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We all welcomed 2021 with open arms, ready for a fresh start. Many of us are working from home, have children in virtual school at home or welcomed older family members into our households. Our homes  are serving more purposes than ever!

As we settled into life during a pandemic, staying at home more found us redecorating, reorganizing and realizing new ways to make our homes work better for our families and a new way of life. Building and design trends will continue to support these ventures in coming months, particular with new construction, with an eye toward multi-use spaces, family entertainment, and functional accents.

Let’s take a deeper look into some of the new home design highlights of what you’ll see in 2021:

Cook-at-home kitchens
Whether steak and potatoes are your staples or you’re a foodie at heart, we have all been cooking more at home. For lots of us, that also means kids, spouses and others being in the kitchen—perhaps all at the same time. While spacious kitchens have long been an ideal, they now become more about providing space for extra cooks and room for culinary spreads. Storage space for small appliances, islands for serving, large refrigerators for recipe and meal-prep ingredients and efficient dishwashers with space for home-cooking supplies will all be on 2021 wish lists. New homes will also include functional add-ons, like built-in organizers, large pantries and prep sinks.

Multiple living spaces

Is the open-concept living space a thing of the past? Not quite, but we are seeing a desire for more private, individual spaces in our new homes community in Summerville, SC. A great way for everyone to get their own time is by creating more than one living space in the home. We’ll see large primary living rooms, smaller lounge areas and homey den spaces; many of these areas can also serve dual purposes as office or school space for stay-at-home family members. These multi-functional spaces make any square footage you have go further! With a new Saussy Burbank home here in Summerville, SC, your work-from-home life is more efficient and more convenient.

Customizable FROGs  

Sometimes, adding extra square footage in the home for more living space isn’t an option. And sometimes, physical distance plays an important role in the function of a space. Many home buyers are opting for extra living spaces slightly removed from the primary house, like FROGs (aka Finished Rooms Over a Garage). We see buyers in Nexton use them as offices, guest rooms, gyms, music or art studios, or even ADUs. Ours are as fully-customizable as a home, with windows, specialized lighting, kitchenettes and bathrooms, and even porches.

Outdoor entertainment

Kids and adults alike enjoy time outside, and 2021 will see a focus on making these spaces fun, entertaining, and relaxing.  Large covered porches can hold secondary kitchens, television and stereo equipment and comfortable furniture—it’s like a family room outside the house! Built-in fire pits create a perfect way to end an evening and extend usability of outdoor space into colder-weather months. With so much time being spent at home right now, thinking of the outdoors of an extension of your new Charleston, SC home lets you maximize your space.

Top-to-bottom sustainability

Recent years have seen increased importance placed on not only energy-efficient appliances, windows and doors, but also on recycled building materials, water conservation, and utilizing renewable energy. New home buyers in 2021 will continue to want healthier homes that have a low impact on the environment.

Saussy Burbank’s innovative approach to home design means your home will be distinctive, stylish and built with the greatest of craftsmanship. Contact us today to talk find your new home in the Charleston, SC region!

You want a city experience, and you’re looking at living in The Palmetto State. That means you are exploring the best cities in South Carolina. This round-up can help.

South Carolina has more than 20 beaches and natural beauty from mountains and forested state parks. Plus, the people of SC have a penchant for historic preservation, peaches, and pecans. Yet many of the best places to live in South Carolina are its cities.

Discussion around the best cities in South Carolina is sure to center around Columbia, Greenville, Charleston, and Myrtle Beach. Each of these has its own distinct personality. 

DYK? South Carolina was once proudly known as the Iodine State.

Considering Columbia, SC

Columbia is the state capital and offers history, arts and culture, sports, and natural beauty. The downtown is walkable while traffic is reasonable around the city too. Residents get to enjoy the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, distinct shopping districts, many museums, and high-quality restaurants of all types.

The city is home to the University of South Carolina, which adds a vibrancy to the area. US News and Reports described Columbia as “a traditionally Southern place with a modern twist. The abundance of oak, pecan, and magnolia trees help the region retain rural flavor, while the downtown skyline is representative of the state capital’s role as a growing industrial hub.”

