Charlotte Nature Museum

The Nature Museum at Freedom Park in Dilworth is a great place to go for a family day out. With numerous activities throughout the museum you'll be sure to have a blast. Take a walk through a butterfly pavilion and discover all kinds of plants and animals while learning fun facts about local wildlife. The Charlotte Nature Museum provides a whole day of learning by experiencing wildlife through live animal exhibits and interactive education programs.

The Museum is separated into these sections:

• Beginnings - explore the life cycle of young animals
• Creature Cavern - Get close to opossums, owls, snakes, skinks, skunks and more
• Butterfly Pavilion - Walk among butterflies and watch them as they grow
• Insect Alley - view tiny insects and explore their world.
• Our Big Backyard.- Discover the world underground
• Paw Paw Nature Trail - Take a walk through the woods and see local wildflowers

Kids can sit around and enjoy Grandpa Tree and his forest friends as they tell stories by the “nighttime campfire” or catch a Puppet Show. Museum trips are not only fun for the whole family but they can turn out to be great shopping trips as well!

Gift shops have many unique and educational toys that are perfect for decorating a kid's room. With all of the indoor and outdoor exhibits available its always a great time to visit the Charlotte Nature Museum and adds to the list of fun things to do around Dilworth.

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Charlotte Homes Rank #1 in Real Estate Market

Dilworth is one Charlotte neighborhood that helps make Charlotte, NC #1 on a list of top 5 cities for increasing home values.

In a recent report published by the National Association of Realtors, Charlotte was ranked #1 in increasing home values for the first quarter of 2011. The median home price in Charlotte rose 12% to an average of $195,000, which is the highest increase in the nation. Go Charlotte!!! The average home price in Dilworth is about $600,000. Go Dilworth!!!

The NAR ranked the top five cities for home values in order as:

• Charlotte, NC
• Buffalo, NY
• Burlington, VT
• Jackson, MS
• Florence, SC

Charlotte's established neighborhoods saw little change during the recession as compared to the rest of the country. Neighborhoods like Dilworth, Myers Park, and Midwood along with other established neighborhoods provided a strong base for home values and prevented the Charlotte market from seeing the sharp decline that swept the nation.

Dilworth Home Sales On The Rise

 

Dilworth residents take great care in maintaining beautiful homes and a great community which helped it overcome the recession and is poised to be the most sought after neighborhood in Charlotte.

Through continued job growth Charlotte is set to be one of the fastest growing cities in America. As Charlotte grows, established neighborhoods like Dilworth will continue to see huge gains in home values.

If you'd like to receive these Dilworth market updates monthly, email me (DilworthCharlotte@gmail.com) and I'll sign you up.

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Front Entry First Impressions

The front entry of your Dilworth home is the face of your home and should be well maintained and designed. Dilworth residents take great pride in the look and location of their homes but the front entry can often be overlooked in the design scheme.

Granite countertops, wood floors and upgraded appliances make for amazing interior updates but without an impressive front entry your neighbors, guests and potential buyers may not give your home the credit it deserves. Take these tips to help your home reach its fullest potential and become the star of the Dilworth neighborhood.

Front Door
Consider the front door to be an introduction to your home. Front doors with windows offer lots of natural sunlight. By using an install-ready prehung door, you can make an easy front entry upgrade in a day.

Lighting
Exterior lights add safety and illumination, which accents the front of your house. When deciding on your homes entry lighting, be sure to pick a style that complements your home's unique architecture.

Plants
Plants act as a visual anchor for an entry and provide a natural feeling at your front entry. Make sure the containers you put them in are weatherproof to prevent damage during severe weather.

Walkway
Its easy to turn a concrete stoop into a showpiece by capping the treads and risers with stone, split-brick, or limestone pavers. By taking the time to design a beautiful walkway, your house has the beginnings of the perfect entry.


Sprucing up these four areas can greatly improve your homes first impression, value and make it a focal point in the Dilworth neighborhood.

Talk to the fabulous staff over at Luxe Home Couture or the folks at Cottage Chic for more entryway advice. Or, if you'd like to receive Dilworth market updates monthly, email me (DilworthCharlotte@gmail.com) and I'll sign you up.

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Charlotte, NC New Home Sales On The Rise

New Home Sales are on the rise in Charlotte, NC

February marked the lowest percentage of new home sales since the government began tracking the data in the 1960's. On a positive note, the Census Bureau reported a two month consecutive new home sales increase of 7.3% for the month of April. This is a great sign of a rebounding economy and may be an indicator that this is the best time to buy a new house in Charlotte.

