Selecting a location is one of the most difficult things newcomers face because of the size of region. Charlotte is in Mecklenburg County - which is an 850 square mile area, and there are 11 surrounding counties. So, the job/business location will probably limit/focus your choices significantly. What sometimes helps narrow the decision is schools. In the Charlotte area, school districts are very large and many buyers are researching specific schools closely and giving me direction to search in specific high school attendance zones. Taxes are low here compared to many other parts of the country, and you are slightly lower in South Carolina, which is 12 mi from Uptown Charlotte. If you want more info on schools or taxes, please ask.

Uptown Charlotte, University (UNCC) area, Lake Norman, Lake Wylie, Whitewater Center, Uptown Charlotte and the many suburbs within about 5 miles, NoDa, South Charlotte, Ballantyne all could appeal for after hours socializing and outdoors activities. If you are more of a homebody, there are lots of smaller towns in the Charlotte metro that could also work. It depends on what you like to do, how far you are willing to drive to work, and your budget.

There is a good diversity of employers in a wide variety of business sectors here. Charlotte is #2 financial center of the nation behind New York and is quickly becoming known as the nations energy center. Many Fortune 500 companies have a presence here, several are headquartered in Charlotte and many well paid executives make their home in the Charlotte region. Some good Charlotte informational sites are: charlottesgotalot.com, http://www.charlotteonestop.com, http://www.charmeck.org, charlottechamber.com, http://www.charlotteobserver.com/943

There are many small towns around here, several lakes, and a fairly vibrant uptown with homes that should appeal in your $700+/- price range. If you want a country cottage or estate, a lake home an uptown condo or something in-between, there are good opportunities for each type of home and lifestyle. Larger estate type homes on larger lots, and equestrian areas are in Union County (Marvin, Weddington, Waxhaw, Wesley Chapel) and in the Matthews/Mint Hill area. If you want to maintain a water oriented lifestyle, you will probably be considering Lake Norman, http://www.visitlakenorman.org or Lake Wylie in SC/NC. If you prefer a more urban lake experience over a rural one, you will probably prefer the east side of Lake Norman and Huntersville, Davidson, Cornelius, Mooresville.

Charlotte offers many very nice neighborhoods and planned communities ranging from elaborate turn of the century homes to modern construction recently built. A number of these planned communities appeal to those for whom a country club and/or golf setting is familiar or desirable. there is very good availability of newer high quality homes throughout the region. Many of these are in South Charlotte and Ballantyne areas. Uptown Charlotte appeals to a more modern taste and style. Areas close-in to uptown were developed in the 1920's as trolley car suburbs and many homes here have been wonderfully restored and updated.

Regarding the Real Estate market in Charlotte right now, I turn to Standard & Poor's Case Shiller report. Here we find that the Greater Charlotte region did not have as big a run-up in prices as in other metropolitan areas in America, so we also have not had such large price drops. The Charlotte market peaked in mid-2007. It declined sharply in 2008, less in 2009 and about 4.4% last year. Depending on the price point and specific location, today's prices are fairly stable to slightly declining. Prices average about what they were in 2005. While most of the builder defaulted properties of 2007 and 2008 have been foreclosed and sold, there are still excellent opportunities for purchase of bank owned, short sale and other "distressed" property at below market prices.

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Jan,

Great question, it would really depend on your lifestyle to find you the best community to call home.

I would be happy to work for you to help you find the perfect match.

Please call me or email me today.

thanks,

John Kelly
704-614-5521

Hello, I have a rental property in the University Area of Charlotte and it was the area I moved to Charlotte as a young professional. Here is the link to review the home if you like to review it.

https://www.socialserve.com/dbh/ViewUnit/592682

Hello, I have a property (3BD/2.5BA & one car garage) that is very close to Northlake Mall and located between 85 and 77. The home is in a community where you will not consume your time with outdoor maintenance. Here is a link to the home as it is currently for sale but we are looking to rent. http://www.trulia.com/property/3079335945-4837-Steepleglen-C… If you are interested contact me at 4837steepleglencourt@gmail.com

You've received many correct answers already: Uptown, Dilworth, Southpark Area. If budget is a concern, a great alternative would be the Ayrsley Steele Creek Area; not as trendy or 'upscale' as the other areas, but it does offer newer shopping and dining, an easy commute to Uptown, and affordable housing. Townhomes are abundant in this area, and our office is there as well. Contact me if you would like further information on Ayrsley/Steele Creek.