Living in Greenville, SC

Greenville has seen a real boom in the past decade. In fact, it is the fastest-growing urban area in the state. The city has a vibrant downtown with hipster bars, trendy dining, art galleries, and a local theatre company as well as touring shows coming to the Peace Center. Plus, you can enjoy a dose of the outdoors at Falls Park on the Reedy River.

Sports fans can check out hockey at a 16,000-seat downtown arena, baseball (cheering on the Boston Red Sox-affiliated Greenville Drive), as well as hurling and soccer. And that’s not to mention the quality college and university teams that play in the area.

Making a Home in Charleston, SC

Founded in 1670, this port city is the oldest city in South Carolina. You can take a step (or horse-drawn carriage ride) back in time when exploring the city’s cobbled streets and antebellum houses. It’s beautiful year-round.

As we mentioned in our article on the Best Time of Year to Visit Charleston, the city “boasts year-round natural beauty, a world-class food scene, fascinating history, and outdoor fun along with southern charm.”

But you won’t only be visiting. You’ll want to find the best neighborhood for you. Also known as a “Holy City,” Charleston tops many lists for best places to retire in South Carolina.

Moving to Myrtle Beach, SC

Myrtle Beach is the heaviest hitter among the many South Carolina coastal towns. Since this state has 187 miles of coastline, you end up with many options for beachfront living. Yet Myrtle Beach is the Mecca with so much to do. You can golf, go-kart, enjoy entertainment or try many different kinds of restaurants. Plus, outlet shopping is plentiful and you’re getting to live along the Atlantic Ocean’s sandy beaches.

Myrtle Beach is also appealing for those looking to retire to South Carolina. You can bet the family will come to visit as there is so much to do. Plus, active older adults can always find something to do (whether on land or in the water!).

Still in South Carolina

There are many great places to live in the south. Along with these best cities in South Carolina, other great places to consider in the state include:

Living in the South has a lot going for it. A temperate climate and being able to drive easily to the beach or the mountains are definite pluses. The cost of living in South Carolina is also appealing. And many find South Carolina a great place to retire due to its taxes — Social Security income is not taxable in the state.

South Carolina is sure to have what you’re looking for. Now, it’s just a matter of finding the right place to call home.

Saussy Burbank Charleston has homes for sale at Kiawah River on Johns Island, and Nexton in Summerville. Our Charlotte office also has homes across the border in South Carolina’s Fort Mill.

Did you know that townhomes are the second top choice for real estate behind detached single-family homes? That’s according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Their popularity means there are plenty of options to consider. This article helps you narrow your options if you’re looking at townhomes in Charlotte, NC.

What Appeals about Townhomes

Townhomes appeal to first-time homebuyers, those looking for a second home, or people interested in downsizing. The sales process is the same as buying a single-family home or condominium. But, with a townhome, you can often get the best of both those options.

Townhomes come in a variety of sizes, structures, and sizes. Typically, they are multi-level residences. Plus, they’ll be attached to another residence or two. You may be able to get a small yard or patio. There could also be a garage.

Counter to a condo, you’ll be responsible for the care and maintenance of all interior and exterior areas. Yet the advantage is that you’ll usually have less space to care for around a townhome than you would at a suburban family home.

You may need to pay a fee to have someone else take care of common areas. Maybe your townhome neighborhood has a garden or a pool, or trash pickup is handled centrally. The Home Owner’s Association (HOA) may also place restrictions on what you can do to the exterior of your townhome.

Choosing a Townhome in Charlotte NC

There are several benefits to selecting a townhome in Charlotte NC. Since a townhome is primo real estate, you can’t be too surprised when we tell you the first factor is location.

Townhomes are often available in prime locations. The reason? More homes can be built in a smaller footprint since townhomes are attached. This lets the home builder do more with an expensive plot of land.

