downtowns?? (Concord, Huntersville, Mooresville: appointed, jumbo loan, houses)

[familymom]

We would love to hear about any towns that actually have a downtown and a good community feel. We are a family of 6 with grade school children so we need to be in a safe area with good schools. Would love to hear the good and bad. Thanks

[nyxmike]

Belmont, Davidson, Mooresville, Concord are good places to start looking.

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by familymom

We would love to hear about any towns that actually have a downtown and a good community feel. We are a family of 6 with grade school children so we need to be in a safe area with good schools. Would love to hear the good and bad. Thanks

So often these things depend on what you can afford.

Generally, if money is no option I prefer Davidson. But a close second, and much more affordable, would be Taylorsville. Best of luck!

[familymom]

I like the idea of Davidson, because of the college contributing to the local activities. But I am not sure of the local high school would be my first choice. Our budget would be no more than 450 for a 4 bedroom home on at least .3 acres.

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by familymom

I like the idea of Davidson, because of the college contributing to the local activities. But I am not sure of the local high school would be my first choice. Our budget would be no more than 450 for a 4 bedroom home on at least .3 acres.

Why not check into Lake Norman Charter School as an option? They have a good reputation

Lake Norman Charter School
12820 South Church Street
Huntersville, NC 28078
704-875-3389
704-875-2961 (fax)

[gatorbuilt28036]

I would suggest you stay below the JUMBO loan value of $417K, it is becoming a nightmare to finance these loans as of late...I have two homes (2865sf 4bed/3bath 1.25 ac;2911sf 4bed/3.5bath 1.4 ac) in the Troutman area off East Monbo Rd for under $380K...each is very well appointed, though I am desperate to get the lawns started, but the rain doesn't seem to be cooperating...arrrrggghhhLOL...

[familymom]

How do charter schools work? I thought you have to apply each year and they are hard to get in.

[BarbJ]

It's no secret to this forum that Davidson would be my choice because of the cultural acrtvities associated with the college. I don't know about the charter school, but I'm sure that you can investigate it by looking on-line or by contacting the school administration.

My second choice would be Belmont. My husband and I frequently visit the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens and thus have often passed through Belmont. We are impressed with the progress that this little town is currently making in it's downtown area and are fond of the craftsman style houses that we see there. I must admit that I don't know anything about the schools, however.

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by familymom

How do charter schools work? I thought you have to apply each year and they are hard to get in.

You apply once, but once you are in you are in. Additionally, with one child accepted your others have higher priority of being accepted

[familymom]

Thanks, I will do more research on Charter Schools. We are only in grade school now, but I don't want to settle and be in a bad situation down the road and private is not in our budget.