If school is your top priority, you should look into private schools in the charlotte area. Google, 'Private school in Charlotte, NC' and you will get a lot of good options. It will also let you know where the schools are located and you can do your home search from there.

I would love to help you find a home that will suit your needs. I used to live in the University area in the Davis Lake subdivsion and loved it. It's a swim, tennis, volleyball, walking trail and a lake community. I have 3 young kids(8,6 and 3 year olds) and know that education is very important also.

Best of luck and feel free to call or email me with any questions you may have.

Lavanh Schefers
Wilkinson and Associates
704-214-0822
lavanh@schefers.net

The great thing about the University is the variety of options, but also the interstate access. The door is wide open for you. You could easily communte to Cabarras County, Huntersville, Cornelius, and depending on where you will be working, Iredell County is available across Highway 3. Schools are tricky, because I find everyone has a different idea of what creates a "good" school. Regardless, with three or four years to go, depending upon your two year old's birthday, the schools may change.

Okay, so you asked about neighborhoods. Radbourne is lovely, one of the first "custom" communities in the area. It is located of Harris Boulevard. Mallard Grove offers larger lots. Just north, near what will be the I-485 Corridor is Highland Creek, a huge community with multiple pools, playgrounds, and price points. It is in both Mecklenburg and Cabarrus Counties. Skybrook is across the street, a bit newer, and also straddles the county lines. Skybrook is a private golf community. A bit Northwest of the University area are some great communities in Huntersville, and on Lake Norman. They include, but are not limited to: Northstone, The Hamptons, Birkdale, Robbins Park, Jetton Cove, Blue Stone Harbor, Antiquity, River Run, and many more.

I hope this helps!

School districts are in constant state of flux right now. I would agree with Dave Dicecco's comments below. When I read your question my first thoughts were the same. Schools and a large variety of homes available just over the "border" in other bedroom communities and other counties should be on your list. They have lower taxes, shorter and faster commutes and I would put them against schools in Charlotte anytime.

I would recommend the Highland Creek or Skybrook communities. I would also recommend loooking for homes that were built in 2007 or newer as they will have the higher efficient SEER-13 HVAC units that are 30% more efficient than the older SEER-10 units. I work strictly as a Buyers Agent and specialize in the new home communities but can also assist in resales. Please visit my website http://enceesce.com to view new homes and/or resales in that area. I would be happy to assist you! Good luck with your home search and I know that you will enjoy Charlotte!
Best regards,
Sam Powell
980-253-5812

Search all properties on the MLS at http://www.SearchNCNow.com.

Bill Ahls
704-780-0654

Njonc,

it seems you have received a lot of answers here. But one area most peopel have not mentioned would be highland creek. it is located in the northeast side of Charlotte. It borders Cabarrus county and offers what you are looking for in a home, commute and schools. it is a family neighborhood area and very large. Parts fo the area are in charlotte and parts are in Cabarrus county. Either way, they both offer excellent school choices fro you right now.

Here is a link for a website to show you the different schools and how they rank in the state: http://www.ncreportcards.org

I tend to do a lot of business in the Northeast end of Charlotte. I especially work around the University area. You can find what you want in that area for less than your budget and get everything you desire.

Please feel free to either call or e-mail me if I can be fo any assisitance to you

You really do not want to buy in south Charlotte or Ballantyne if you are working in the university area! The commute would be ridiculous. you don't need to be spending all your money on gas! Houses also cost more in the south. You have a young family. Spend time with them - not sitting in your car! I would look in Huntersville, Concord or Davidson. You will find great neighborhoods and great schools. You will be able to find a very nice home for $450. Your buying power is much greater here than in NJ. Our taxes are a lot lower too. You and your wife will love it here! (btw - I am a native Charlottean. I grew up and still live in south Charlotte. What everyone has said about the south is true but it just doesn't make sense for someone working in the university area. I have been in this business for 10 years and inevitably clients with long commutes grow to hate them and end up moving!) Best success! Kathleen Turner 704.609.2688

