Lake Norman to Uptown Charlotte Living

Short Sale Waterfront and Waterview homes for sale on Lake Norman.

If you are looking to bargain shop and want waterfront or waterview properties this is the time to do it. Lake Norman which is located only 20 minutes from Uptown Charlotte offers the opportunity to enjoy Lake living for a discounted prices.

At one time,not long ago, only a select few were fortunate enough to afford living on Lake Norman. If anything was below $500k it was usually small cottage, maybe 1 or 2 bedrooms and around 1100 sq feet.

Today I viewed a home that was over 4000 sq ft with a full basement on .54 acres, waterfront, and deeded boat slip that was listed for $650k. Typically a home that size on Lake Norman would have been priced in the $800's. Home's in that specific neighborhood are well over a million dollars.

Obviously, location on Lake Norman can make the difference for many who are looking for waterfront homes. Lake Norman, which is  the largest man-made lake in the Carolina's is 34 miles long with 520 miles of shoreline. So you can just imagine the many coves and variation of shoreline that comes along with water-frontage. However, lake access is a premium and for those who take advantage now will reap the benefits for years to come.

Mike Carpino
Mike@LakeAndTown.com
704-301-9264

New Townhomes in Carrington Ridge subdivision from the $90's to $150's in Huntersville, NC.

Carrington Ridge is a planned community in west Huntersville featuring 320+ single family homes and 120+ townhomes. It is located in the historic countryside near the Catawba River between Lake Norman and Mountain Island Lake.

The neighborhood features tree-lined streets, sidewalks, and a community recreation area with a junior Olympic-size pool, a huge kid's pool play area with slides, and a large picnic pavilion with kitchen and restrooms.

Carrington Ridge is also home to nearly 80 acres of greenways, open space, community parks, and a freshwater creek. It is also located in one of Mecklenburg Counties best school districts. It is walking distance to both Barnette Elementary and Bradley Middle School. Hopewell High School is only minutes away.

Other nearby attractions are the Northlake Mall (15 minutes), Birkdale Village (10 minutes), I-77 (10 minutes), Historic Latta Plantation (5 minutes), and Richard Barry Memorial Park (walking distance).

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Mike Carpino
Mike@LakeAndTown.com
704-301-9264

Waterfront Condos and Townhomes for sale on Lake Norman.

There is a great market for those who are looking to move into a condo or townhome located on Lake Norman. So many people who are looking to downsize or get closer to family without the responsibilities of owning a home have a great opportunity to find good value in a waterfront condo or townhome.

Many of the complexes are located within minutes of shopping, retail, restaurants and offer nice amenities. Some even have marina's for those who own a boat or jet ski's.

Lake Norman, the largest body of fresh water in North Carolina, takes its name from Norman Atwater Cocke, former president of Duke Power, the company that created the lake. The scenic inland sea was created in 1967 by the establishment of the Cowans Ford Dam on the Catawba River.

Lake Norman by the numbers:

• 34 miles long and eight miles across at its widest point (twice the size of the Sea of Gallilee)
• 520 miles of shoreline (more than the coasts of both North and South Carolina)
• 32,510 surface acres of water 130 feet deep at its deepest point; average depth is 33 feet
• Holds 3.4 trillion gallons of water, weighing approximately 14.2 billion tons
• Four counties border Lake Norman: Catawba, Iredell, Lincoln and Mecklenburg

A haven for boating and water enthusiasts, Lake Normanis home to a number of waterfront communities. Each community offers residents a lifestyle unique in its own way, but always luxurious.

Waterfront Condos/Townhomes $150k-$200k
Waterfront Condos/Townhomes $200k-$250k
Waterfront Condos/Townhomes $250k-$300k
Waterfront Condos/Townhomes $300k-$350k
Waterfront Condos/Townhomes $350k-$400k
Waterfront Condos/Townhomes $400k-$450k

Mike Carpino
Mike@LakeAndTown.com
704-301-9264

Huntersville NC High School Report Cards - North Mecklenburg High School and Hopewell High School.

The Huntersville High Schools will be going through some major changes for the 2010-2011 school year due to the opening of the new W.A. Hough High School in Cornelius, NC. Located just miles from North.

North Mecklenburg High Schoolwill be impacted dramtically more than Hopewell because of the new  boundary lines. Currently North Meck has a total staff of over 300 people, including 214 teachers and seven administrators.  Nearly one third of North's teachers have obtained a Master's degree or higher level of education.  North consistently ranks among the top schools in the county, the state and the nation in academic and athletic achievements.  Their motto is "Exceeding the Standards" and what North Meck strives to accomplish year in and out.

Hopewell High Schoolopened its doors for the first time on August 15, 2001. The school serves a rapidly growing area and draws students primarily from North Charlotte, Huntersville, Cornelius and Davidson. Hopewell offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes regular, Advanced/Honors, Advanced Placement, Career & Technical Education, Visual & Performing Arts and JROTC courses.

It will be a welcomed relief for Hopewell High School once ranked the most populated High School in the state of North Carolina. However, they too have still excelled both academically and athletically.

Click links below to view Report Cards:

North Mecklenburg High - http://www.ncreportcards.org/src/schDetails.jsp?pYear=2008-2009&pLEACode=600&pSchCode=480

Hopewell High School - http://www.ncreportcards.org/src/schDetails.jsp?pYear=2008-2009&pLEACode=600&pSchCode=415

Mike Carpino
Mike@LakeAndTown.com
704-301-9264

Searching for the Best Huntersville Elementary Schools? Here are the report cards on the 5 Elementary Schools in Huntersville, NC.

