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I'm really considering relocating to Charlotte or an area close by like Matthews. I don't know anything about Charlotte other than what I've heard. I currently work in DC and live in Alexandria,VA which is approx 12 miles and a 20 minute commute to work for me. I work in the accounting field as a clerk but now have the experience and just got my BSBA so I could do something like AP-Specialist. I have 2 kids ages 8 and 14 for now and I have thought about relocating them. My initial thought was to wait for my 14 year old to finish high school but #1-Rent is over 1600 per month for a 3 bedroom and that does not include a W/D plus utilities so even though you make mid 40's-it doesn't stretch far. #2-My 14 year old left middle school with a 3.0 gpa and now has a 0.79 gap!!! (Yikes)... #3-Why am I still here? Houses are anywhere from $300k-$750k and who wants to try to pay a mortgage on something like that????
I've been looking up schools and houses but what good is it if you don't know the areas. I've been trying to find a school with a good mix and wanted to check out Butler High, East Mecklenburg and Independence. For Elementary I haven't looked into but saw someone on a post mention (Queens Grant Charter School).. So, after saying all of that I plan to come down several times to check out the area but what advice can anyone give me for a successful relocation. Here's the plan. Work this year and save aggressively (hahaha-with the prices up here) but I have pt job for that purpose. Then after school is out 5/08-find a realtor, a house and move. I'm hoping that I can find a job within 6 months if I can't come and already have one lined up. I know that's taking a risk but I don't know another way to make it work. As well, would anyone suggest getting an apartment first or just purchasing something straightaway? I look forward to any suggestions I can get.
I'm looking for an area with some diversity. Close to shopping, hospital, post office, library, activities for kids, etc...
Relatively low crime and housing cost no more than $1300 per month to rent or own... I welcome the advice. Thanks.
Of the three high schools you mentioned the answer is Butler, unless of course your kid plays football. When Butler was created it siphoned off the best that Independence had to offer.
Of the three high schools you mentioned the answer is Butler, unless of course your kid plays football. When Butler was created it siphoned off the best that Independence had to offer.
Then how do you account for the SIX state football championships Independence has won since Butler was built
I wrote "unless your kid plays football." Are you a Big I grad?
Nah, just a big fan
Actually, one thing that did happen was that the coaching staff got split back when Butler opened too. The folks at Independence at the time thought for sure that spelled doom and gloom for Big I, LOL!
I'm really considering relocating to Charlotte or an area close by like Matthews. I don't know anything about Charlotte other than what I've heard. I currently work in DC and live in Alexandria,VA which is approx 12 miles and a 20 minute commute to work for me. I work in the accounting field as a clerk but now have the experience and just got my BSBA so I could do something like AP-Specialist. I have 2 kids ages 8 and 14 for now and I have thought about relocating them. My initial thought was to wait for my 14 year old to finish high school but #1-Rent is over 1600 per month for a 3 bedroom and that does not include a W/D plus utilities so even though you make mid 40's-it doesn't stretch far. #2-My 14 year old left middle school with a 3.0 gpa and now has a 0.79 gap!!! (Yikes)... #3-Why am I still here? Houses are anywhere from $300k-$750k and who wants to try to pay a mortgage on something like that????
I've been looking up schools and houses but what good is it if you don't know the areas. I've been trying to find a school with a good mix and wanted to check out Butler High, East Mecklenburg and Independence. For Elementary I haven't looked into but saw someone on a post mention (Queens Grant Charter School).. So, after saying all of that I plan to come down several times to check out the area but what advice can anyone give me for a successful relocation. Here's the plan. Work this year and save aggressively (hahaha-with the prices up here) but I have pt job for that purpose. Then after school is out 5/08-find a realtor, a house and move. I'm hoping that I can find a job within 6 months if I can't come and already have one lined up. I know that's taking a risk but I don't know another way to make it work. As well, would anyone suggest getting an apartment first or just purchasing something straightaway? I look forward to any suggestions I can get.
I'm looking for an area with some diversity. Close to shopping, hospital, post office, library, activities for kids, etc...
Relatively low crime and housing cost no more than $1300 per month to rent or own... I welcome the advice. Thanks.
Hi Meso Seems like you are on the right track to figuring out the right place for your family. I would like to suggest you investigate Mint Hill for sure. It has everything you mentioned wanting. In addition, just over the Mint Hill boundry in Union county is an area known as Hemby Bridge, which gives you lower taxes and access to Union county schools. This would also be a great location with all you are seeking. Apartments are not too plentiful in these areas however, so you would need to look at buying or renting a home. You would find the rents anywhere from about $1000 to 1500, though I feel sure you could stay closer to 1200. Best of luck!
Split? There was a near total turnover when Jester left for Piedmont and Knotts took over.
Wasn't that something??? Seems to have all worked out though don't you think? Since you are familiar with the schools, here is a question which might help our original poster. I know East Meck doesn't get great scores, and it does serve a large impoverished student body, but don't you think there is still a lot going on there in some areas? I know parents there who are passionate about the place. They love the principal and tell me the arts there are awesome - second only to Northwest School of the Arts.
Last edited by lovesMountains; 04-09-2007 at 04:07 PM..
I'm not as familiar with East Meck. Most of the folks I knew who lived in that area have long since moved away. I could tell you what the school was like 10 years ago but that wouldn't help much.
Thanks, I will do more research on Union County-I had Mint Hill on my list.. How much of a commute would this be for me if I found a job in Charlotte-As well do you think that's the best place to search for an accounting job??
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Are you a Big I grad?
