There are about a dozen communities that could work for you. It takes about $400 a year dues to support a pool. You have a great selection in Highland Creek. Other communities are:
Fox Glen has a Club House, Playground, Pool $400 a year dues
Hampton Place has Club House, Playground, Pool, Tennis Courts HOA Fee: $440 Annually
Highland Creek has Club House, Golf Course, Playground, Pond, Pool, Recreation Area, Tennis Courts, Walking Trails and is $295 Quarterly in the Pulte section where they maintain your lawn, $93 in other sections
Prosperity Ridge has Club House, Playground, Pool HOA Fee: $90 Quarterly
Davis Lake Club House, Fitness Center, Lake, Playground, Pool, Recreation Area, Tennis Courts, Walking Trails $149 Quarterly
Brownes Ferry Playground, Recreation Area, Tennis Courts, Walking Trails HOA Fee: $190 Annually
Hampton Place has Club House, Playground, Pool, Recreation Area, Tennis Courts HOA Fee: $110 Quarterly
See my website for bio and info on 20% buyers commission rebate.

Hi Sel, in my opinion, Highland Creek is the absolute best community in north Charlotte for affordability, resale, amenities, and area. It is an affordable golf course community, so resales are always great. There are several playgrounds, tennis courts, pool and a fabulous homeowners association. They are always doing something there. I recently sold a home there and my client just loves it. Please visit my web site at http://www.propertiesofcharlotte.com for further information. Feel free to do a property search.

If I may answer further questions, feel free to contact me any time.

Debbie Arriero, Realtor, Broker
ABR, ASP, CRS, e-PRO, GRI, SRES
Arriero Realty, Inc.
704-451-3895

I highly recommend Highland Creek. You can't beat it. There is a golf course, bike trails, several pools, a fitness center, a pool just for kids with slides... tennis courts, and it's really nice. There are all price ranges of homes in there and you can easily get a house under $200,000. I prefer the older part of the neighborhood which is more wooded... but there are lots of different styles and ages of homes to choose from, starting in the early 1990's to some that are just built.

http://www.highland-creek.com/ Will give you an idea of the area.
http://tiny.cc/HighlandCreekHomes Here is a home search of homes under 225,000 for you to see.