Neighborhood recommendations in North Charlotte? (HOA, condo, how much)

[unthought_known]

I saw a thread with several questions, so I thought it's best to go one by one. I have to apologize in advance because this was a lot longer than I expected it to be!

In a nutshell, I'm getting married in August, currently in San Francisco, and we plan on moving to the Charlotte area after the wedding. Not necessarily right afterwards, but maybe sometime next year. I've done some researching on zillow and found some houses that look great and are within a few miles of where I'd be working, but I don't know if that's a good area to live. I won't post specific ads of houses I've seen online (not sure what the policy is on that), but I've seen some nice houses around $300K around there. Most of them have Mallard Creek High School near them. Reviews seem decent, but I'd like other feedback on that school area. One other thing: I do like to enjoy a nice weekend cigar. I wouldn't want to live in a community with an HOA that bans smoking, and I'd prefer a good amount of space between me and my next door neighbors so the smell wouldn't be intrusive (in the Bay Area, houses can literally be within a few feet of one another).

1)When are you moving?
Probably in about a year, but we're flexible

2)Where are you coming from?
San Francisco

3)Why are you moving?
Cheaper housing, mild winter, good place to raise kids, and other family members will be moving there too.

4)Where will you be working?
Wells Fargo

5) Where will your work location be?
1525 W T Harris Blvd, a few miles north of downtown.

6) Maximum commute time desired?
Ideally, we'd like something within a few miles of work. If there aren't any good neighborhoods around there, then we'd be willing to deal with a longer commute. If possible, we'd like to avoid commutes over 20+ miles.

7)What city are you moving to?
Charlotte

8)Have you been here yet?
No.

9)Will you buy or rent?
Buy

10)If buying, are you looking for a house or a condo? How much can you spend?
House. Flexible on prices. Potentially up to about $350K, but would prefer $250-300K.

11)Are you married or single? Do you have children?
I'll be married when I move. We plan on having kids within the next few years, but we don't have any now.

12)Do you prefer public or private schools?
We don't have a strong preference, as long as it's a quality public school.

13)Do you have pets?
For now, just small pets. Once we move, we'd like to get a dog.

14)Do you want or need a yard?
Yes

15)Do you have a car? or need public transportation?
We have a car.

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by unthought_known

I saw a thread with several questions, so I thought it's best to go one by one. I have to apologize in advance because this was a lot longer than I expected it to be!

In a nutshell, I'm getting married in August, currently in San Francisco, and we plan on moving to the Charlotte area after the wedding. Not necessarily right afterwards, but maybe sometime next year. I've done some researching on zillow and found some houses that look great and are within a few miles of where I'd be working, but I don't know if that's a good area to live. I won't post specific ads of houses I've seen online (not sure what the policy is on that), but I've seen some nice houses around $300K around there. Most of them have Mallard Creek High School near them. Reviews seem decent, but I'd like other feedback on that school area. One other thing: I do like to enjoy a nice weekend cigar. I wouldn't want to live in a community with an HOA that bans smoking, and I'd prefer a good amount of space between me and my next door neighbors so the smell wouldn't be intrusive (in the Bay Area, houses can literally be within a few feet of one another).

1)When are you moving?
Probably in about a year, but we're flexible

2)Where are you coming from?
San Francisco

3)Why are you moving?
Cheaper housing, mild winter, good place to raise kids, and other family members will be moving there too.

4)Where will you be working?
Wells Fargo

5) Where will your work location be?
1525 W T Harris Blvd, a few miles north of downtown.

6) Maximum commute time desired?
Ideally, we'd like something within a few miles of work. If there aren't any good neighborhoods around there, then we'd be willing to deal with a longer commute. If possible, we'd like to avoid commutes over 20+ miles.

7)What city are you moving to?
Charlotte

8)Have you been here yet?
No.

9)Will you buy or rent?
Buy

10)If buying, are you looking for a house or a condo? How much can you spend?
House. Flexible on prices. Potentially up to about $350K, but would prefer $250-300K.

11)Are you married or single? Do you have children?
I'll be married when I move. We plan on having kids within the next few years, but we don't have any now.

12)Do you prefer public or private schools?
We don't have a strong preference, as long as it's a quality public school.

13)Do you have pets?
For now, just small pets. Once we move, we'd like to get a dog.

14)Do you want or need a yard?
Yes

15)Do you have a car? or need public transportation?
We have a car.

Great job answering the newbie questions

First of all, I've never heard of an HOA in NC that bans cigar smoking, so no worries there

Here's the reality, in your price range you will have your choice of MANY nice homes, MANY.

But the area you are asking about is not considered "north Charlotte" okay? That area is north Mecklenburg (the county). North Charlotte is the area immediately north of the uptown area an it is not going to be what you are looking for.

I will send you a few links on direct message to neighborhoods you'll want to consider

[kby1108]

In that immediate area Highland Creek, Skybrook, Winding Walk, and Christenbury are all very nice communities that would have lots of options in your price range. All of these neighborhoods have both the option of new construction and competitively priced resales. Good luck in your hunt!