When moving from out of state or even locally, parents are always concerned about what schools their children will be attending. Matter of fact it probably the most important consideration when looking to buy a home.

I have listed below the 5 Elementary Schools in the Huntersville area along with links that can break down how each school tested.

Huntersville Elementary Schools:

Barnette Elementary - (where my kids attended and loved it) -http://www.ncreportcards.org/src/servlet/srcICreatePDF?pSchCode=328&pLEACode=600&pYear=2008-2009

Blythe Elementary - http://www.ncreportcards.org/src/schDetails.jsp?pYear=2008-2009&pLEACode=600&pSchCode=442

Huntersville Elementary - http://www.ncreportcards.org/src/schDetails.jsp?pYear=2008-2009&pLEACode=600&pSchCode=420

Long Creek Elementary - http://www.ncreportcards.org/src/schDetails.jsp?pYear=2008-2009&pLEACode=600&pSchCode=444

Torrence Creek Elementary School - http://www.ncreportcards.org/src/schDetails.jsp?pYear=2008-2009&pLEACode=600&pSchCode=557

The tricky thing for many who do decide to move to the Huntersville, NC area is that the boundaries for the schools can change from year to year. My wife fortunately works for CMS and I can get up to date info that allows me to keep my clients informed of any changes.

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Mike Carpino
Mike@LakeAndTown.com
704-301-9264

Birkdale Golf Course Homes for Sale in Huntersville, NC

Living only minutes from the Birkdale Golf Course allows me to play on such a great course without the travel time. The Arnold Palmer designed Birkdale golf course, is a public facility with a "private club" atmosphere.

Birkdale has also received a good deal of acclaim, being voted one of the top five public golf courses in North Carolina. When it opened in 1997 it was voted The Best New Golf Course in North Carolina and was named Charlotte's Best Public Course in 1998.

Four sets of tees allows golfers of all abilities to enjoy the layout at Birkdale.

Birkdale subdivisonwhich surrounds the golf course has always been a favorite for many people who are relocating. It is only 20 minutes from Uptown Charlotte, walking distance to Birkdale Village, and has tremendous amenities, including a junior olympic pool, tennis courts, multi-purpose fields, beach volleyball and more.

Homes on the golf course can price from in the $400's to over $700's. However, homes that are not on the course have a average selling point around $365,000. An average of around $125/ft. That is based on homes sold since January 1, 2010.

To view all homes for sale in Birkdale click here. 

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Mike Carpino
Mike@LakeAndTown.com
704-301-9264

Distressed Waterfront Properties on Lake Norman.

Unfortunately, Charlotte, NC was hit hard because of the banking industry many changes. This in turn has hurt the luxury housing market in the Lake Norman area.

In my recent search of homes that are in Short Sale status or foreclosure I have found 18 Luxury Waterfront homes. In past times some of these homes would have priced well over a million or more.

I can remember that for many of us it was only a thought to be able to afford lakefront living. Lots alone were well over $200,000.

Lake Norman is a beautiful man made lake that covers over 500 miles of shoreline. Duke Power created the lake and has done a great job balancing the growth and keeping its natural beauty. Their are a number of islands that boaters take advantage of, as well as, great fishing holes for the anglers.

Lake Norman is also home to the Professional Anglers Association (PAA) Tour Event and American Bass Anglers Divisional. Just to name a few fishing events.

If you are looking for affordable waterfront living make sure to get off exit 25 - exit 36 when driving North or South on I-77.

Mike Carpino
Mike@LakeAndTown.com
704-301-9264

My wife and I have already made the reservations to take part in the 5th annual "Queen Feast" that will run from July 16 - 25. This 10 day summer promotion of 88 Charlotte restaurants is a way of showcasing some of the area's best restaurant's during a typically slow time of year.

We were not able to attend the last one they had set up due to severe weather conditions. However, our 7 yr old triplet boys will be in Florida visiting "Grammie" and "Poppie" so that allows us a little free time to enjoy a great night out. Participating restaurants offer a fixed price, three or more course dinner for $30 per person a savings over what the featured meal would typically cost.

Our selection this year is Fiamma an Italian restaurant located in the heart of Dilworth. They offer the a great authentic Italian. Owner and Chef Fernando Campoverde prepares homemade pastas and exquisite Italian dishes, using only the freshest ingredients. All of their pasta and pizza dough is made fresh twice daily in our kitchen. Italian meats and cheeses are imported directly from the finest markets. We have heard some wonderful things about Fiamma and look forward to dining out there.  Check out what they will be offering during that time. http://www.charlotterestaurantweek.com/Restaurants/Fiamma.html

Mike Carpino
Mike@LakeAndTown.com
704-301-9264

 Residents of The Hamptons, Cambridge Grove and Hampton Ridge are finally getting some relief from rush hour traffic.

A capital project ordinance to fund the impending widening of Sam Furr Road between U.S. 21 and N.C. 115. All five commissioners rushed to make a motion to approve the ordinance in the amount of $4.3 million, the town's share of the $18 million project that is scheduled to begin by this fall and be completed by December 2011.
   The project will widen Sam Furr Road from two lanes to four, with center turn lanes at four locations to make left turns or U-turns east of Northcross Village, two of them at signalized intersections into the Cambridge Grove/Hampton Ridge neighborhoods on the north side and into the Greenfarm/The Hamptons neighborhoods on the south side. It will also include a somewhat unique "quad left" intersection that will prohibit left turns onto northbound or southbound U.S. 21 from Sam Furr Road, instead utilizing Holly Point Drive to facilitate that movement.

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Mike Carpino
Mike@LakeAndTown.com
704-301-9264