You really do not want to buy in south Charlotte or Ballantyne if you are working in the university area! The commute would be ridiculous. you don't need to be spending all your money on gas! Houses also cost more in the south. You have a young family. Spend time with them - not sitting in your car! I would look in Huntersville, Concord or Davidson. You will find great neighborhoods and great schools. You will be able to find a very nice home for $450. Your buying power is much greater here than in NJ. Our taxes are a lot lower too. You and your wife will love it here! (btw - I am a native Charlottean. I grew up and still live in south Charlotte. What everyone has said about the south is true but it just doesn't make sense for someone working in the university area. I have been in this business for 10 years and inevitably clients with long commutes grow to hate them and end up moving!) Best success! Kathleen Turner 704.609.2688

Njtonc,

So I see NJ to NC. We are are from Haddonfield NJ moved here 8 years ago as with you schools were a top priority. We were looking specifically in south Charlotte being a short office comute and found Providence HS. In the Huntersville area you will also find excellent schools. Working in the University area how long of a comute are you willing to drive 30 min - 45 min? An hour to south Charlotte?

With a budget of $450k you will have choices all over the region You may want to consider looking for a big money saving deal such as a "short Sale" or "foreclosure" they are also all over the region. In fact over 50% of sales in 2010 were distressed properties where buyers had taken advantage of the banks and got great deals on some beautiful homes.

My wife and I did just that we saved a boat load of money on a "Short Sale" it took less than 30 days to complete the process and close on the property. Not 4-5 months or even 6 months if a all as many broker/agents say. We bought a Water Front , new construction home with all the bells & whistles on Lake Wylie. The bank in a short sale will accept less than what is owed on the mortgage in this deal the bank accepted $325,000 less. I call that a boatload of money when you can save $325,000 on a new home purchase.

Many brokers/agents don't want to help buyers with "Short Sales" they say it's just too much work. It is a lot of work for the agent but in the end you could be in your dream house with big savings to do other things like buy a boat..

Best of Luck,
Bill Carey,
Broker/Realtor
Certified Short Sale Specialist
Cell 704-905-0740
Fax 866-343-5945
Bill.Carey@HendersonProperties.com
http://www.HendersonHomesCharlotte.com

Hi Njtonc,

I have read your responses after my post about Ballantyne. If schools are a top priority, the schools in Ballantyne are top notch. You have also indicated you would like a new home. In today's market, you need to be a little cautious in buying a home in a new neighborhood. The days of neighborhoods being completed within 2-4 years are not a guarantee anymore. You do not want to buy in a neighborhood with a lot of homes "to-be-built" because if you need to sell your home, you will be competing against the buider which is not a good thing. I will be happy to explain more about this if you have further questions.

Thanks,
Lynn

Lynn Johnson
Realtor/Broker, e-Pro,Accredited Buyer Representative
Licensed NC/SC
Director, NCAR http://www.LynnJohnsonRealtor.com http://www.BallantyneBuzz.com

Hello Njtonc,

There are great areas in and closer to the University area. The cabarrus county line may be an option that you may want to look deeper in to. There are newer developments off of Poplar Tent Rd. There is also a great community called "The Lexington" that may fit your needs. My real estate career is focused on the University area and if you would like a list of the great areas that the University, Concord and Harrisburg areas have to offer, give me a call at 704-724-7943 or at kandace@kansellshomes.com.

I agree with Lynn Johnson's assessment of great schools in the Ballantyne area. There are also top-ranked schools in your price range in South Charlotte. There are some incredible new construction developments in Mint Hill, which is a very short commute to the University area. Email me directly at Melissa@MelissaBrownHomes.com, and I can send you a list of school rankings for elementary, middle and high schools in Charlotte. Once you research and possibly visit some of the schools that you identify, then we can focus on the new developments that are zoned for those schools. If schools are the most important, I think you need to go through this step first! Remember to look at all three levels of schools, because once your little ones grow up, they will be attended the high school zoned for your home! Boundaries and school assignments change, but often you can have a reasonable idea of school assignments. It's a lot to consider and think about, but it's worth it to do a lot of research up front! I'm happy to help in any way I can.