So, a big benefit of buying a Charlotte townhome is in finding one that is centrally located. You can find townhome communities just outside of Uptown that shortens the commute and offer a great view too. Our sold-out Bryant Towns residences in Charlotte’s eclectic FreeMoreWest neighborhood give you skyline views of Uptown Charlotte and Bank of America Stadium.

Look also for outside areas you can enjoy. Your townhome may offer space for a container garden on a patio or porch of your own. Our three-story townhomes in NoDa have balconies and optional exposed brick inside too.

Tour any townhomes that appeal to you. You want to get a sense of the layout. Usually, there are both front and back doors directly out of your townhome. However, there could be a backdoor to a shared hallway or underground parking.

You also need to see firsthand how you feel about the stairs in your townhome. You could have three or even four stories. So check the layout of the home to be sure it suits your needs. Our move-in ready luxury townhome residences in South Park feature private elevators. Plus, they boast private two-car garages and a covered paver patio and porch.

A big reason to buy a townhome in Charlotte NC is that you can afford a place of your own right in the heart of the city. Take a tour around the neighborhood to see what restaurants, bars, and other entertainments are nearby. Maybe your family wants to be able to walk to one of Charlotte’s farmer’s markets. Walking your prospective neighborhood at different times of day can also help you get a sense of who lives around you and what the community feels like.

Conclusion

A townhome can be a good spot to work from home too. Still, just as you would when buying a detached home, consider also what you like to do in your free time. If you’re a runner, you want to be near running trails. The Hillside Towns Saussy Burbank community is an easy jog to Freedom Park and several greenways. If you’re a young singleton with a love for craft brews, it’s not too difficult to find a Charlotte townhome near a local brewery.

Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC ranks number 28 on the National Association of Realtors’ Hot Market Spotlight. Inventory is moving 15.5 days faster than the US overall in October 2020, and 21% faster than last year. This can be a good thing — builders are putting up new offerings to meet the demand. But it means you’ve got more competition to buy a townhome in Charlotte, NC. Our sales agents can help you find the right fit.

Saussy Burbank has built custom forever homes in several top neighborhoods including NoDa, Myers Park, and South Park. Contact us today for a virtual tour!

The weather in Charleston SC is one of the key reasons people like to live here. The Holy City offers beautiful houses and antebellum mansions, as well as notable landmarks, sprawling parks, and hidden gardens. Fortunately, you can enjoy these gems all year since this coastal city is gifted with great weather too.

Did you know? The first golf club in America was established in Charleston in 1787. Even back then they enjoyed getting outdoors to enjoy the sunny days with the breeze coming in from the Atlantic Ocean. Today there are six golf courses in the city, and another 30 within 20 miles.

So, you want the details about the weather in Charleston of course. The average daily temperature for the city is 65.6 degrees Fahrenheit. The highest ever recorded temperature was 104°F in 1985.

In the summer months, the city averages a high of 88 degrees. In June through August, humidity is high, but you can expect short bursts of localized rain to ease things off.

And how is the winter? Well, the lowest average temperature is 43 degrees — in January. That means Charleston has enough variety in its temperatures to enjoy all four seasons, without any of them getting out of hand. You’re still looking at 67-degree highs in November, and they’re back again by March.

The Weather Means Fun Exploring

This mild weather also means there are many options for eating al fresco. You might enjoy a temperate evening outdoors with friends and family at:

Plus, the weather enables residents to join visitors to Charleston for many annual fun festivities. These include:

Did you notice several of those events are in March? Yep, that’s because it’s already pleasant in March. No wonder the Northern tourists flock to the city to get away from their long-standing winters.

Things to Do Throughout the Year

Plus, on a regular basis in the summer you can also get out and enjoy the Saturday Charleston Farmers Market at Marion Square.

In the summer months in Charleston, you can enjoy sunlight lingering past 8 p.m. and explore the county’s waterparks. Expect the water to be sun-warmed at the 15-acre Whirlin’ Waters North Charleston Wannamaker County Park or the slides of Splash Zone at James Island County Park. If you visit Splash Island Mt. Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park, you can also explore lush vegetation and nature trails. There’s also a 50-foot observation tower.

