Lancaster County, SC
mylancastersc.org
(803) 285-1565

County Population: 79,089

Median Home Price: $123,800

County Seat: Lancaster

Square Miles: 555

Municipalities: Heath Springs, Kershaw, Lancaster

Covering around 550 square miles, Lancaster County is 35 miles south of Charlotte.  The County includes Lancaster, Kershaw, Heath Springs, and eight townships.  The fastest-growing area is Indian Land, which is becoming a Charlotte bedroom community.  Andrew Jackson State Park, nine miles north of Lancaster, offers 360 acres of camping, boating, fishing and hiking.

Kershaw
townofkershaw.net
(803) 475-6065

Population: 1,865

Kershaw was founded in 1888 and its humble beginnings included a lumber mill and train station.  As time passed, agriculture and gold mining became prominent industries.  Today, Kershaw is proud to see the reopening of the once-thriving Hale Gold Mine.  Kershaw is centrally located between the cities of Lancaster and Camden and is convenient to both Charlotte, NC and Columbia, SC.  Kershaw is rooted in history, but has a vision for the future.

Lancaster
lancastercitysc.com
(803) 283-2489

Population: 8,755

Lancaster, South Carolina, the county seat of Lancaster County, is a charming historic Southern city that, while proudly recognizing its history is  a service-oriented community focused on the future.  Known as the “Red Rose City”, Lancaster has a strong emphasis on local artists, county-wide historic sites, and its own performing arts series.

Everyone likes to get in the season with holiday-themed activities!  The month of December is packed with fun for the whole family, and some educational opportunities as well.  Check out some of the awesome events going on around the Fort Mill Area.

December 1
York County Tasty Acres Farm & Dinosaur Romp -  1018 Maxwell Mill Rd Fort Mill, SC 29708 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm - Free!

December 2
Bonejazz and Soul Food - La'Wan's Soul Food - 7520 South Tryon Street Charlotte, NC from 7pm to 9:30pm - $11.54

Women Business Power - Master Mind Monthly Meeting - Material Girl Hair Company - 520 Collins-Aikman Drive. #207. Charlotte, NC 28269 - Free!

December 1-23
Christmas At The Library - 4330 Westmont Dr Charlotte, NC 28217 - Free!

December 5 - December 6
Charlotte Coffee Crawl - 2113 N Davidson St Charlotte, NC 28205  $10-$17

December 5
Teddy Bear Tea - 4330 Westmont Dr Charlotte, NC 28217 At 2pm - $20

December 5
Disney's Frozen Breakfast Affair - 14825 Ballantyne Village Way Charlotte, NC 28277 - $15-$45

December 6
Holiday Tea & Shopping at The Duke Mansion - 400 Hermitage Rd Charlotte, NC 28207 - $15-$35

December 10-12
3rd Annual Charlotte Nativity Festival - 5815 Carmel Rd Charlotte, NC 28226 - Free!

December 14
Charlotte Career Fair - 5700 Westpark Dr Charlotte, NC 28217 6pm to 8pm - Free!

December 15 - January 14
Queen City Winter Warmer Cocktail Tour - Various Locations in Charlotte - $30

Are you worried about home buying being a good investment?

Are you considering becoming a homeowner, but unsure if you can afford to buy a home?   Buying your first home can be an intimidating process.  Many first time home buyers struggle with decisions such as: do I really want to own a home, can i afford to own a home, and does owning a home make sense for me financially.  If you are still struggling with these questions, here is some information that will help you decide if home ownership makes sense for you.

You Can’t Afford NOT To Buy A Home!

Over the past decade the cost of rental housing in the U.S. has increase an average of 3.5% per year. If that trend were to continue steady, that would mean that a rental that costs $1,000 per month will cost more than $1,300 per month in ten years. After ten years, you would have also paid a total in rent of over $140,000.  

Tax Advantages of Home Ownership Result In Savings

None of that $140,000 spent in rental costs would be returned to you in savings or as an investment.  However, there are a few tax advantages to homeownership.  For many homeowners, part of the monthly mortgage payment is “given back to you” in tax savings.  Owning your own home also reduces your federal income tax bill.  Equity also builds in your home as you pay down your mortgage loan and home prices rise.

Home Ownership is A Good Investment for Qualified Buyers

For the majority of Americans, their home is their largest financial asset and a major player in their investment portfolio.  With an estimated home value rise on average of 4.5% per year, there is a good chance on a steady return on investment.  The Federal Reserve Board also estimates that home owners’ net worth is between 31-46 times more than that of renters.  As a home owner you are building wealth in two ways: through paying down the principle on your mortgage and through those “appreciating returns” on your home.  

Homeownership: The American Dream

Several research studies indicate that home ownership adds to the value of commuties, has poisitve effects on children, and is the american dream with more than two-thrids of American households owning their own home.  From the benefits of home equity, tax incentives, and the pride of owning your own home, why not decide to take the first steps now?

This is the Gem you have been looking for! Home has a large kitchen and dining room area that overlooks the sunken family room with stone hearth fireplace. Master with walk-in, 2 other nice size bedrooms, plus off the kitchen is a nice place for a study with built-ins and a bonus room with French doors

5 Reasons to Sell Now

Don’t keep putting off selling your home if you plan to sell it soon! The time to sell is now and here’s why:

1.  Demand is Strong

Foot traffic refers to the number of people out actually physically looking at homes right now.  The latest foot traffic numbers show that there are significantly more prospective purchasers currently looking at homes now than last year! Take advantage of the buyers that are ready and willing to purchase in the market right now, your home may be their dream home.