I would like to welcome you to Charlotte if you have just relocated to the area. If schools are important to you I would suggest that you check different elementary schools out. I have school links on my sebsite at http://www.gloriafridrich.com. I would also suggest that you drive through different areas and neighborhoods and see which ones appeal to you because there are so many options. You may also want to look to the south of the University area on the 485 corridor because this gives you another option with an easy commute to the University area. Some towns you may look at are Mint Hill, Matthews and South Charlotte area. Good luck with your search and let me know if you have any questions about relocating.

ok, Answer to Melissa Browns question: higher ranking school or short commute? my answer would higher ranking schoole first preference then short commute would be second then finding new constriction would be third. every other amenity, would be

In today's market buying in a great location with top schools is a must! I would love to tell you that you can find both in the University area; but, the area which has had the best record in pricing stability and re-sale is Area 5. I would recommend the Ballantyne area within Area 5 because it is a wonderful place to live, has great schools and easy interstate access. You can be in the University area within 20 minutes.

Please take a look at these homes in Ballantyne which I have selected for you. http://tiny.cc/Ardreykell They all are currently in the Polo Ridge Elementary, J.M. Robinson Middle and Ardrey Kell High school Districts. These schools have great reputations. Here are the links to each school:

Polo Ridge: http://schools.cms.k12.nc.us/poloridgeES/Pages/Default.aspx

J. M. Robinson: http://schools.cms.k12.nc.us/jaymrobinsonMS/Pages/Default.aspx

Ardrey Kell: http://schools.cms.k12.nc.us/ardreykellHS/Pages/Default.aspx


Please let me know if you have any questions!

Thanks,
Lynn

Lynn Johnson
Realtor/Broker, e-Pro,Accredited Buyer Representative
Licensed NC/SC
Director, NCAR http://www.LynnJohnsonRealtor.com http://www.BallantyneBuzz.com

i prefer shortest commute but at the same time looking for family friendly neighborhood with great schools, single family house, 4 bedrooms min, 2.5 bath min, basement if possible (i know newer houses don't have basements) newer construction, common development pool would be nice and kids park (don't care for golf or tennis though). BTW can someone list neighborhoods with excellent schools and family friendly newer developments closest to University area in Northeast Charlotte. Thanks

I live and work in the Univeristy Area and I am also a Charlotte native. I think you would prefer to have a neighborhood that has a swimming pool, etc for your family. On one side, there is Highland Creek and Skybrooke. On the other side, there is Abbington, Kensington, Bradford Park, Heatherstone, etc. I have been agent for 14 years I am also a Certified Relocation Specialist for Cartus and helped many families like yours find a home in this area and I would love to help you. If you would like a relocation package, I would be happy to send one to you. Just let me know how I can assist you.,

April Crowder
REALTOR/Broker/GRI
Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS
Licensed in NC & SC
704-533-2220

I live and work in the University City area and would be happy to offer some suggestions per your request.
Some of my favorite University City neighborhoods would be: Highland Creek (golf community), Winding Walk (lots of new construction-Shea) , Skybrook (golf community), or Skybrook North (new construction-Ryan), Christenbury Woods (new construction-D. Weekly). Olmstead (new by John Wieland) but you may just squeak in at $450,000. These will put in within a 15 minute drive the University Research Park. This section of University City straddles Charlotte-Meck., Huntersville, and Concord.

Go a little further into Cabarrus County, (Concord and Harrisburg) and check out some of the neighborhoods of: Laurel Park (favorite), Stallings Glen, Fenton Dell, Bradford Park, Abbington (favorite),and Kensington Forest. Resale and new construction among these! Commute probably 30-40 minutes.