The average price for homes sold is slowly increasing as the economy makes the shift from a recession to a recovery. There is also a substantial supply of foreclosed homes available that can often be purchased well under market value. In addition to new home sale growth and a rebounding Charlotte real estate market, the job market has also experienced gains.

The annual rent average is increasing as the economy rebounds which is making right now the best time to look into buying a house. There is possibly no greater motivator for first time home buyers than increasing rent. The prospect of paying as much to own a home versus renting is one that has motivated buyers for decades and facilitated the American dream. 

Mortgage rates are at the lowest point in history, the job market is rebounding, rent is increasing and there are vast opportunities for potential home buyers to seize the moment. If you are in the market for buying a new home in a Charlotte neighborhood, there's no time like the present.

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Cottage Chic Tent Sale

Cottage Chic is a lifestyle store located in the Dilworth neighborhood specializing in... that's right... living a chic cottage lifestyle. Everything from comfy white sofas and beautiful white carpets, to original art, quilts, clothing, and "Jackie O's" signature white sunglasses. This isn't you're typical "big-box" retailer of mass production, Cottage Chic offers their customers handmade furniture, no-iron linens, retro appliances, and plenty of hard-to-find items that make perfect gifts.
Make sure you don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to get great deals on chic cottage living household and personal items.

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Dilworth is Loving All Things Savvy

Dilworth has found a new way to dazzle Charlotte with a “savvy consignment boutique” located on Park Road.  J.T. Posh has a wide variety of clothing and accessories available from many designers. The prices are too good to argue with at 50-80% off of regular price.

                                                        
                                                         Courtesy of JTPosh, thecharlottelifestyle.com


Unlike other consignment boutiques who only update their inventory occasionally, J.T. Posh updates it's items almost daily. If you have been looking for a reason to pamper yourself, rest assured that checking out this boutique will prove successful.   And, of course, we love their savvy slogan!                                         
                                        

                                                         

                                                                             Courtesy of JTPosh, thecharlottelifestyle.com

With all those clothes you'll be buying, you just might need a new closet in a Dilworth home nearby! :)

  



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Current Dilworth Home Values

Has listening to the news left you feeling like there's no hope for Charlotte's real estate market? Well rest assured that every cloud has a silver lining and if you're living in Charlotte's Dilworth neighborhood your silver lining keeps getting brighter. Real estate trends and fluctuations in the housing market can't always be applied to all areas of the country. Some states have seen gains in home values, some have seen declines in home values, some states have seen increases in population, some have seen decreases in population. The point is there is no calculable method that can be applied to all real estate markets. Every state, every city, every neighborhood, every house will be effected in a different way by real estate market trends.

North Carolina has continued to grow in the downturn and is forcasted to be one of the fastest-growing states in the country; that means more people needing homes in Charlotte which translates to your home being worth more. It's a simple case of supply and demand.

Now let's narrow the area down even further: Dilworth is one of Charlotte's most sought-after neighborhoods and its small size means there is limited supply available to a growing number of potential buyers. If you have a home in Dilworth rest assured that the sky is not falling and you are in one of a few neighborhoods that are seeing increases in real estate values. The most recent Neighborhood report for Dilworth shows these stats:

Homes in Dilworth currently for sale: 41

Average list price: $592,365   ($234.13/sqft)

Average price of homes sold

Past 1 yr    =  $491,547

Past 9 mos = $478,999

Past 6 mos = $497,671

Past 3 mos = $566,400

- This graph clearly shows the value of Dilworth homes showing a continuous growth pattern.

Average price/sqft of homes sold

Past 1 yr    = $196.26

Past 9 mos = $190.90

Past 6 mos = $191.61

Past 3 mos = $201.17

- These figures show that, on average, homes in Dilworth are experiencing continuous increases in value over the last 9 months and can provide a rough idea of what a buyer might be willing to pay for your home.

Average "discount" off list price given by sellers

Past 1 yr    = 5.04%

Past 9 mos = 4.4%

Past 6 mos = 6.22%

Past 3 mos = 9.22%

- These figures show that sellers are becoming much more flexible and willing to negotiate on the price of their house.

The graphs provided show what appears to be a market bottom for the Dilworth neighborhood nine months ago, and continued growth in real estate values since. If you're looking to sell your house, I hope these figures help you sleep better at night. If you're a potential buyer looking to move to Dilworth, I hope these figures show you that moving to Dilworth is an investment in your future.

If you'd like to receive these Dilworth market updates monthly, email me (DilworthCharlotte@gmail.com) and I'll sign you up. You'll simply receive the charts and data. Nothing more, nothing less.