1. There is Less Competition Now

Housing supply is still under the 6 months’ supply that is needed for a normal housing market.  This means, in most areas, there are not enough homes to satisfy the number of buyer in that market.  This is good news for home prices and for sellers.  However, there are homes that are going to be hitting the market soon that were unable to sell over the last few years because of a negative equity situation.  New construction of single-family houses is again beginning to increase as well.  Getting your home on the market now is going to bring you a more desirable price.

1. The Process Will Be Quicker

One of the biggest obstacles recently closing home sales has been the length of time from contract to closing.  Banks are requiring more and more paperwork before approving a mortgage.  As the market heats up, banks will be inundated with loan inquires causing closing timelines to lengthen.  Selling now will make the process simpler and quicker.

1.  This is A Great Time To Move Up

If you are moving up to a larger, more expensive home, consider doing it now.  Prices are projected to appreciate by over 19.4% from now until 2019.  If you were to wait to move to a larger higher priced home, it would end up costing you more for both the down payment and mortgage payment.  Interest rates are also projected to increase over at least the next year.

1.  It’s Time to Move On

Look at the reason you decided to sell in the first place and determine whether it’s worth waiting.  If the reasons above have pushed you to decide that now is the best time to put your home on the market, consider getting in contact with me so I can make the process less stressful for you.  

Charlotte has made a name for itself and its active student population with more than thirty higher education institutions in the area, which offer a wide range of degrees.  Students pursuing degrees in every field from technology and medicine to creative arts and engineering will find quality higher education in the Queen City.  Following is a list of some of Charlotte’s main higher education institutions.

Carolinas College of Health Sciences is a public two-year college located in central Charlotte.  Owned by Carolinas Healthcare System, the school offers programs in nursing, radiation therapy, surgical technology, medical laboratory science and many more.  CCHS offers students a small-school atmosphere with rigorous programs that prepare graduates for success in their field.  Ranked as the number one two-year college in the nation by stateuniversity.com and celebrating a 91% graduation rate in 2012, CCHS is easily accessible via the city’s public transportation.

Central Piedmont Community College wears the colors black and green proudly, located in central Charlotte.  With more than 70,000 students and a 31-acre central campus, CPCC is the largest community college in the North Carolina Community College System.  The school now offers more than 258 degree, diploma, and certification programs and has been a national pacesetter in education, serving as the county’s premier workforce development resource.  The central campus is interested by the streetcar rails on Elizabeth Avenue and is next to the Grady Cole Center and Memorial Standium, home of the Charlotte Hounds Major League Lacrosse team.

Davidson College ranks high in the education world, earning a space in the top 10 best liberal arts colleges in the country by U.S. News and World Report and the third most rigorous school in the nation by Newsweek.  Davidson has produced 23 Rhodes Scholars and the school is considered a “New Ivy” with more than 25 offered major subject areas.  Students may also design their own major through the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies.  The school’s athletic programs are strong, competing at the NCAA Division I level in 21 sports.

Gardner-Webb University, located in Boiling Springs, consists of five professional schools, two academic schools, and 11 academic departments offering sixty fields of study.  GWU’s Runnin’ Bulldogs are NCAA Division I and part of the Big South Conference, inspiring a campus fueled by school spirit.  The school’s campus makes up its own college town with an impressive 200-acre main campus at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  GWU has an additional 16 satellite campuses throughout North Carolina, including in Charlotte, Statesville and Hickory.  A relatively small institution, Gardner-Webb offers students the amenities of a larger college with modern facilities, ample scholarships and an emphasis on low student-to-teacher ratios.

Gaston College serves both Gaston and Lincoln counties, with around 16,000 students in continuing education programs.  The core curriculum areas are arts and sciences, business and information technology, health education, engineering and industrial technology.  The ninth largest of the 58 institutions in the North Carolina Community College System, Gaston’s main campus is in Dallas which contains 12 buildings and nearly 42,000 square miles.  A commute campus is a mere 30 minutes from central Charlotte, Gaston’s convenient roadway systems allow students living in the city and surrounding metro areas easy access to to a quality education.

Johnson & Wales University is a career-oriented research university with five campuses throughout the U.S. The Charlotte campus opened in 2004, JWU offer students four academic units on its campuses, including the College of Business, the College of Culinary Arts, the Hospitality College and the School of Arts and Sciences which allows for studies in everything from baking and pastry arts to software engineering and criminal justice.  Located in the Queen City’s revitalized uptown business district, JWU’s Charlotte campus is home to more than 2,500 students.  Despite being the second largest financial center in the county, Charlotte maintains a distinctive small-town feel that makes it the perfect place for JWU to continue its tradition of market-driven education.

Johnson C. Smith University lies deep in the heart of Charlotte, with a strong focus on ensuring its graduates are prepared for success in the workplace.  Established in 1867, the school’s 100-acre urban campus settings, strong focus on athletics and abundant Greek life equate to a well-rounded college education.  Students earn their degree through one of three colleges: the College of Arts and Letters, the College of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and the College of Professional Studies.  With 22 degree options, students can choose to explore careers in everything from criminology and performing arts to business administration and sports management.  Students are encouraged to explore beyond campus lines and receive a free passport upon admission.

