We just moved to FL from Charlotte, so you can PM me if you want to ask specific questions. Just off the top of my head, a few thoughts came up:
- Will you have children in the near future? If so, you probably want to settle in Cabarrus County. The property taxes are cheaper, and they have the best schools in that general area. I was a teacher there for a few years, and I LOVED it. That county really pumps lots of $$ into their school system, and it shows. Phenomenal schools - I can't say enough - I cried every day for the first few months we got here, because I had to go from that to these horrific Florida schools.
- South Park/Myers Park is the upscale area. It's in South Charlotte, by the southern end of Sharon Amity (where it meets Providence Rd). It's pricy to live here, but they have more upscale stores like Tiffany, Dean & Deluca, etc. if that's important to you.
- University area is also good; there are nice neighborhoods & less nice ones. If you spend at least $200K on your house, you should be in a decent neighborhood. There were quite a few there, like Backcreek Forest, Kensington, etc. Avoid Faires Farm, as this is the "ghetto" area. We lived in the University area & liked it, but we're young without kids to worry about. Because there are so many college students here, some of the apartment complexes have higher crime rates. Not much violent crime, but lots of car break-ins, etc. If you're moving into an apartment complex, I'd suggest spending more, to get a safer place with fewer students. You don't want to be lured in by low prices, then get mugged!
- Dilworth is very, very close (some places within biking distance) to uptown Charlotte. It's also a very cute area. Kind of pricy, again, but very cute - lots of bungalow, people out on front porches, houses where people take pride in the neighborhood.
- The Harrisburg & Concord areas in Cabarrus County are nice: rural, but a very short (30 mins) commute to uptown Charlotte. I don't know where you will be working, but obviously the commute would be a consideration. The people in Concord are a bit more country, but because of this, they're very friendly & the neighborhoods are safer. It's one of those places where everyone knows your name. I was a teacher there, and I'd go shopping & see lots of my students, co-workers, parents, etc. out and about. Very small-town feel while still close to Charlotte.
Hope this helps - like I said, you can feel free to PM me for any additional info.
Cheers!
Heather W
