7 Things You Must Know When Choosing a Planned Community

North Carolina and South Carolina have received much attention in the past few years as the some of the Best Places to Live for retirement and relocation.

The cost of living is low, housing is affordable, schools are good, the weather is great, food and cultural options abound, and of course there is that Southern hospitality.

People move to North Carolina and move to South Carolina from the Northeast and Midwest, and even north from Florida. The choice of where to live is huge, and many families are choosing to live in master planned communities which are popping up everywhere like flowers from the moist, spring ground.

Many communities attract people because they provide an abundance of amenities. Maybe you love it for the golf course, the pool, clubhouse, health center, organized classes, or social outings. Some people choose communities with the security of a gated entrance, guard house and private patrol car.

There are many options suited for every type of person, but there are things that set one community apart from the next, and things to be aware of.

I’ve highlighted 7 things you must know when choosing a planned community for your Best Places to Live in North Carolina or your Best Places to Live in South Carolina.

1. Make sure you talk to other residents when visiting a community. Many communities host special events that will give you a chance to meet other residents. You’ll hear first hand what people like and don’t like. What they feel is good and what they think could be better. I also like to talk to residents randomly on my own, as I visit a community.
2. If you're buying a town home or a condominium with a common wall between units, check the noise ordinance of the community. What is permissible by law? You should also inquire as to the sound proofing between units.
3. Visit the community at different times of the day, and night, during the week and on weekends. Listen for excessive noise from neighbors, delivery trucks, and building equipment. Observe the activities within the community and of your soon to be neighbors.
4. Do you have the right and ability to expand you house later? What does the process involve?
5. Does the community have adequate parking for its residents and their guests?
6. Will there be any limitations (“Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions – CC&R’s”) in your deed that governs the way you are allowed to use your property? What are they? Make sure they are compatible with your lifestyle.
7. Are there added costs for trash removal, association dues, maintenance fees, boat slips, golf, tennis, pool, fitness club, and stables?

This list is a great start, but it only scratches the surface.

When choosing a community to retire or relocate to,there are so many considerations and for those of us who may not have ever lived in a community before, there are questions we might not ask.

If your choosing North Carolina Retirement Community Living, be sure to take a look at our North Carolina Communities Diretory.

If your choosing South Carolina Retirement Community Living, don't miss our South Carolina Communities Directory.

There are communities that are specifically designed to make their community one of the Best Places to Live in Retirement.

And if you and your family are looking to move to North Carolina or move to South Carolina, the Communities Directories, will help to guide you to the communities that are designed to assist you with the younger members of the family.

Each Directory contains key information to find out how sometimes develop0ers attract buyers by checklists, another 21 things you must know when filling up the community with top amenities, and then stick you with the bill! We tell you how to figure out if the community is stable, and what questions to ask so you can save a ton of money, as much as $30,000 or more!

Community living can be a great thing.  Let me be your Expert in helping you to make your list of the Best Places to live and we’ll help make sure you find a community you’ll be happy to call home.

Let us help you find your Best Place to retire or relocate to in North Carolina and South Carolina.

After all, it’s your Dream Home we’re talking about!

Make Sure You Pick the Right Community.

About Bob Bencivenga

Bob  Bencivenga is a professional site locator and location anyalyst for major corporations and been researching  NC and SC to find those areas which are affordable. Visit his blog and signup to get his FREE WEEKLY blog updates by email, along with FREE EXPERT ADVICE on how to relocate or retire in the Carolinas, additional resources, and a lot more!  Go now to www.placesofvalue.com.  Bob does not sell real estate.

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