King’s College was founded in 1901 just south of downtown in the Elizabeth area.  With a strong scholarship program, King’s awards both associate’s degrees and diplomas in 10 major areas of study including legal administration, graphic design and medical assisting.  With programs in business, design, technology and health care, King’s College is dedicated to providing students hands-on career preparation.

Queens University of Charlotte, with approximately 2,400 undergraduate and graduate students through the College of Arts and Sciences, the McColl School of Business, the the Wayland H. Carto, Jr. School of Education, the James L. Knight School of Communication, Hayworth College for Adult Studies and the Andrew Blair College of Health, offers 39 undergraduate majors and 80 concentrations with 19 graduate programs.  The school’s 30 acre Myers Park campus was expanded in 2006 with the 65-acre sports complex at Marion Diehl Park.  With grant initiatives that include working to improve digital and media literacy in the Charlotte metropolitan area, QUC is always moving toward expanding and innovating the surrounding community through education.

University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers 20 doctoral, 63 master’s and 90 bachelor’s degree programs throughout nine colleges: the College of Arts and Architecture, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Belk College of Business, the College of Computing and Informatics, the College of Education, the William States Lee College of Engineering, the College of Health and Human Services, the Honors College and the University College. The school’s main campus in University City sits on 1,000 wooded acres, with approximately 75 self-contained buildings, a mere 10 miles from uptown Charlotte.  UNCC is the largest institution of higher education in the Charlotte region, with more than 26,000 students and 16 varsity sports.

Wingate University is a private university offering 34 undergraduate majors, 37 minors and numerous preprofessional programs.  Ninety percent of the school’s professors have doctorates and students can earn graduate and professional degrees in business accounting, education, physician assistant studies, sport administration and more.  Athletes compete in 22 NCAA Division II sports and the school was listed among U.S. News & World Report’s 2012 Best Value Colleges and Universities in the South.  W’International is Wingate’s extremely popular international study-tour program where students travel to their chosen destination with a faculty member after attending a one-hour seminar during classes each week.  Located on a 400-acre campus a short 30 miles east of Charlotte, students have the option to live on campus and enjoy big city life a brief drive away.

Winthrop University is located in Rock Hill, South Carolina; the 100-acre main academic and residential campus is 25 miles southwest of Charlotte and has consistently ranked as South Carolina’s top-rated university by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.  Offering 42 undergraduate and 26 graduate degrees through five colleges and schools, Winthrop gives students the opportunity to explore diverse areas of study in one of the city’s five historic districts.  The campus has its own zip code, one of the many aspects of the school, including a strong athletics and arts focus, that creates an atmosphere of true spirit and unity.

Gaston County
gastongov.com
(704) 866-3101

County Population: 208,049

Median Home Price: $120,000

County Seat: Gastonia

Square Miles: 364

Municipalities: Belmont, Bessemer, Cherryville, Cramerton, Dallas, Gastonia, High Shoals, Kings Mountain Lowell, McAdenville, Holly, Ranlo, Stanley

Citygoers and nature lovers alike will find the perfet combination in Gaston County, where multiple lakes, resevoirs, rivers and parks abound.  Just west of Mecklenburg County, Gaston is known for its history in the textile production and trucking industries.  More than 206,000 people live in Gaston County, the majority (69,000) in its largest city, Gastonia.  The county’s public school system is the seventh largest in North Carolina.  The county celebrates its heritage through a variety of museums, including the Gaston County Museum of Art and History in the original county seat of Dallas, the Schiele Museum of Natural History in Gastonia and the C. Grier Beam Truck Museum in Cherryville.  The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont has become one of the county’s major tourist attractions in recent years.  Gaston County is also home to Belmont Abbey College and the popular holiday tradition of the McAdenville Christmas lights.  Each December, the village lines its main streets with thousands of colored lights.  Visitors come from throughout the region to enjoy the extravaganza.

Belmont
cityofbelmont.org
(704) 825-5586

Population: 10,076

Belmont, once known as Garibaldi Station, was named in honor of August Belmont, a New York banker.  Incorporated in 1895, Belmont is the fourth largest city in Gaston County.  Textiles and hosiery manufacturers are the basis of Belmont industry and it is also a well-established retail center.  Belmont Abbey College establishes this community as the higher education center of the county.  Located near Belmont also is the North Carolina Textile School, which offers several tuition-free courses in textile manufacturing.  Flanked by two rivers, the Catawba and its tributary, the South Fork Catawba River, the city is situated on a peninsula between the rivers and Lake Wylie.

Bessemer
bessemercity.com
(704) 629-5542

Population: 5,340

Bessemer City, located in the western section of the county at the foot of Whetstone Mountain, was incorporated in 1892.  Prior to the War Between the States, the mining of ore was a profitable enterprise for Bessemer City.  The city acquired its name from the process by which steel is made from pig iron, pioneered by Sir Henry Bessemer.  Now, more than a hundred years later, Bessemer City is again a mining center.  The Lithium Corporation of America has erected an impressive $7 million plant to process the rich vein of spodumene found in abundance in this area.  FMC Lithium, INC., which operates out of Bessemer City Operations mine, is one of the largest producers of lithium in the world.  In addition, Bessemer City is the location of two mills and enjoys a considerable retail trade from farming.

