Ballantyne compared to Coral Gables (Charlotte, Concord: condo, townhouse, neighborhood)

[Mercy_mimi]

I am thinking of moving to Charlotte from Miami, FL. My mom is moving to Ballantyne, but I am a teacher and can not afford that area. I have heard that Ballantne is like Coral Gables in Miami. So I would like to ask anyone who has moved to Charlotte from Miami to compare different areas to South Miami, Pinecrest and Kendall. This way I can imagine the area better. I am looking for a middle class neighborhood where I can afford a 4/2 house on a teachers salary. I am looking to spend between $175K and $225k. How is the Mecklenburg school district? Is the area of Lake Wylie in NC secluded or pretty urban?

[vindaloo]

I teach in Florida and am moving to Cornelius soon. Suggested good areas not far from Ballentyne and Lake Wylie are Pineville, Matthews, and Tega Cay. North of Charlotte is very popular but can be expensive. A pretty nice townhouse or terrace house can be purchased in Cornelius or Mooresville for $225K if you look around. Schools are said to be good. I have been told that Concord, Monroe, and Fort Mill have good schools. Charlotte is a big city with big city school problems. Being from Miami, you won't be faced with anything surprising. Ballentyne could be in place in the exclusive sections of south Florida as could Southpark and other areas. Pay seems to be pretty good for teachers in the Charlotte area. I know that it will be about a $10K increase for me. Good luck. You will probably like the Charlotte area. Lots going on. It is within a three hour drive from the beaches and mountains.

[Miker2069]

Originally Posted by Mercy_mimi

I am thinking of moving to Charlotte from Miami, FL. My mom is moving to Ballantyne, but I am a teacher and can not afford that area. I have heard that Ballantne is like Coral Gables in Miami. So I would like to ask anyone who has moved to Charlotte from Miami to compare different areas to South Miami, Pinecrest and Kendall. This way I can imagine the area better. I am looking for a middle class neighborhood where I can afford a 4/2 house on a teachers salary. I am looking to spend between $175K and $225k. How is the Mecklenburg school district? Is the area of Lake Wylie in NC secluded or pretty urban?

I don't think Ballantyne is anything like Coral Gables- if there's anything close to that in Charlotte it *may* be the Queens Road area. Coral Gables is a very "old money" area and Ballantyne doesn't have that feel to it.

[FLtoNC]

Ballantyne is not at all like Coral Gables. It more resembles Weston or Boca. You will have much more of a variety of choices to buy a 4/2 in your price range here than in Miami (maybe not in Ballantyne, but not too far from there).

[renriq02]

Ballantyne is a new city....Coral Gables is an older developed city.

Please state if you're looking for a townhome, condo, or SFR?


You can start looking on CarolinaHome.com

[flyingscotsman]

I would say Ballentyne is more akin to Weston.

In your range I would look at Steele Creek or if you want to be in SC Fort Mill (lower Taxes)

[HGONZ001]

The Steele Creek area is almost similar to what West Kendall and Horse Country used to be maybe 10 years ago. It is nice and lots of new developments where houses go from $160K and up. Good luck.

[lovethebigcity]

There are areas in Southeast Charlotte that are close to Ballantyne that you could probably afford. If you are ok with having an older house (late 70s/early 80s).

[Mercy_mimi]

Thank you for your responses. I would like a house no more than 10 years old. I am not going to have a lot of money to do any renovations. I would like to stay as close to Ballantyne(where my mom is going to live) as possible. How is the area by Lake Wylie? Is Steele Creek very populated or is it more rural?

[Mercy_mimi]

How far is Steele Creek from Ballantyne?