How livable/safe is Plaza Midwood (Charlotte: homes, safe area, schools)

[nutmeg13]

*** I originally posted this on the NC site more generally, but meant to post it on the Charlotte site. Thanks to those who already responded.**

My husband and I have two small children and are considering relocating from the DC area to Charlotte, which is where all of our family is (we grew up in SC). We love the urban feeling, however, and are worried about moving to a more sprawling suburban area. As a result, we've been looking to some of the inner neighborhoods, but find them prohibitively expensive (really surprised at that!).

We'd love to be as close to uptown as possible, but can't afford Dilworth, Myers Park. Our max is somewhere around $500K but we're looking for a 4 bedroom house. Plaza Midwood jumped out as what looks to be an electic area with more affordable housing close to uptown. I'm more than willing to get a slightly smaller yard/house, if it means being in a more charming area with more stuff in walking distance.

My question is how safe and livable is that area? Is it really in transition? The neighborhood association website is great and looks like there are a ton of kids. I know nothing about the schools there though and haven't ever heard of them. Also, does it butt up against an unsafe area?

We'd also glanced at Cotswold and Stonehaven, but Cotswold seemed too much the 50's ranchers and Stonehaven a bit too far and a bit too suburban.

Any insight appreciated!

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by nutmeg13

*** I originally posted this on the NC site more generally, but meant to post it on the Charlotte site. Thanks to those who already responded.**

My husband and I have two small children and are considering relocating from the DC area to Charlotte, which is where all of our family is (we grew up in SC). We love the urban feeling, however, and are worried about moving to a more sprawling suburban area. As a result, we've been looking to some of the inner neighborhoods, but find them prohibitively expensive (really surprised at that!).

We'd love to be as close to uptown as possible, but can't afford Dilworth, Myers Park. Our max is somewhere around $500K but we're looking for a 4 bedroom house. Plaza Midwood jumped out as what looks to be an electic area with more affordable housing close to uptown. I'm more than willing to get a slightly smaller yard/house, if it means being in a more charming area with more stuff in walking distance.

My question is how safe and livable is that area? Is it really in transition? The neighborhood association website is great and looks like there are a ton of kids. I know nothing about the schools there though and haven't ever heard of them. Also, does it butt up against an unsafe area?

We'd also glanced at Cotswold and Stonehaven, but Cotswold seemed too much the 50's ranchers and Stonehaven a bit too far and a bit too suburban.

Any insight appreciated!

Nutmeg, wanted to say that neighborhoods like Stonehaven, Robinson Woods or Landsdowne are not that far from uptown at all. In non traffic times they are about 15 minutes to uptown! In your price range you could really find some nice sized older homes there.

[Charlottean]

Landsdowne is awesome! My parents live across the street.

We used to play basketball and walk through that neighborhood all of the time.

[megassel]

Plaza Midwood does border some sketchy areas. It is a very walkable area, but you're not going to find many family attractions within walking distance. More like restaurants, antique stores, tattoo parlors, bars, etc. It's a funky area, lots of fun, but in my opinion more oriented toward the childless.

[JusSumGuy]

or you can also look over in the Elizabeth area. between PM and MP. Best of both worlds. easy access to Providence road up to Southpark. Decent restaurants bars, coffee shops, etc..

doesnt look like a lot available in Elizabeth in your price range right now. We actually had to go up out of our planned price point to get into what we wanted.

i find the best search feature is with BisselHayes.com , because they have more photos and you can search by subareas...

some in Chantilly as well. i.e. MLS #650317