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I am looking into buying my first home and my budget is in the 175-200k range. Can anyone suggest some good areas where I would get the most bang for my buck? I have nothing against new construction, but it would be great to be around trees. Ideally it would be nice to stay within a 30-45 min drive to uptown for work. Any suggestions?
We just bought our first home in the University City area near Mallard Creek and WT Harris. It is, in my opinion, the most bang for your buck. We got a 0.5 acre wooded lot that backs up to a stream, 2300 s.f., 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bath for well under $200k. You can't beat the access you have to shopping and dining yet you're still relatively secluded in most neighborhoods. Some folks will warn of crime and college students in the area...I haven't seen it. Stay away from apartment complexes and UNCC and you'll be fine...and VERY happy with your purchase.
For your budget, try Highland Creek and Davis Lake. Those are two very big established neighborhoods with lots of trees. Another advantage is that this part of town is next up for rail to uptown (you'll eventually have a choice of light rail which will run from UNCC to uptown or commuter rail that will run from north of Mooreseville to uptown through Derita--west part of University City).
If you want to be a lot closer to uptown than University, you should try the East corridor. Lotsa properties in your price range, less crime than University, big trees, big lots, brick facades, good transportation.
Now you won't find anything in Plaza-Midwood, Elizabeth, Eastover or Chantilly for that price... but maybe in Sheffield Park, Echo Hills, Merry Oaks, Eastway Crossing, etc.
We have many friends ho have bought in the UNCC area and are very happy there. You can get a lot for your money there. Don't be frightened by the talk of crime in the neighborhoods. It's not accurate. There is crime in the student apartments surrounding the university, but the neighborhoods are no worse than any other section of Charlotte.
East Charlotte is another good choice. Native_Son mentioned some good neighborhoods. Others would be McClintock Woods, Coventry Woods, and Stonehaven - the last being a bit more expensive. These neighborhoods have big trees, big lots, hardwood floors, public transportation, quick access to most parts of the city and strong neighborhood associations.
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Re: good places to buy
