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Hi everyone! I'll be moving from Boston to Charlotte this June for work, which will be based in the city center (Uptown). I'm hoping to look for a studio apt and have not decided whether or not I should lease a car, which would affect the decision on where to live. I'm hoping that the cost of rent + car lease (if needed) would not exceed $1,200/mo. Another issue is that I don't think I have the time and money to come to Charlotte to check out the apartment in person, so I'm not sure if I should get a realtor or if sticking with well-reputed managed apartments is enough.
In terms of apartment, minimum is a safe+quiet neighborhood, while access to public transportation and groceries would be great bonuses. I don't really go out much, so there's no need to be in a lively neighborhood or whatsoever. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
Also, what price range should I expect for studio apartments? I was reading some other threads and understand that there isn't a huge supply of studio apartments in Charlotte. And it seems that a good majority drive to work? And are apartment leases usually 12 months in Charlotte? I was thinking of temporarily staying in extended-stay hotels/1-month apartment leases if I can't find a decent apartment.
Last edited by fmincon; 03-31-2012 at 10:37 PM..
Reason: city center = Uptown
I assume that your work in the "city center" would mean Uptown? If so, you could probably live there in your price range without a car. Just know that Charlotte is not like the large Northeastern cities, and that you will need a car if you wish to venture out of Uptown much. There's a light rail and buses but they are limited in where they go, and when. If you live farther away from Uptown, you'll probably want to lease a car, but your rent will be cheaper.
DMG721, thanks for the quick reply! Are there any areas outside of Uptown you would suggest looking into? The rents in uptown tend to be around $1,300 in price range, but I noticed that it could drop significantly to $500-800/mo outside of Uptown. If I could live off the light rail and forgo leasing a car, for example, that could save quite a bit of money over a year.
I'm not too familiar with the light rail stops because some seem to be in areas that aren't too safe. Some of the other posters might be able to help you with that. If you live in South Park like I do, you'll find lower rents, but you'll also need a car, or need to rely on the bus and hope that it comes on time, that there's a stop near your place, etc.
Look into Post Properties. They have some apartments downtown that are reasonable and will allow you to not lease a car. You will probably come in under your budget. And studios are in short supply around here.
I could not imagine living in Charlotte and not having a car. Things are very spread out and public transportation is not easy use like NYC. There are many areas you can rent a 1 bedroom for $600-$700 and be comfortable. Check out bexley properties and gingko properties.
Look into Post Properties. They have some apartments downtown that are reasonable and will allow you to not lease a car. You will probably come in under your budget. And studios are in short supply around here.
The ApartmentRatings.com reviews for Post Properties are pretty bad, especially for the Post Gateway place. Was originally looking into this.
By the way, does anyone have any broker/realtors to recommend? My move-in date is set now and I'm ready to sign as soon as a good apartment pops up. Please PM me, thanks!
Also, has anyone heard of Post Uptown or Doral Cavalier? Any thoughts on these 2 (besides the online ratings)?
I could not recommend either, sorry.
In your budget there are places you could rent with easy access to the bus line for getting uptown to work, I'll send you a few links
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