economy in these hard times, but unfortunately the school district has been doing a lot of re-districting in the area that is really making the parents uncomfortable and annoyed because some families have different siblings going to different schools at different times and then being moved again the next year, so no security and familiarity for the children which makes us back off a bit. So were looking at options and that is why we also researching the burbs of Charlotte. Thanks again! I will probably post an another new post asking for the pro's and cons of the Charlotte area vs the Triangle. Ciao.

FYi - All public schools in Charlotte, Pineville, Mint Hill, Matthews and Huntersville are in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District. In general the Metro area doesn't have the same redistricting issues. There are newer areas with high population growth that are experiencing overcrowding and therefore seeing a need for new schools/redistricting. The best way to avoid this is by buying (as you indicated in your OP below) a home in an established area. Again, the redistricting here isn't as common as in Wake county.

Originally Posted by K. Dunn

Usual high priorities for us are great public schools that score high, affordable homes [looking for 3+2's or bigger in the $175 to $225K zone, in a somewhat spaced out community of 1/4-up acre size lots] in a established community that puts an emphasis on families with parks, trails, and bicycle paths nearby.