Relocating from India to Charlotte, NC (Welcome, Troy: sales, apartment, home)

[GB-Mom]

Hi everyone, we are currently in India. My husband's company has given an option to take a global role for 1 year in the East Coast. Charlotte is one of places that we can opt for. This offer is likely to include a paid service apartment with a fixed monthly income (amount not confirmed yet). We would move in Feb end/ March.
We have 2 boys - 4 & 1.5 yrs. I am a full time mom. We have stayed in Troy, MI & Westchester County, NY in the past and liked it. But since it is almost 7 yrs ago, our info might be outdated.
I want help with a few things:
1. What is the Cost of Living range (apart from housing) for a family of 4?
2. My elder son goes to a pre-primary school here. What options and cost of schooling can I expect near Charlotte?
3. Are there any useful websites that could help me?
Thanks a lot in advance!

[southbound_295]

Originally Posted by GB-Mom

Hi everyone, we are currently in India. My husband's company has given an option to take a global role for 1 year in the East Coast. Charlotte is one of places that we can opt for. This offer is likely to include a paid service apartment with a fixed monthly income (amount not confirmed yet). We would move in Feb end/ March.
We have 2 boys - 4 & 1.5 yrs. I am a full time mom. We have stayed in Troy, MI & Westchester County, NY in the past and liked it. But since it is almost 7 yrs ago, our info might be outdated.
I want help with a few things:
1. What is the Cost of Living range (apart from housing) for a family of 4?
2. My elder son goes to a pre-primary school here. What options and cost of schooling can I expect near Charlotte?
3. Are there any useful websites that could help me?
Thanks a lot in advance!

Do you know where your husband will be working? This is a large metro, so that will help us to situate you better, in relation to your husband's job.

[GB-Mom]

He is taking up a Sales role so he will be working from home primarily and travel to meet clients as required. He mentioned that there is a large customer base (corporate customers) in Charlotte and Boston.

[feng21]

Welcome to Charlotte. Search through this forum with right keyword and you will find wealth of info...

- If you want to send your kids to public school, Cabbarrus county schools are a good option. If you still plan on living in Mecklenburg county, be prepared to send your kids to private schools.
- Cost of living is comparable to Troy, MI. Just to give you an idea, a 3 bedroom apt runs at $1000/month, no city tax, you pay road tax for your car....
- Make sure you pick a safe location (relatively speaking) though

[ex-burgher]

There are plenty of good public schools in Mecklenburg county particularly in the southern part of the county - with higher test scores than those in Cabarrus. For preschool, there are many options including a Montessori schools and church based schools.

[atwl1011]

I think that you will find Charlotte to be very welcoming. We have a strong Indian community. 50% of my daughter's class is of Indian descent (this is a public charter school.) School choice is complex down here and if you decide to come here I would be happy to tell you all the options. But rest assured there are many excellent public school options in all the counties.
I would join CharlotteMommies.com -- A Mommies Network Community
They are a great resource and welcoming. They also have many social events so your kids can meet some children right away.
Good Luck.

[GB-Mom]

Thanks to all for your guidance. This really helps to give us an idea on what to expect. Once we finalise the move, I would return back with some more specific requests. Thanks!