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Looking to possibly move to Clayton. I'm a SAHM of a 2 yr old and a 13 year old and I'd like to keep it that way, hence the budget on the house. My 13 yr. old starting hs this coming year so the area high schools are important Looking for the most square footage possible under $150,000. Quiet, safe neighborhood (no loud music ), family friendly.
Here are a few subdivisions I found online in this price range. Any information would be helpful so that when we take our Sunday drives checking stuff out we know where to stay away from, saving time and gas
Powhatan Glen, Horsemans Run, Ellington Estates, Oxford Hills (I've discovered what the outside of the house looks like doesn't necessary represent the condition of the neighborhood
I pass Horseman's Run twice daily! Its right near the Elementary school. You do NOT want a house ON Buffalo Road (at least in this area). It is a main and busy road with a 55mph speed limit...unless that's not an issue for you.
The S/D itself is in a nice area though I've not been in it myself other than to turn around and nothing screamed ick to me.
I'll look the other S/Ds up on a map and see where they are. Either myself or another Claytonite can maybe drive by for you.
Some people don't mind busy roads, my dh grew up on one so it wasn't an issue when we were house hunting FOR HIM...but it is for me.
It's still a country road but a busy one, especially at certain times (when school lets out, etc). We almost purchased a house in a small S/D very near Horseman's and we were very unsure because the house was just 3 houses offf Buffalo. There's a big SC going in at the corner of Buffalo and 42E and that will bring more traffic.
Powatan seems to be fairly close to where I am but I am not familiar with it. The other two are on the other side of 70, closer to what's known as the 40/42 or Cleveland area. If you go to a realtor site that you can search via subdivision (hometowne realty is one) and then click on a map to see where it's located. Then you can see where these all are in relation to each other. Clayton is sort of divided in half by 70.
Best thing is to drive to see these areas with your own eyes! Good luck! It's a wild adventure and one we're so glad we took.
Lauren
I'd suggest you check out Twisted Oaks if you can push your price into the $190s. The builder has recently dropped prices about $20,000. No, I do not work for the neighborhood nor the builder so I'm not advertising but I am sharing.
Below are some tips many people often don't think of to help ensure the new home you get is of lasting quality. This pertains mostly to those considering building, but also to those considering spec homes or resales.
1. If you are moving into a new construction neighborhood or a fairly new resale, check the reputation of the builder. Even if the house you buy now is in good shape, the rest of the neighborhood could be a slum in a few years. For example, I saw a house a few weeks ago that had windows that were taped and not flashed, as well as no moisture barrier between the siding and the OSB board. If the rest of the houses are built like that, I will put money on that neighborhood having rot in the walls in the future.
2. If you decide you want to move into a certain neighborhood also make sure the builder is transparent- even on spec home or resale. There are builders I have dealt with that does not allow walk-thoughs, phase inspections or for you to ever (and I mean ever) talk to the guy who is building your house. The first thing you should do is ask the sales agent what their polices are on the previous issues. If they have such evasive policy's, politely and promptly leave their office.
The question is what are they hiding? Companies like this cut very important corners and do not stand behind their work. Remember, if the customer service is lacking before they sell a home to you, what is it going to be like once you own it and the problems that come with it? Something to think about.
3. Get your home inspected by and ASHI certified inspector. ASHI has the highest standards, more so than NASHI. If you are building, have them phase inspect the progress. If the company won't allow it, LEAVE! Evasive builders never build houses built to last.
5. Get a good Realtor and make sure you are dealing with someone that will represent you when it hits the fan. Someone who will go the extra mile. If the Realtor has their stuff together, they will help you avoid some of the landlines out there. Never deal with an online Realtor that gives a rebate or a kickback. The service is just lacking.
Looking to possibly move to Clayton. I'm a SAHM of a 2 yr old and a 13 year old and I'd like to keep it that way, hence the budget on the house. My 13 yr. old starting hs this coming year so the area high schools are important Looking for the most square footage possible under $150,000. Quiet, safe neighborhood (no loud music ), family friendly.
Here are a few subdivisions I found online in this price range. Any information would be helpful so that when we take our Sunday drives checking stuff out we know where to stay away from, saving time and gas
Powhatan Glen, Horsemans Run, Ellington Estates, Oxford Hills (I've discovered what the outside of the house looks like doesn't necessary represent the condition of the neighborhood
Thanks for any advice!
Its so funny to me to hear about different neighborhoods that I have yet to expore!
I *think* I have driven around Ellington...off of hwy 42, near Guy Rd, next to West Cooper Elementary, right? If so, very nice neighborhood! Its an older home subdivision, I think the majority of the houses were built back in the 80s & 90s. Its a well taken care of neighborhood, lots of little streets that run into each other. We found several houses that we liked but none of the floor plans worked for us (yes, we were very disappointed! we loved the neighborhood). People waved as we drove around, lots of families, etc. The elementary school right next door is excellent. I'm about 99.9% positive that its Ellington, if not, check it out. Its a good neighborhood definately worth looking into!
This info is so helpful I'm keeping a notebook with all my notes and information I'm finding out so I can keep up with everything.
Good idea! I think I will be, too. Great post targetmom!
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), family friendly.