We bet it’s the weather that drew actor Bill Murray to become part-owner and director of fun for the city’s minor league baseball team, the Charleston RiverDogs.

Of course, you won’t want to visit a water park or ballpark during a hurricane. So, we should mention that hurricanes are possible from June through November, though more likely in August and September. But since official records began in 1851 through 2018 only 25 hurricanes have made landfall in the Charleston area.

Here’s another fun fact: after an earthquake devastated Charleston in 1886 all newly constructed buildings had to include earthquake rods. That means when you walk around your beautiful new hometown, you can find metal circles on the outside of historic buildings. Those are the ends of the earthquake rods.

What Else to Enjoy in the Sunshine

The people of Charleston get to enjoy about 230 days of sunshine annually. That means many days of getting out to play golf, enjoy water sports, hike nature trails, garden, or even run across the longest cable-sustained bridge in the United States. The Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge spans the Charleston Harbor, connecting historic Charleston and Mount Pleasant. The annual Cooper River Bridge Run in March sees the bridge closed for a major road race.

All that sunshine is a big draw for visitors too. Charleston’s Union Pier Cruise Ship Passenger Terminal had 80 scheduled round-trip cruise departures in 2017, in addition to 25 port calls by 15 different cruise lines.

The weather has also inspired the architecture in Charleston. When you’re looking for a quality forever home in the city and its environs, you’ll probably step onto a few cool south or west-facing verandas.

Living in Charleston, SC, you can expect to join a community of people who like to get outdoors and enjoy the sun. Even if it is just sipping sweet tea on the stoop, you’ll be able to stare at blue skies and savor time with your family and friends.

Saussy Burbank has many new homes available around Charleston, SC with quality homes for sale at Carolina Park in Mt Pleasant, Kiawah River on Johns Island, Nexton in Summerville, and more. Explore our unique Charleston, SC new homes today!

 

 

There’s already a lot of love about Nexton, the Charleston-region’s most exciting community. For starters, it was recently named the top Master Planned Community in South Carolina.

One of the top selling community in the nation, Nexton appeals to just about everyone – from empty nesters and baby boomers to singles and young families. Its inaugural neighborhood, Brighton Park Village, boasts miles of trails and pathways and nearly 30 – yes, 30! – parks. An active homeowner community, fabulous swim club, neighborhood schools, and dedication to being on the cutting edge of technology are the cherries on top of the fabulous homes built by Saussy Burbank in the friendly, welcoming neighborhood.

So expectations for Nexton’s newest neighborhood, Midtown, are understandably high. And the community is already delivering.

Midtown Club at Nexton

In its first months, Midtown has made a splash – and it’s about to get bigger (see all the renderings below!). Midtown Club’s fabulous details start with a resort-style pool complete with squirt jets for the kids and plenty of shady, relaxing zones for the adults.

Its outdoor details also include several spacious green lawns – for Nexton’s ever-popular POA events – as well as community soccer games and pick-up football. The space also includes crowd-pleasing elements like a kettle fountain, benches, shady picnic areas and a playground designed for a mix of ages. Nearby, tennis courts, two pickleball courts, and a half-court basketball court!

Inside Midtown Club, things are just as exciting. The “Living Room” is powered by Home Telecom’s GigaFi, among he fastest internet in the state. It’s perfect for those working from home or your weekly Bunco game with friends. Plus, a flex room will be available for private events, and it opens to a patio with gas fireplace. Baby shower? Banquet supper? Large fitness classes? This is your spot.

For day-to-day fitness needs, home owners in Brighton Park Village and Midtown will love the fitness room, outfitted with dedicated cardio, circuit, and weight training equipment. While you get your sweat on, you can keep an eye on the kids – the kids’ play room is observable from the gym! It doesn’t get more convenient.

Outside, bike racks and dedicated golf cart parking make showing up to the club a breeze.

Sound like a place you’d like to call home? Saussy Burbank has several homesites available now. Drop by our model at 209 Carefree Way to learn more!