City of Cherryville
cityofcherryville.com
(704) 435-1700

Population: 5,670

Cherryville, once known as White Pines, acquired its present name from the cherry trees planted along a stagecoach lane on Old Post Road.  The stagecoach drivers identified the area by the trees and thus dubbed it Cherryville.  Incorporated in 1881, the city’s largest employers include Keystone Powdered Metal Company, which employs more than 220 people, and Bradington-Young Furniture Company.  Cherryville is also home to many museums and historic places, including the Cherryville History Museum and the C. Grier Beam Truck Museum.

Town of Cramerton
cramerton.org
(704) 824-4337

Population: 4,165

Cramerton derivers its name from its founder Stuart W. Cramer, who established a mill village in 1915 to house workers at two textile plants, the Mays and Mayflower mills.  The entire property was sold to Burlington Industries in the mid 1940’s. Burlington sold the homes to individuals and continued to operate the textile plants until the late 1980’s.  Rapid residential growth has occurred over the past 20 years, and Cramerton serves primarily as a residential community.  Mastercraft Fabrics continues operating two textile plants in Cramerton.

Dallas
dallasnc.net
(704) 922-3176

Population: 4,488

Dallas, incorporated in 1863, is the oldest incorporated town in Gaston County.  Dallas was named for George Miffin Dallas, who was the U.S. vice president in 1846 when Dallas was established.  Designated originally as the county seat, it remained so for 64 years until 1911.  The old courthouse, renovated in 1868 after a fire, still stands in the main square of the town and serves as City Hall.  The spacious, well-kept older homes, together with neat, modern, new homes mark Dallas as principally a residential town rather than an industrial one.  There is a well-developed retail area, but the majority of residents commute to other areas for employment. Biggerstaff Park in Dallas is the venue of the “Shelby Hamfest,” a gathering of amateur radio operators – one of the oldest and largest such festivals in the county. 

Gastonia
cityofgastionia.com
(704) 866-6747

Population: 71,741

Gastonia is the largest of the 15 incorporated cities and towns in the county.  It is located roughtly in the geographical center of the county.  The second largest satellite city in the Charlotte area, Gastonia serves as the county seat.  The Schiele Museum of Natural History features a number of permanent exhibitions, including the Hall of North Carolina Natural History and the only planetarium in the Charlotte area.  Between the Crowders Mountain State Park’s hiking trails and rock climbing and the U.S. National Whitewater Center, residents have ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. 

High Shoals
highshoalsnc.ning.com
(704) 735-1651

Population: 696

High Shoals, once a totally owned textile community, was incorporated on November 6, 1973, making it Gaston County’s newest municipality.

City of Kings Mountain
cityofkm.om
(704) 734-0333

Population: 1,054

Kings mountain, once known as White Plains, has the distinction of being located in two counties.  Out of the 10,000 residents of Kings Mountain, only about one thousand live in Gaston County, with the remained living in Cleveland County.  Kings Mountain was incorporated in 1874 and the county, ideally located in the foothills of North Carolina, is home to comfortable climates, top-notch educational institutions, health care facilities, and recreational opportunities.
 

Lowell
lowellnc.com
(704) 824-3518

Population: 3,526

Lowell is located on North Carolina Highway Number 7 just east of Gastonia.  The City was named after Lowell, Massachusetts, a textile manufacturing town located near Boston.  Before its incorporation in 1879, an engineer was employed to lay out a planned community.  Even with this foresight, however, Lowell failed to reach the size anticipated.  Today, it is a small, neat community with paved streets and substantial, well-kept homes.  Several textile plants are located in Lowell and employ many of its residents.   

McAdenville
mcadenvillenc.com
(704) 824-3551

Population: 651

McAdenville was incorporated in 1883.  It was named after Rufus Yancey McAden, who served as president of McAden Mills.  Although there are many privately owned homes, to a large extent McAdenville is still a small mill community.  Today this community has become known as “The Christmas City” because of its Christmas lights display.  Each year, more than 300,000 vehicles visit to see the town’s displays.

Mount Holly
mtholly.us
(704) 827-3931

Population: 13, 656

Mount Holly, which was the beginning of Gaston’s textile empire, was first called Woodlawn, since the post office was designated in that way.  However, when the town was incorporated in 1879, it was named Mount Holly after the mill which has been established there by A. Rhyne and D.E. Rhyne.  The town has a well-developed retail shopping center.  Mount Holly is located almost on the banks of the Catawba River, the eastern boundary of Gaston County. 

Ranlo
ranlo.org
(704) 824-3461

Population: 3,434

Ranlo acquired its name from the first letters of the surnames of Ranking and Love.  With the incorporation of Ranlo in 1963, Gaston County added its claim of having more incorporated towns than any other county in North Carolina.  Ranlo was born with several large industries, manufacturers of the textile machinery and various yarns.  The town has become a “bedroom community” and prides itself on its facilities and growth as new industry has started to move in and new neighborhoods are being built.

Stanley
townofstanley.org
(704) 263-4779

Population: 3,556

Stanley, located in the northeastern section of the county, was originally known as Brevard Station.  The city acquired its name directly from a Mr. Stanley, who in the 1700s, searched for gold in a creek on his property in the area.  IN 1891 a cotton mill was established bearing the name Stanley Creek Cotton Mills.  Another revision to the charter was made in 1911 changing the town’s name to Stanley, as it is known today.  Several industries are now located within this area, including DSM Desotech, Deb SBS, Buckeye Technologies, U.S. Leisure, Outdoor Lifestyles and International Dyeing Machine Company.

