I just wanted to make a little - ok LONG - post here to tell all the perspective movers that our relocation here has been wonderful. You hear so many bad stories that I thought you should hear a happy one!
We chose Shannamara because of the beautiful neighborhood, all brick houses of varying sizes and lots, mature landscaping, pond, pool, etc. It has been just a great experience. The neighbors on each side left goodies and presents at our door the first day! Our movers were on time, didn't break a thing and were super nice. Our lawyer at closing was able to handle our crappy FCU in NJ to get the closing on time. (THAT was a mess but it was NJ bank's fault and the folks here made the best of it).
The schools (Stallings Elementary and Porter Ridge High) are far superior than in PA, the buildings are new and well-equipped. Our taxes are 1/3 of what we were paying and the house is double the size. Our lot is .40 acres so it isn't exactly postage stamp size. The utilities? Less than half of what we paid before and the service is better. We have 50mg thru-put, too.
Everyone asks where we are from and has said "welcome" to us. Admittedly, we announce our willingness to become a part of the landscape here. We want to make this our home/lifestyle, we do not want to re-create our old atmosphere. I found that to be the case up north when the NY's moved in. They all wanted the same stores, Starbucks, etc. Why move somewhere new when all you want is what you had before?
I have 2 kids, 10 and 15, and they are thrilled to be here. They have not missed "home" one single bit.
So...choose your area wisely. Rent for a bit if you are unsure. Reach out to everyone and make it known that you moved here because you want to be here. Plug in to your community. It is working for us. I know some people have had a rough time and that's a shame but it isn't like that everywhere. It isn't illegal to talk to prospective neighbors so maybe you will consider doing so just to make sure you aren't getting yourself into a bad situation.
Thanks, Charlotteans, for the warm welcome! We couldn't be happier to join you all....I mean y'all.
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