North Carolina is home to 10.5 million people. They live across a scenic state offering mountains, 300 miles of beach, and big-city commerce and culture, not to mention the BBQ. When it comes down to finding the best neighborhoods in North Carolina, you’re sure to hear differing views. Here, though, are some of our favorite places to live in NC.

Before you buy in “The Old North State” or the “Tar Heel State,” you’ll want to know about the housing market in North Carolina. The median home value in North Carolina is $219,690, according to Zillow. The real estate company has seen home values rise 7% over the past year. It predicts a further 7.8% jump within the next year.

What’s the appeal?
• The state’s beauty
• Moderate climate
• Renowned education system
• Cost of living below the national average
• Access to top medical care
• Four international airports and two seaports, which helped NC clinch Forbes’s no. 1 best state for business.

“Every NC resident lives within a 30-minute drive of a community college campus.”

And, of course, North Carolina’s neighborhoods. So, what are some of the nice neighborhoods in NC? Here’s our list.

Best Neighborhoods in North Carolina

With so many good neighborhoods in North Carolina, it can be hard to decide where to settle down. Here’s help.

If you’re going to buy a home in Raleigh, NC, some of our favorite neighborhoods include:
• Oakwood — preserving the old majesty
• Mordecai — quaint, historic homes
• Cameron Village — a National Historic District
• Five Points — a mix of everything where five historic neighborhoods meet
• North Hills — just north of the beltline, also known as Midtown

The largest house in Raleigh, NC, may well be the nearly 22,000 square foot home in the Trego neighborhood, built in 1998 with 5 full baths and assessed at $4.4 million. But, you’ll find smaller sprawling mansions spread throughout the capital city’s limit.

Those looking to buy a house in Cary, NC, will be wanting something less ostentatious. This suburb of Raleigh is home to many restaurants, coffee shops, and parks and houses with a median value of $378,000.

Around Durham, NC, look at Morrisville. This suburban neighborhood received an overall A+ grade from Niche, and ranked first in its Best Places to Live in North Carolina rankings in 2020. The site was particularly impressed with the area’s family-friendliness. The area was the No. 1 Best Place to Raise a Family in NC.

Suburban Neighborhoods Too

Other top suburbs of North Carolina are found around Charlotte, the state’s largest city. As Charlotte magazine put it, “There’s no such thing as an ordinary Charlotte suburb. There are lake suburbs, small-town suburbs, and suburbs where people identify themselves by which highway exit number is closest to their house.”

Whether the place feels like an extension of Charlotte or its own entity, many North Carolinians enjoy living in the likes of:
• Davidson — picturesque town, home to Davidson College
• Belmont — just 25 miles west of Charlotte with a small-town feel
• Concord — a Mecca for shopping and NASCAR
• Huntersville — quiet and outdoorsy

Within Charlotte top neighborhoods include:
• Myers Park— a historic neighborhood near Uptown
• South Park — draws young families who want to live around a chic mall and many restaurants
• NoDa — home to trendy art galleries and eclectic entertainment.
• FreeMoreWest — adjacent to vibrant Uptown with an eclectic mix of locally owned businesses

For help finding the best neighborhood consult some resources mentioned in our past blog!

Of course, there will be those who want to live more in the mountains around Lake Lure or Asheville. Or enjoy beach and water fun in the likes of Southport or Oak Island. With so much to choose from, you’re just going to have to get out and explore North Carolina’s neighborhoods for yourself.

Saussy Burbank is building homes in many North Carolina neighborhoods. If you want to see some beautiful homes in the state, visit our properties in and around Charlotte and Raleigh. Find out more today!

 

Charleston boasts a number of national and international accolades that make it a desirable place to live, work, and play, from the Best Small City per Conde Nast Traveler Readers to one of the top US Cites for Starting a Business per Inc.

The latest feather in the region’s cap is certainly one worthy of praise: Charleston tops the list of best cities for military members to settle in after their service is complete. The list was compiled by Navy Federal Credit Union in partnership with Operation Homefront.  The list takes into account a variety of quality of life metrics, including cost of living, housing affordability, access to recreation, proximity to health care resources, and transportation.

