Moving to Charlotte - Area recommendations

luv4994

Hey all!

My fianc? and I have been in serious talks about moving to the Charlotte area next summer. We are from Connecticut and not familiar with the city. We are going to rent first to get to know the area before we buy, but I want to make sure that we rent in a nice, safe area. Anyone have suggestions about were to rent in the city or just on the outskirts?

My fianc? is transfering and can pick an office in either Charlotte or Gastonia.

 

nikki2601

Much more to do in Charlotte than Gastonia.

JS&TF

I would definitely choose Charlotte over Gastonia.  Where you'll want to live might depend on where you're working.  We live close to uptown, and if I were renting I'd look in Dilworth, Myers Park, Southend, Plaza Midwood, Elizabeth.  There are plenty of people who live in the northern suburbs (Huntersville, etc.) and the southern suburbs (Ballantyne, etc.), but I'm not familiar with those areas.

fishoutofwater22

JS&TF:

if I were renting I'd look in Dilworth, Myers Park, Southend, Plaza Midwood, Elizabeth.  There are plenty of people who live in the northern suburbs (Huntersville, etc.) and the southern suburbs (Ballantyne, etc.), but I'm not familiar with those areas.

I second that.  Those areas are quite nice.  It would also depend on your budget.  My husband and I live close to North Lake Mall (you have to be careful about the pockets of bad areas though around here).  We live in a nice neighborhood for a fraction of what it costs closer to uptown.  I work in uptown and I only have about a 10-15 minute commute. 

ashleyblue31

Hi! I'm from Connecticut too (although I lived in the south for +9 years). Another area with several nice apartments/condos is the "University Area". It has everything in a convienient location.

DanniLynn88

Aw I'm from Connecticut too!!! My husband and I stay in Concord and I work in Charlotte since Concord is cheaper (just north of Charlotte) if you are willing to do the drive. We are on the very north side of Concord and my drive is about 30 mins. We will have to chat, where in CT are you from? I was in Fairfield last.

StellaMakes3

JS&TF:

if I were renting I'd look in Dilworth, Myers Park, Southend, Plaza Midwood, Elizabeth.  There are plenty of people who live in the northern suburbs (Huntersville, etc.) and the southern suburbs (Ballantyne, etc.), but I'm not familiar with those areas.

This. I live in Plaza Midwood. I love the convenience- close to shopping, & close to uptown, all the highways, good food, etc. It's a little "hipster-ish" though. There are pockets of bad everywhere in Charlotte. I  have lived in Charlotte for most of my life- and I'm happy in this area currently but would like to move closer to dilworth or even sedgefield for better schools when the time comes.

rbcrock

My husband and I live in the NoDa neighborhood and love it. It's close to shops, restaurants and art galleries. Lots of young couples live here and most people are laid back and friendly. It is conveniently located to the city (I work in south end and my commute is 15 minutes max), but it does have some "not so good" parts around it so of you're sensitive to that kind of thing it might not be the right fit. I dont mind it at all because it doesn't impact where I am.

mariavm

I grew up in Gastonia and unless you want to live out in the country with nothing around you i advise living in charlotte and telling your husband to commute. its not that far of a drive and the traffic isnt bad either way. Plus there is also a back road to take if traffic is bad on the interstate.

clriddle84

I lived south of the city last year in an area called Ballantyne.  Nice, but mostly older couples and not a very well planned community (very new, no sidewalks).  On a plus, you can get a lot of house down there and it is a great school district.  

If you want some night life and to be able to meet other young couples, walk to dinner, and enjoy the local parks and street festivals, then Dilworth is the place to be.  Fantastic area with everything you need right here.  Close to uptown Charlotte, close to all of the interstates, great schools, great people, and more of a community feel.

Rent isn't bad here.  Between 1,000-1,700 for 2br/ 2ba.  I suggest checking craigslist as you can find some fantastic deals that way vs. renting from big companies. 

les8288

We actually moved from Charlotte to Raleigh 2 1/2 years ago.  Born and raised and love Charlotte, however we did live in the north part of Charlotte.  Cornelius, Huntersville, Lake Norman, Davidson are all great areas and close to the Lake.  Lincolnton is an up and coming area as well as Denver.  South Charlotte is nice but pricey.  I also like Belmont area it's a small quaint town near Gastonia.  Good Luck to you guys!