We all know from time to time we just need to get out of the house and do something.  For those who enjoy the arts and theater, there are a few phenomenal places to visit while you’re in Charlotte. 

Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
bechtler.org

Dedicated to the celebration and analysis of the strongest aspects of mid-century modernism, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is intimate in scale, arresting in its pieces and simple, yet elegant, in its materials.  The collection comprises more than 1,400 works by 20th-century modern artists, some of which are accompanied by books, photographs, and letters illustrating the artists’ personal inspirations and connections to the Bechtler family.  Included in its permanent collection are renowned artists such as Giacometti, Picasso, Calder, Warhol, Ernst and many more.  Designed by the eminent Swiss architect Mario Botta, the four-story space itself can be just as inspiring as the masterpieces within, as the soaring glass atrium extending through the museum’s core allows for visual interplay between spaces.  Bechtler offers many programs to the public, include Modernism + Film, Family Day, Jazz at the Bechtler, Modern Mondays and Music and Museum.

Blumenthal Performing Arts
blumenthalarts.org

Home to outstanding arts organizations such as Charlotte Symphony, Community School of the Arts, North Carolina Dance Theatre, Opera Carolina, Queen City Theatre Company and The Light Factory, Blumental Performing Arts is the source for all the best performing arts in Charlotte.  Taking the arts beyond the stage and into area classrooms, Blumental’s arts-integrated instruction helps to raise test scores, boost student enrollment and retain talented teachers.  There are six theaters, the largest of which is Belk Theater with a 2,097 capacity capable of hosting all events from rock concerts to grand opera.  The Knight Theater joins the Mint Museum, Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and the Harvey B. Gannt Center in the cultural district, bringing a new dimension to the Uptown art scene, and boasts seating in orchestra, grand tier and mezzanine levels.

Charlotte Civic Orchestra
charlottecivicorchestra.org

The Charlotte Civic Orchestra (CCO) is able to break down the traditional barriers than can limit exploration of symphony music by new listeners through an educational entertainment approach.  The CCO is more flexible in adapting to the needs of metro area audiences with lower overhead costs, informative concert discussions and collaborative educational events with the help of partnerships with other nonprofit organizations.  Through their Composers in Schools outreach and other similar initiatives, students are able to participate in the process of learning about and crafting music.  The CCO is a volunteer-based, 75-piece orchestra made up of local musicians, most of which are professionally trained, and not only provides the opportunity for accomplished vocational musicians to perform together, but also gives all residents of the Charlotte metro area access to music and culture.

Discovery Place
discoveryplace.org

Discovery Place invites kids of all ages to step into a world where science is brought to life through interactive exhibits and explosive experiments during daily programs.  Connect with the past and visit the future with groundbreaking exhibitions, larger-than-life IMAX Dome films and hands-on activities that let you explore more.  All aspects of Discovery Place offers unique and unexpected ways to see, hear, touch and do science.  Some of their upcoming exhibits include Van Gogh Alive and Alien Worlds and Androids, while several animal experiences like Nose-to-Nose, Aquarium Feeding Tour and A World Apart are available to enjoy year round.  In addition to the IMAX Theater shows, Discovery Place is also a partner in education with programs and hands-on, state-of-the-art labs that engage minds and ignite wonder, initiatives like Science Reach, summer camps and the Discovery Place Education Studio keep kids learning without even realizing it.

The Light Factory
lightfactory.org

The Light Factory Contemporary Museum of Photography and Film is a thriving cultural center in Charlotte where artists, photographers, filmmakers, and art lovers alike gather to share impressions, techniques, experiments and passions.  Founded in 1973, The Light Favtory is one of just a few facilities focused exclusively on photography and film studies and display.  Through support from individuals and corporations, The Light Factory offers classes and museum display to photography and film.  Budding artists from all walks of life have the opportunity to express and display their work where the most recognized and acclaimed images hang close by.  The Light Factory has a strong focus on educating new and aspiring artists and students by hosting programs and summer classes, including everything from basic photography and making a YouTube film to the art of black and white photography, fashion photography, alternative methods with film, animation, documentary photography and lighting tricks and techniques.

The Mint Museum of Art
mintmuseum.org

An internationally renowned cultural institution in Charlotte, the Mint Museum is comprised of two locations in Randolph and Uptown.  Together these two locations house hundreds of collections showcasing art and designs from all reaches of the globe and are dedicated to collecting, conserving, exhibiting, inspiring, publishing and protecting important works of art and design from all over the global art community.  With more than 75 years of history and nearly 35,000 works of art, the Mint is widely recognized as an invaluable cultural and educational resource for the city, the region and the state.  Employing its resources to service the area community, the Mint’s commitment to programs fueling a lifelong love of art include artist talks, community days and outreach, performances and demonstrations, family and educational events, classes for kids, teens and adults, summer camps, master classes and much more. 

Mecklenburg County
charmeck.org/Mecklenburg/county
(704) 336-2472

County Population: 969,031

Median Home Price: $186,900

County Seat; Charlotte

Square Miles: 523

Municipalities: Charlotte, Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill, Pineville, Stallings

Mecklenburg was named to denote the region in Germany where British Queen “Charlotte Sophia” was born.  Major industries of Mecklenburg County are baking, manufacturing and professional services, especially those supporting baking and medicine.  Mecklenburg County is home to six Fortune 500 companies, including No. 21: Bank of America. Charlotte’s suburbs are great areas to raise a family, lvie by the lake or escape the bustle of downtown.  Almost 200,000 workers commute to Charlotte from the surrounding towns, which are composed of several smaller communities.  Each has a unique personality, with varying types of subdivisions, housing and amenities.  All cities within Mecklenburg County are part of the larger Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System.