The survey included 1,000 veterans and civilians nationwide to help determine the top 10 cities to move to after transition to civilian life, with a focus on the unique challenges of 2020. Charleston’s #1 ranking is largely due to its southern hospitality and proximity to Join Base Charleston.

“Data showed that transitioning service members prioritize living in a strong community of veterans with lower crime rates, lower cost of living and easily accessible outdoor activities,” according to Militaryfamilies.com.

Navy Federal provided further insight into Charleston’s #1 ranking. “A city known for its hospitality, Charleston boasts low housing costs, access to cultural and natural activities, and a robust history. With James Beard Award-winning restaurants like Husk and FIG, shopping in the Historic Charleston City Market, or the ability to enjoy walking along The Battery, residents will discover new wonders in this city every day. The city also hosts a vibrant military community with Joint Base Charleston just a quick 25-minute drive from the center of downtown,” the organization published along with their rankings.

Saussy Burbank homes for military members

Nexton, a community in which Saussy Burbank builds new homes, recently put a spotlight on why military members – retired and active – are choosing to live there.

“Located within 30 minutes of all major military installations, Nexton is the perfect place for military families,” the website shares.

An interview with veteran and military relocation expert Rodney Lawless, with Carolina One Real Estate, further explains why Nexton is an ideal place for military families.

Saussy Burbank currently offers homes from 1,224 – 2,200+ square feet in two Nexton neighborhoods, Brighton Park Village and Midtown. Reach out today to explore your new Charleston-region home!

You’re joining the 100+ people moving to Charlotte, NC, each day. In researching your relocation to Charlotte, you’ve weighed the pros and cons of moving to North Carolina. You’ve decided this growing city is the next place you want to call home. Charlotteans will be glad to have you. First, here are several things you need to know to start off on the right foot and settle in quickly.

#1 Charlotte is a fast-growing city.

Of the many people moving to North Carolina, many are relocating to Charlotte NC. Between 2017 and 2018, the city added 13,151 residents. With a population nearing 885,700, that makes Charlotte the 15th largest city in the country, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

#2 Charlotte’s economy is a Southeast standout.

Charlotte’s GDP growth for 2003-2013 was 26.9%. Compare that to the likes of Atlanta, Jacksonville, and Miami, and you’ll see economic growth is one reason people are moving to Charlotte, NC.

#3 Charlotte’s economy accounts for 26% of the state’s GDP.

Those relocating to North Carolina, and looking for a city feel, will be weighing Charlotte or the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area. Charlotte’s metro area is a big draw. In fact, if Charlotte were a nation, it would have the 60th largest national economy. That’s bigger even than Angola or Morocco ($130 billion versus $128 million or $109 million respectively).

#4 The big economic drivers range from banking to beer.

Yep, you read that right. Charlotte is known as the Southeast’s financial capital. With $2.29 trillion in loan and other assets as of the end of June 2018, Charlotte is the nation’s second-largest banking center. Another booming industry is micro-breweries. There are almost 50 beer and cider breweries around Charlotte.

#5 There are jobs here.

You don’t have to be a banker or a brewer to find employment in Charlotte, NC. The unemployment rate in 2017 was 4.9%, and the median salary was greater than the national average.

#6 You may work in Uptown.

Don’t let it confuse you. Those new to Charlotte, NC, need to know that locals call the city center area Uptown. Other metropolitan areas would call it downtown. We know. But, the name comes from traders having to travel uphill in the past to get to the main intersection of Trade and Tryon.

#7 Charlotte is known as the Queen City.

The city was named in honor of a German princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. The county Charlotte’s in, Mecklenburg, also took her name. There’s a statue of her at the Charlotte airport, which ranks sixth nationwide based on operations and is the 11th largest airport in the nation based on passenger totals. More than 44.4 million passengers traveled through the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, CLT, in 2016.

#8 The Queen City is affordable.