You have received a lot of good answers. However; it will really depoend on what you are looking for in terms of lifestyle. Each area of Charlotte offers certain distinctive characteristics that make the neighborhoods unique.
Some people like the nightlife, others want areas with parks and trails, and others convience to stores and shops. Price range is also a vital consideration. There could be parts of Charlotte you may absolutely love but cannot or will not pay that much just to live there.
You mention you are looking for a 2bedroom/2 bath townhome/condo. Are you looking to rent or buy? Also, what budget for buying or renting are you trying tio stay within? these can help you decide which neighborhoods to look into.

I would say that the southpark area is the best for a young progessional. There are alot of bars and restraunts off of montford, its a great palce to meet people like you. I actually have a 2bd/2bt listed in this area. Its a condo so you dont have to worry about outside maintence, but its a stand alone home so you dont have to worry about hearing your neighbors. Its also 3 miles from Uptown, 1 mile from the lightrail station and 1 mile from Southpark. Very reasonably priced for the area. MLS # 946830. Ill send you a link to view the listing, feel free to contact me 704-763-0059. Have a good day and good luck with your search.
Sincerely,
Jon Widdifield

I would have to say the Southpark Area, its offers so much in regards to restaurants, shopping, music and arts,
entertainment and great cafe's and wine bars.

As others have said, it depends a lot on your personality and on your price range. I work with a lot of folks in your lifestyle and have found the uptown neighborhoods to be a big draw: Dilworth, Wesley Heights, NoDa, Plaza Midwood, Chantilly, Elizabeth. A great inexpensive alternative to those same neighborhoods is Villa Heights. There are some great homeowners in that neighborhood that are working hard to make it a great place to live.

Oh, I just noticed you mentioned you are looking for a 2BR/2BA condo/townhouse... You can find that in many of these same neighborhoods for rent or for sale.

Here is a place where you can search condos for sale: http://group15.localhomesearch.net/idx/
For rent: http://group15.localhomesearch.net/idx/rnt_search_form
Or even rent to own: http://group15.localhomesearch.net/idx/d_lease

Best wishes in your searching.

Matthew Tringali
Owner of Group 15 Real Estate

Jan,
I get this question a lot and think it is great that you asking for some advice. Definitely the area around Uptown Charlotte is a very poplar area...however, according to where your work and interest lie I have a number of great options that I would like to share(Lake Norman/Dilworth/Ball. Take a look at my site and shoot me an email with contact into and I will forward properties for you to view online with pics, virtual tours etc.

Welcome to Charlotte. I'm sure you will enjoy our great City.
http://www.go2sold.com
Doug Hyder/Broker
Keller Williams Realty
doug1@carolina.rr.com

Jan,
That answer depends upon what you want to do in the city, and how much money you have to spend. In addition to the urban lifestyle in the center city and historic neighborhoods. There is the world of boating, water skiing, and sunning at Lake Norman. You might enjoy Birkdale in Huntersville which is near Lake Norman, shopping, and a whole host of other amenities. Many young professionals live in Birkdale Village.

OR, you may like the Southpark or Ballantyne areas for the fantastic shops and restaurants. The University area offers affordable housing with fantastic running trails 7.1 miles, NASCAR, Blockbuster, Concord Mills, Northlake Mall, UNCC, and convenience to all of the major interstates.

In short, you can do what you want to do here and be what you want to be. There are all kinds of opportunities for networking, socializing, and learning. Call me 7045-564-5607 or email robin.faison@gmail.com


Robin Faison, Broker
Keller Williams Realty

There are a ton of choices. If you like condos and lots of action you might really love center city. If you like walking to parks and restaurants some of the historic neighborhoods, like Midwood, Noda or Dilworth are great. It's all what you like. We have a great neighborhood blog, http://www.HipHoods.com that has videos, pictures and info on all the inner city neighborhoods. Check it out and let us know what fits your personality! http://www.SavvyandCompany.com

You might like Dilworth- close to Uptown and provides high density urbam living. And other young professionals live in Dilworth. It does depend on your price range and if you want single family residential vs. condo living. Dilworth does have condos, but you might like Uptown Charlotte. Another neighborhood with some great deals is Colonial Village. Close to commuter train and South End and again, urban professionals are moving to the neighborhhood. You might want to check out Plaza-Midwood and Commonwealth neighborhoods as well. Let me know if I can help steer you in the right direction.
Gail