Charlotte
charmeck.org/city/charlotte
(704) 336-7600

Population: 775,202

For those looking to live close to uptown Charlotte but not in the direct shadow of skyscrapers, the Center City Ring, sometimes called urban ring neighborhoods, surround the uptown area.  It can be divided in roughly two categories: the historic streetcar suburbs, sometimes known as “Old Charlotte” and the transitional neighborhoods that were built primarily in the post-World War II housing boom.  The Old Charlotte neighborhoods were Charlotte’s first true suburbs, Myers Park and Eastover are the grande dames of Old Charlotte, with their stately homes and oak-canopied avenues.  The transitional neighborhoods in the early stages of revitalization have their own fascinating histories and personalities.

Cornelius
Cornelius.org
(704) 892-6031

Population: 26, 243

As a gateway to Lake Norman, Cornelius has become an attractive residential location that has spawned numerous residential and commercial developments to serve its growing population.  Cornelius is home to a variety of communities with lakefront homes.  With approximately 70 miles of shoreline on Lake Norman, Cornelius is the perfect town if you are looking to live by the lake and have a short commute into Charlotte.

Davidson
ci.davidson.nc.us
(704) 892-7591

Population: 11,484

With the Saturday farmers market, weekly summer Concerts on the Green, Davidson college sports and quaint downtown, Davidson offers a charming small-town feel a mere 20 miles from the big city.  Housing options in Davidson range from subdivisions like River Run or McConnell to home in residential areas of the town.  Homes range from multimillion-dollar golf course homes to moderately priced family homes and apartments.  With strong belief in community and connectivity, you won’t find a drive-through in this town; Davidson is built for pedestrians and bike riders, not for cars.  In the last few years, the town has acquired almost 500 acres of open space and miles of greenways and walking trails connect neighborhoods, providing citizens with alternate ways to get around town and access nature up close.

Huntersville
Huntersville.org
(704) 875-6541

Population: 49,344

Huntersville offers a great family environment with a wealth of amenities at your fingertips.  Huntersville is home to national and internationally known companies and some of the town’s largest employers include SABIC Innovative Plastics, Rubbermaid, Irwin Industrial Tools, ABB< Pactiv Corporation and the Max Daetwyler Corporation, to name a few.  The town also offers a variety of beautiful parks in addition to 520 miles of Lake Norman shoreline.  The Town of Huntersville Parks and Revreation Department manages 18 parks, gyms and multipurpose facilities.  Huntersville’s larger parks are home to many amateur sporting events and youth tournaments every year, while several pocket parks offer neighborhoods playground and space for team sport activities.

Matthews
matthewsnc.gov
(704) 847-4411

Population: 28,699

Keeping pace with development in the area, Matthew’s city limits now encompass 13 square miles.  There are hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, recreational facilities and a hospital.  In 1996, the National Register of Historic Places listed 10 downtown buildings in Matthews.  Known as Matthews Commercial District, they comprise a small, but remarkably intact, collection of structures dating from the late 19th to the early 20th century.  Matthews Playhouse, renovated in the 1990s, is a vibrant community center that has been designated a historical landmark.  The 360-seat auditorium and three floors of classrooms offer space for Matthews Playhouse and other community programs to thrive.

Mint Hill
minthill.com
(704)545-9726

Population: 23,956

A uniue aspect of Mint Hill is its rural feel; the town is undeveloped relative to the surrounding areas.  Mint Hill is the perfect place for those looking for a quaint, country feel.  Charlotte is located 16 miles northeast of Mint Hill offering residents the closeness of the city with the quiet closeness of small-town living.

Pineville
townofpineville.com
(704) 889-2291

Population: 7,894

Pineville has small-town charm, complements by all the amenities that a large city has to offer.  Quaint neighborhoods are just minutes from some of the best medical facilities in the Southeast and within walking distance to Jack Hughes Park, with its state-of-the-art ball field facilities, walking trails, shelters and playground equipment.  Whether you’re strolling through the historic downtown area enjoying the quaint antique stores or shopping national chains at the Carolina Place Mall, the  best of both worlds live harmoniously side by side.

York  County
yorkcountygov.com
(803)684-8511

County Population: 234,635

Median Home Price: $164,000

County Seat: York

Square Miles: 696

Municipalities: Clover, Fort Mill, Hickory Grove, McConnells, Rock Hill, Sharon, Tega Cay, York

The second most populous county in the Charlotte metro area, York County, South Carolina is a mix of it all: rich history, early industrialization, mountain peaks, and innovative cities.  Accessibility is key and York County boasts many transportation advantages, I-77 runs through the eastern portion of the county and I-85 runs near the northwestern part of the county, joined together by an excellent highway network.  The Charlotte/Douglas international Airport is less than 30 minutes away and it services major carriers and regional airlines that offer daily flights to nearly 150 domestic and international cities.  With more than 150,000 visitors annually, the Museum of York County contains the world’s largest collection of mounted African animals, exhibits of rare animal species and famous Indian murals.  There are more than 100 identified historic sites in York County.  One of the better known sites is Historic Brattonsville, which played an important part in the county’s history dating from 1776 until after the Civil War.  Located in Rock Hill, Glencairn Gardens is known for its many beautiful azaleas and dogwoods.