The current Cost of Living in Charlotte is below the national average. According to Payscale, Charlotte’s housing costs are 14% below the national average with utilities, groceries, and transportation all below average as well.

#9 You can enjoy all four seasons here.

Charlotte residents enjoy all four seasons. If you’re relocating to Charlotte from the north, you’ll scoff at the “snow days.” Yet at least you can expect to still a little of the white stuff. Plus, Charlotte has a conservation group devoted to maintaining the tree canopy in the city. So, there is also beautiful fall foliage.

#10 You’re easy driving distance from ski or surf.

North Carolina has the Appalachian mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway in the western part of the state. Boone, Blowing Rock, and Asheville are great mountain towns for an escape. If beach sand is more your style, you can check out one of North Carolina’s many coastal towns.

#11 You’ll want to try the BBQ.

Everyone is going to have a different opinion about the top spot to go to enjoy low-and-slow barbecue. The fun part of living in Charlotte, NC, is getting to try them all and decide for yourself. Eastern North Carolina-style barbecue is made with vinegar and spices. Western North Carolina bbq is typically pork with a vinegar and tomato sauce.

#12 There are other great restaurants too.

The culinary scene in Charlotte is constantly evolving. Foodies can enjoy farm-to-table goodness, dessert as the main event of the meal, southern Soul Food, dumplings from a food truck, and more. You might recognize Jamie Lynch from Top Chef’s season 14. His 5Church is right Uptown.

#13 Charlotte is a major musical touring act stop.

In non-Covid-19 times, Charlotte hosts musical acts of all styles at its sprawling outdoor PNC Music Pavilion, The Fillmore, The Underground, The Visulite or the Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre. Top draws in 2019 included Beck, Cage the Elephant, Jason Aldean, Lizzo, Peter Frampton, and Kacey Musgraves.

#14 There’s plenty of sports to talk about.

Along with the Carolina Panthers NFL team, the Charlotte Knights baseball team also enjoys a stadium surrounded by the city skyline. Bank of America stadium annually hosts college football for the ACC Football Championship and the Belk Bowl. Soccer fans can enjoy the USL’s Charlotte Independence. Charlotte has also recently landed an MLS expansion team.

#15 There are many distinct neighborhoods in the city.

The many Charlotte neighborhoods have their own advantages going for them. Whether it’s a lush park or greenway, an artsy vibe, quirky boutiques, high-end retail, proximity to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC), or tree-lined streets and mansions, you’ll find somewhere to call home. While you’re wandering make sure to keep an eye out for the many colorful murals popping up around the city too.

Saussy Burbank offers single-family homes and townhomes in many of the city’s great neighborhoods. Learn more about the new construction waiting for you in Charlotte, NC, today!

Charlotte, NC is known as the Queen City. However, you needn’t pay a royal ransom to live in this booming southeastern city. The current cost of living in Charlotte NC is below the national average.

You’ll figure several expense categories into the calculations to determine the cost of living in Charlotte. These include: housing, utilities, groceries and transportation.

The average home price in Charlotte, NC is lower than other major U.S. cities such as Jacksonville, Chicago, or New York. Plus, NeighborhoodScout reports the homeownership rate for Charlotte is 53.1%.

Realtor.com shows the median sold home price in Charlotte at $288,000. The median list price per square foot in Charlotte is $169, and the median rent price is $1,525. The real estate site predicts home values will continue to grow 3.3% in the next year.

According to Payscale, Charlotte’s housing costs are 5% below the national average with utilities, groceries, and transportation all below average as well. Payscale reports the median energy bill is $153.91 a month and phone bill is $164.06 a month. A doctor’s visit is $114.14 on average with the dentist at $98.06 while, with grocery prices 6% lower than average, a loaf of bread will cost $3.12 and a carton of eggs $1.70.

Charlotte’s transportation costs are kept in check by the range of transportation options including the LYNX Blue Line Light Rail, The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) Bus Service, a host of ride-share services, single-use scooters, and bike-share programs. If you’re going to drive, gas isn’t too bad. As of November 2020 GasBuddy data, the average price of a gallon of gas in Charlotte is $1.94 (compared to the national average of $2.10).