Check out the town of Huntersville or go a little further north to Cornelius(Lake Norman area). Drive is about 30 to 45 minutes. Monteith Park (cottage style), and Vermillion (cottage style new construction). Perhaps this is a start for you. I am always happy to help if I can be of further assistance to you and your family. - Regards, Susan Zongker

Thanks for posting on Trulia! There are so many factors in choosing a home/area/neighborhood. I have found that getting together to talk about your goals, your must-haves and your wishes, will help identify area(s) to focus on. Schools are very important to me also, and although realtor ethics do not allow us to steer you to or away a particular school, I can point you to lots of information sources to help guide you in your home choice. There are so many awesome areas near the NE Charlotte area. Questions that I would ask you is whether it's more important to live close to work, or whether it's more important to live close to higher ranked schools. Once we have this discussion about your needs and wants, we can decide together which direction you would like to take. Please visit my website at http://www.MelissaBrownHomes.com to begin your search for homes, and visit my blog at MelissaBrownBlog.com to learn more about the Charlotte. I would be happy to set you up on your own personal home search, but first, I need to learn what is important to you and your family. Please contact me via email, phone (704-654-9700) or text - I would be delighted to help you!

I would strongly recommend you consider Highland Creek based on the description you have given. Check out the link below for eight properties in Highland Creek that you might find suitable.

Best Wishes,
Matthew Tringali
Owner of Group 15 Real Estate
704.517.3906
matthew@group15realestate.com

I presently live in the University area and would love to assist you. Some neighborhoods to consider are " Old Stone Crossing, The Settlements at Withrov, Omstead....you may also want to consider Cabarrus county. The schools in that county are a little more "stable" and less prone to redistricting as they are in Charlotte Mecklenburg school district. I"d love to assist you- erin@mytownhome.com

Best of luck with the search!

I have worked in the University area for the past 28 years and lived in the Harrisburg area allowing me to send my children to Cabarrus County schools. There are quite a few wonderful communities, both in Mecklenburg and Cabarrus Counties, and I will be able to assist you in acquiring school reports so you will be able to make an informed decision.

I would be more likely to guide you to huntersville which is slightly north. The school torrence creek is nice. I think huntersville is very family friendly as is Davidson but that may be further away then you want to go. Let me know if you'd like for me to send you some homes for your consideration.
Lisa Nye
Soldbylisan@gmail.com

Hello!

There are several neighborhoods to choose from in this area that are within a good school district? How far are you willing to travel for work? What type of amenities would you like in your community? i.e., pools, tennis courts, golf, etc

I would be happy to assist you with your search.

Mechell Harris
Broker/Realtor
Allen Tate Company
704-593-2221

Njtonc, Thanks for email. For information on schools, please check out the CMS website http://www.cms.k12.nc.us/Pages/Default.aspx. There is a lot to choose from in, but a couple I like are Highland Crekk, Davis Lake, Monteith Park, are just a few.

Thanks,

David Proicou,
Realtor, Broker
704-965-3409 mobile
704-377-7304 fax

david@mytownhome.com
http://www.mytownhome.com/agents/David_Proicou http://www.lifesharecarolinas.org

My Entire Inventory of VisualTours
http://www.visualtour.com/inventory.asp?U=167154 http://www.mytownhome.com http://www.maisonproperties.com http://www.myhomeleasing.com

I would love to help you find the home of your dreams for you and your children. I am a Realtor in Charlotte and I would love to offer my buyer agent service at no cost to you. Please feel free to email me at mike.huffman.cbunited.com

Warm regards,
Mike Huffman

Hi,

I would suggest Harrisburg as a good fit for your family. Please contact me and we can discuss this in more detail. I am a native of the Charllotte area and would love to help your family find the perfect home.

Highland Creek and Skybrook are two very good options for you. Getting across the county line into Cabarrus County into Harrisburg is also a great idea... for schools and other reasons. Contact me as I work a lot in those areas.