Clover
cloversc.org
(803) 222-9495

Population: 5,287                                       

Located in the northwestern corner of York County, this peaceful town is rich in historic ambience and antique shopping.  One of the annual highlights here is June’s Feis Chlobhair, a festival established to celebrate the community’s Irish Heritage.  The small-town atmosphere combined with easy access to big-city dining, shopping and entertainment make Clover an exceptional place to live.  The proximity of Clover to the rapidly growing Charlotte and Gastonia, NC and Rock Hill, SC urban areas provides a diverse job market and has created an opportunity for growth in Clover.

Fort Mill
fortmillsc.org
(803) 547-2116

Population: 11,387

Southern hospitality is well intact in Fort Mill, one of the fastest-growing communities in this region.  Careful urban planning complements the beautiful Anne Close-Springs Greenway with architecture and roadways that fit the pleasant landscape.  Given its close proximity to Charlotte, many of the town’s residents commute there for work, while a sizable number are employed at nearby Springs Global US, Inc., one of the nation’s largest textile manufacturing firms.

Rock Hill
cityofrockhill.com
(803) 325-2500

Population: 68,094

Rock Hill, the largest city in York County, is the fifth largest in the state of South Carolina.  As the commercial center of this region, this city is home to numerous businesses and institutions, including the renowned campus of Winthrop University.  Residents living in greater Rock Hill are in the midst of numerous dynamic projects , from the greening of Cherry Road to the establishment of a fifth business park.

Tega Cay
tegaycaysc.org
(803) 548-3512

Population:7,934

Located on a 1,600-acre peninsula boarded by Lake Wylie, Tega Cay is a community distinguished by its strong emphasis on quality of life.  Loosely translated, the municipality’s name means “beautiful peninsula” in a Polynesian dialect, which is a perfect label given the town’s safe, friendly atmosphere.  Tega Cay is a recreational paradise, offering its residents public golf, tennis and swimming facilities, with numerous marinas and abundant hiking and biking trails.

York
yorkcitysc.com
(803) 684-7172

Population: 7,883

The city of York is located in the western part of the county and is equidistant between the I-77 and I-85 corridors.  York is the county seat of York County and enjoys an intimate character  of a small, friendly community with a strong historic core and a traditional lifestyle offering a desirable alternative to life in the larger metro areas.

Charlotte, the Queen City, was named for Queen Charlotte of England, wife of King George III.  Rich in history, art and culture, the city of Charlotte exemplifies the region’s characteristic blend of the old and new as well as synergy of traditional values and innovative ideas.  After the American Revolution, the first verified gold find in the United States put the Charlotte area on the map, setting off the nation’s first gold rush, leading to the 1837 founding of the Charlotte Mint.  What was once the Charlotte Mint until 1861 is now the home of the Mint Museum of Art.  The city’s first big business boom came about soon after the Civil War, when it became known as a cotton processing center and railroad hub.

Today the Charlotte metropolitan area as the 23rd largest in the United States and is part of a 16-county market region.  Charlotte consistently ranks higher than most of the country’s other major cities in terms of quality of life, job, and population growth and business.  The home of world-class museums, colleges, and universities, the second largest financial district in the country and the center of the NASCAR racing universe, Charlotte is a premier destination for visitors to North Carolina.  For those relocating to the area, it promises a city ready to offer the entire spectrum of life’s worthwhile experiences.  In addition to being the second largest banking center in the U.S., the Queen City is home to major businesses such as Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Nucor, Sonic Automotive, Time Warner Cable, Fox Sports 1, Lending Tree, Food Lion, Harris Teeter and Muzak.  This makes Charlotte a great place for young, educated career started looking to find many people like themselves, with good opportunities for friendships, socializing, and fun.  In fact, Charlotte is one of the top larger cities in America for educated single professionals to flock. 

Charlotte offers its residents four distinct seasons, with short winters, and hot, humid summers.  Directly in the path of subtropical moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, the city sees ample precipitation, with summer as the wettest season.  While neighbors to the north endure harsh winter chills, Charlotteans enjoy moderate February temperatures.  Clear blue skies, moderate climate and lots of sunshine are what residents of the Queen City have come to expect.  In the Piedmont region of the state, you can enjoy skyline views from all over the city; the loop around the city on I-277 offers a local favorite skyline.  While Charlotte is made up of 199 neighborhoods, its extensive greenway and urban park system have become an integral part of the city’s recreation.  Charlotteans and their pets enjoy outdoor activities such as biking, rafting, kayaking, hiking, and rock climbing at the U.S. National Whitewater Center.  Little Sugar Creek Greenway was completed in 2012, inspired in part by the San Antonio River Walk.  The gorgeous tree canopy is one of the grandest in the county, with some of the oldest trees 120 to 150 years old.  Beaches and mountains are both a quick drive from the city.

With more than 1900 restaurants in the city’s metro area that take diners from elegant to classic and satisfying, dining options are practically endless and all kinds of delicious.  Charlotte restaurants offer a diverse mix of cuisines, no matter what your taste; everything from authentic French cuisine and Thai fusion to traditional Southern local favorites.  Feast on barbecue or farm-to-table fare and savor international cuisine or interesting twists on American classics.  Locals and visitors agree, you won’t go hungry there.