SmartAsset describes “tax situation in Charlotte and North Carolina” as “favorable.” Noting that in 2013, the state began charging a 5.499% flat income tax instead of its former progressive income tax. Plus, Charlotte does not have a city income tax.

Explaining the Cost of Living in Charlotte, NC

One reason for these trends in Charlotte NC living? North Carolina is consistently one of the country’s most populated states, and Charlotte is drawing a lot of new residents.

Living in Charlotte means being in a major commerce center, the second-largest banking center in the country, and being able to easily get where you want via Charlotte Douglas International Airport, which is the 23rd busiest airport in the world. The Queen City is also home to the Carolina Panthers, the Charlotte Hornets, two NASCAR races, trendy restaurants, a vibrant arts community, and welcoming green spaces.

The city is the third fastest-growing in the U.S. With a 2020 population of 905,318, Charlotte ranked 15th largest city. It’s predicted to grow to about 2.74 million by 2030.

Comparing Cost of Living in Charlotte, NC

Weighing a move to the Raleigh-Durham area instead of Charlotte? Charlotte NC living is 3.3% less expensive, according to Best Places to Live. It helps that average home prices in Charlotte, NC are 16.5% less expensive. On the other hand, health-related expenses in the Medicine City are 7.3% less than in Charlotte.

Another top candidate for people looking to live in the sunny Carolinas is Charleston, SC. Yet Charleston is 12.7% more expensive. That’s because the median home cost is 38% more expensive in Charleston than in Charlotte, again according to Best Places to Live.

Take into consideration also, Charlotte’s high rankings in U.S. News’s rankings of best places to live and to retire. Charlotte ranked 6 of 150 cities in the 2020 report for best places to live. Plus, the city was 23rd for best places to retire. These calculations consider, of course, the cost of living in Charlotte, as well as the value of living in Charlotte and people’s desire to live there.

“You’ll frequently hear the word ‘manageable’ used to describe Charlotte,” the U.S. News profile stated. “Its climate is more manageable than Florida’s and its housing prices and living expenses are more manageable than New York City.”

Think you can manage living in Charlotte, NC? Saussy Burbank offers single-family homes in SouthPark, Davidson, and Fort Mill (SC), and townhomes in FreeMoreWest, Myers Park, SouthPark and NoDa.

 

 

 

We’re celebrating big with our friends at Nexton. The thriving community was just named the Best Master Planned Community in the state by the Home Builders Association of South Carolina at The Pinnacle Awards.

The Pinnacle Awards recognize professionals in the home building industry who have reached the highest levels of excellence in craftsmanship, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

“At its inception, Nexton embraced the cornerstones of design, wellness, innovation and diversity to create a community that nurtures the symbiotic relationship between people, home, nature, work and health,” said Nexton’s Marketing Director Cassie Cataline. “Today, Nexton continues to be a leader in modern community design, fostering large-scale commercial and residential growth in a human scale environment where residents can navigate from career to retirement without leaving the place they love.”

Saussy Burbank has been building homes in Nexton since its inception, and we’re proud to be a part of a place setting new standards for community design.

“In less than five years, Nexton’s vision of an inspirational work environment and attractive quality of life, along with a bit of good fortune, has helped establish our community as the next commerce and cultural hub in metro Charleston,” said Brent Gibadlo, Nexton’s vice president of operations. “We are humbled by the recognition from the HBASC as the 2020 Pinnacle Award winner for Best Community. Our state has a wonderful legacy for creating special places; by continuing to listen to the market and striving to have a positive impact on our region, we hope to continue that legacy and create an environment that enriches people’s lives.”

Located on 5,000 acres in metropolitan Charleston, Nexton currently has four villages as well as thousands of square feet of office space and retail, state-of-the-art schools, and miles of trails and green spaces. Saussy Burbank currently has new homes for sale in Brighton Park Village and Midtown Nexton.

The community will go up against the best master planned communities in the country at the National Awards in 2021. Good luck to our friends at Nexton!