Young Couple to Rent in Charlotte -- But Where? Help! (apartment complexes, lease)

[rentingcouple]

We are 27 and 28 year old unmarried couple looking to relocate to Charlotte. I've read some of the posts, but a lot focus on buying and info like taxes and schools, which don't apply to us at this time...can anyone help with specific info on neighborhoods for renters?!!

We're coming from NYC, looking for a 1 or 2 bedroom for under $1,300/month (our current rent) in a neighboorhood that is vibrant with museums, galleries, theatres, bars, clubs, cute boutiques, parks with bike/walking trails. Have cars but don't have jobs yet, so we might find an apartment we love but end up with a commute -- in which case, would want to be near easy, clean and SAFE public transportation (no more than 25 minute commute).

Have navigated the NYC apartment market without having to use a realtor or broker, instead going no-fee/by owner -- so we're hoping to find apartments in Charlotte through craigslist or something comparable. Does anyone have thoughts on other places to look for no-fee listings? Coming out to visit in the fall/early winter, and want to look around at our own pace -- will need a good grasp of neighborhoods by then.

Any thoughts or help? From what I can tell, we should start with either uptown or southend -- any further details would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by rentingcouple

We are 27 and 28 year old unmarried couple looking to relocate to Charlotte. I've read some of the posts, but a lot focus on buying and info like taxes and schools, which don't apply to us at this time...can anyone help with specific info on neighborhoods for renters?!!

We're coming from NYC, looking for a 1 or 2 bedroom for under $1,300/month (our current rent) in a neighboorhood that is vibrant with museums, galleries, theatres, bars, clubs, cute boutiques, parks with bike/walking trails. Have cars but don't have jobs yet, so we might find an apartment we love but end up with a commute -- in which case, would want to be near easy, clean and SAFE public transportation (no more than 25 minute commute).

Have navigated the NYC apartment market without having to use a realtor or broker, instead going no-fee/by owner -- so we're hoping to find apartments in Charlotte through craigslist or something comparable. Does anyone have thoughts on other places to look for no-fee listings? Coming out to visit in the fall/early winter, and want to look around at our own pace -- will need a good grasp of neighborhoods by then.

Any thoughts or help? From what I can tell, we should start with either uptown or southend -- any further details would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Do you definitely want an apartment, or would you like to rent a home?

[rentingcouple]

Thanks for the reply! We're New Yorkers, so the thought of having a home to take care of -- even to rent! -- is a little scary. Ideally, we'd like a townhome or condo (1 or 2 bedroom) with amenities like a gym. We're looking for an urban lifestyle with all the benefits of suburban living -- like being near parks and trails and pretty landscaping...

that being said, we might consider rent-to-own. Is that what's expected by most landlords down there?

[XNYgirl]

Meyer's Park would be a great area.

You need to look for a professional company who rents properties or a individual person. As around to people you know who already live in Charlotte.
Most landlords follow the same rules like where you live now. Landlords want you to respect and take care of the property, no wild living like your in a frat house, not having 100 people in the house when you lease to 2, etc. Use common sense. Otherwise, you'll be fine.

I don't know if your going to find all these ammentites you want, you might have to settle on a nice safe place to live thats affordable and drive out to the ammentities. Once you work and battle traffic you won't want to go out and do all this other stuff, atleast that's how I felt after 90 minutes in traffic.

Someone will throw some leads your way. Good luck with your move. You will love the winters.

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by rentingcouple

Thanks for the reply! We're New Yorkers, so the thought of having a home to take care of -- even to rent! -- is a little scary. Ideally, we'd like a townhome or condo (1 or 2 bedroom) with amenities like a gym. We're looking for an urban lifestyle with all the benefits of suburban living -- like being near parks and trails and pretty landscaping...

that being said, we might consider rent-to-own. Is that what's expected by most landlords down there?

Rent to own is only an occasional option, not an expected one at all. I am sure in your price range you will find a nice apartment of condo you will be happy with. I will post a few links in a minute...

[rentingcouple]

Oh, traffic! We used to live in Connecticut and New Jersey, and traffic and driving in general is definitely something we DON'T miss! Are there neighborhoods for young professionals that are walking distance to the arts/nightlife (or train/bus/light rail distance) that are still the kind of neighborhoods that have spacious, clean town homes and condos? Or are all the condos in the 'burbs? We would give up the perfect apartment in favor of living in a cute, hip, safe neighborhood where we can walk instead of commute every day!

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by rentingcouple

Oh, traffic! We used to live in Connecticut and New Jersey, and traffic and driving in general is definitely something we DON'T miss! Are there neighborhoods for young professionals that are walking distance to the arts/nightlife (or train/bus/light rail distance) that are still the kind of neighborhoods that have spacious, clean town homes and condos? Or are all the condos in the 'burbs? We would give up the perfect apartment in favor of living in a cute, hip, safe neighborhood where we can walk instead of commute every day!

There are condos really all over the city. The ones uptown are the most expensive to buy or rent, but they are the best for walking to work, all the nightlife, museums etc... So, just to get you started if you are online searching, look for condos/apartments in uptown, Elizabeth, Southend, Dilworth and Plaza-Midwood. They are not all within easy walking distance of what you want, but certainly within 5 to 7 minutes by car and/or bus. These areas are really great for young single professionals looking for the lifestyle you are looking for

[lovesMountains]

Here are a few things to check out... apartment complexes like Gateway Village, which are managed by Post Properties. Here is a link:

Spacious Dual Level Uptown Apartment - JUST REDUCED! (broken link)

In Dilworth check out Olmstead Park (townhomes, but may be condo's not sure). A link to one currently available:
Olmstead Park 2/br 2/ba (broken link)

The neighborhood east of Dilworth is Myers Park. These two really are THE stately old neighborhoods of Charlotte and really beautiful. If you could find something in either one of them you would be doing pretty good!

Here is a great place in Myers Park:

Exquisite 1920's RARE Jewel in Myers Park! (broken link)

And one more: newly remodeled duplex (broken link)

[NCgirl]

I think you would be happy in an uptown apartment.

[rentingcouple]

Wow, thanks -- these all do look really nice! And $1250 for 3 bedrooms (there's no catch to these prices, right? ) Obviously the best thing is that coming from NYC, all of these options look very affordable (our $1300 is for 1 bedroom in Queens, with a 35 minute subway commute; 1 bedrooms in Manhattan are usually between $1800 and $2400!)

I guess Uptown, Elizabeth, Southend, Dilworth, Myers Park and Plaza-Midwood probably all have really different feels, right? Hopefully we'll be able to get a lot of the research done online before we go out there -- it's hard to get the feel for an area in just one or two days...