In the Charlotte area, cultural appetites are well sated, with iconic museums and venues dedicated to keep the arts alive and celebrated in the area.  The people in the Charlotte community encourage support for arts and culture and go through extensive planning to render a thriving artistic and cultural environment.  From the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, which is only the second in this country designed by the Swiss architect Mario Botta, to the Charlotte Civic Orchestra and the Light Factory Contemporary Museum of Photography and Film, the Queen City is quickly becoming the leader in the arts culture of the Southeast.  The whole family can enjoy weekends of learning at attractions like the Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary, the Mint Museum of Art, the Historic Rosedale Plantation, Discovery Theatre, the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, the Carolina Raptor Center, Carowinds Amusement and Water Park, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and the Charlotte Zoological Park.

With a “Gamma+ world city” title, Charlotte plays an integral role in linking smaller economic regions into the world economy.  A major financial center, Charlotte is the second largest U.S. financial center by assets, following New York City.  Home to big and small business alike, the east coast operations of Wells Fargo as well as Bank of America are headquartered here, along with Fortune 500 companies such as Lowe’s, Duke Energy and Nucor.  In 2013, Charlotte ranked high on numerous lists such as #8 on Forbes “Best City for Jobs and #4 on “Fastest Growing City Since Recession”, #12 on CNBC’s “Top State for Business”, #7 on Nerwallet’s “Top Cities for Small Business” and CNNMoney’s “Top 10 Big Booming Cities”.  More than 270 of the Fortune 500 companies have made commitments to the city with one or more of their facilities located within Mecklenburg County.  The Charlotte area also boasts seven Fortune 1000 headquarters such as Resolute Forest Products, Belk, and Chiquita Brands International.

Racing is undoubtedly Charlotte’s favorite pastime, but the city is also home to teams at nearly every level of American sports, including the Carolina Panthers of the NHL and Charlotte Hornets of the NBA.  In addition to serving as the home base for several teams, the Queen City hosts many events of national and international importance, including the longest race in NASCAR, the annual Coca-Cola 600 and golf’s Wells Fargo Championship.  Charlotte is also extremely welcoming to sports fans of all kinds, with college football, professional leagues and everything in between celebrated all over the city.  From professional baseball, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, and ever roller derby, you’ll always have a home team to root for. 

Schooling options abound in Charlotte, with more than 492 public schools and 20 charter schools in the city and its metro area.  In March 2013, Charlotte ranked #50 out of 225 MBA programs on the U.S. News and World Report’s list of “Best Part-Time Degree Programs.”  Students from all over the world attend some of Charlotte’s finest universities, such as University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Queens University and Duke University in Raleigh. 

The blossoming neighborhoods of Charlotte offer a plethora of living options for relocators, where choices abound and each area has a unique character to celebrate.  From Dilworth bungalows and Foxcroft ranches to manses in Myers Park, Charlotte’s architecture represents eras of design when white-pillared houses became traditional and nostalgic.  More than 90,000 new residents relocated to Charlotte metro area in 2007 and currently more than 775,000 call the city home.  Beyond Charlotte’s iconic modern skyline in the city center streetcar-era communities and turn-of-the-century architecture dot the tree –lined streets of the city’s eclectic neighborhoods.  For those who enjoy the conveniences of in town living, Charlotte’s most popular neighborhoods include Dilworth, Myers Park, Highland Creek, the Arboretum and Ballantyne.  From bungalows, condominiums, and townhouses to apartments, either in the city or its fantastic suburbs, there are options for every relocator.

Lease to Purchase options are great for people who are not ready to make a commitment to a home yet, or who cannot yet get approved for a mortgage.  If this concept is new to you there are great benefits to attempting to purchase a home in this manner including: faster equity growth, rent money is going towards the purchase of the home, optional deposit money may also be going towards the cost of the purchase of the home, minimum cash out of your pocket, possibility of no down payment to close, profits from appreciation, possible sale for profit, increased buying power, credit problems can be ok, no lengthy escrows or mortgage approvals, control of the home, no taxes, less liability, quicker move in time, maximum leverage, time to repair your credit, minimal maintenance, privacy and peace of mind. With all of these benefits I’m sure now that this idea has peaked your interest.  So how do you go about finding a lease to purchase home? 

I have recently partnered with Home Partners of America to help bring my clients yet another way to get into a home as fast as possible.  Home Partners’ Lease with a Right to Purchase Program allows you to find a home that you want to rent from them initially, but may also like to buy within the next three to five years.  You can lease the home for three to five one year terms, depending on the state, and you may purchase the home from Home Partners of America at any time at a predetermined price.  If you were to just merely rent a home, you would be signing the lease, be financially commited to the home for at least one year, and pay a security deposit.  With Home Partners’ of America’s Lease with a Right to Purchase program, you are doing all of those things but also getting the added benefits of the right to purchsae, mutual responsibility to maintain the home, and pick from many homes available for sale with some limiting qualifying factors.  Just as with renting, if the home is in a condition in compliance with the lease and it is at the end of the lease term, you may choose not to renew your lease and have the security deposit returned.

Does this sound like something that may work for you?  Are you ready to get started in the steps to homeownership?  Ask me how I can get you more information about Home Partners of Americas’ Lease to Purchase Program.