Have a great weekend!

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Dilworth's Hottest Eats Part 2

If the first five culinary delights didn't have what you were looking for, check out who else made it to UrbanSpoon's Top Ten Restaurant's for Dilworth. The final five are sure to tempt your taste bud's with an assortment of dishes from around the world prepared by some of Charlotte's best chef's.


6) Fiamma
If corporate restaurants aren't your style, try out this local restaurant that puts its heart and soul into every dish.  Fiamma serves up house made pastas with fresh ingredients everyday and welcomes it's guests with an open layout and open kitchen. While being a recent participant in the Charlotte Restaurant Week has brought this restaurant a lot of attention, its true claim to fame is offering top notch service and serving up authentic and amazing Italian food.

7) 131 Main
From its Cast Iron Scallops to the Cedar Plank Salmon, 131 Main offers up some of Charlotte's finest American inspired cuisine. They put their reputation on the line everyday with the company slogan of "We Define Fresh" and have risen to become one of Dilworth's best restaurant's. You won't find a menu that reads like a novel at 131 Main, instead you will find that all of they're creations fit on one page which allows the culinary team to truly focus on the perfection of each dish.

8) Zen Asian Fusion
If you've got the craving for something more Asian inspired Zen Asian Fusion has you covered. With a large menu of tantalizing selections that range from the classic Sesame Chicken to the un-heard of Zarzuela de Mariscos, Zen Asian Fusion is sure to have what you're looking for. Located on Kenilworth Ave. in the heart of Dilworth, this restaurant also offers tapa's, sushi, catering and a generous wine selection.

Photo Courtesy of SavvyDiner                                                

9) Kabob Grill
The Kabob Grill is your home for exquisite Mediterranean cuisine that is sure to take your breath away. They have a wide range of creations that are unique to the restaurant and make the Kabob Grill one of the best places to eat in Dilworth. Whether it's grape leaves with rice, garlic, onion, tomato, spices, lemon juice and olive oil or the massive Rack of Lamb, the one thing that's for sure is you won't be going home hungry.

10) Meskerem Ethiopian Cuisine
That's right... African cuisine in the heart of Dilworth, who knew? Meskerem's Ethiopian Cuisine is just another example of the wide range of culture's represented within the Dilworth community and they offer up some truly amazing food. They offer a menu with plenty of choices for either the raw meat eating carnivore or the vegetable craving vegetarian in the family and offer some dishes that are sure to tempt your taste buds. This is a must for anyone in Dilworth looking to get out and try something outside of they're normal routine!

Courtesy of Sweettater                                                              

Dilworth area restaurants are a great reflection of the diversity in our neighborhood and continue to offer some of the best food in Charlotte. If you're a culinary connoisseur looking for some tempting dishes to sink your teeth into, Dilworth's Top Ten list is sure to satisfy your craving.

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Your Electric Bill

Your electric bill shouldn't reflect Charlotte's extreme and unpredictable weather. The heating and cooling system in most American homes makes up, on average, over 40% of your monthly electric bill and contributes to the 150 million tons of carbon dioxide released in the United States each year. Take control of that out-of-control electric bill and cut down on global carbon dioxide emissions by following these helpful tips:

Install Programmable Thermostats
Programmable thermostats can provide a 10% a year savings on your heating and cooling bills. By installing a programmable thermostat and adjusting your thermostat 10% to 15% for the eight hours a day you're at work, you can save hundreds of dollars a year on your electric bill.

Heat Pump

Heat pumps are the most efficient form of electric heating for Charlotte's climate. they provide more heating than other heating elements and consume less energy to do it. There are three types of heat pumps available to you: air-to-air, water source, and ground source.

Harness the Sun!
Using solar energy to heat and cool your home is both environmentally friendly and cost effective in the long-term. By simply opening the curtains during the winter to let in light, you will be heating your home naturally and cutting down on heating cost. Closing your blinds during the summer months will cut down on the sunlight entering the house thus reducing the strain on your air conditioner.

CFL Bulbs
Installing CFL "Compact Fluorescent" Bulbs will cut down on your use of electricity and last far longer than most incandescent bulbs. CFL's on average use 1/5th the electricity of incandescent bulbs and have a life expectancy five times longer. Simply turning off a lights in most homes can really improve the monthly electric bill. Lighting is used for our safety and enjoyment only and the house doesn't need to see itself when you're not there, so when you leave the room turn off the light. Or if you really want to maximize efficiency and cut down on electricity used you can always switch to candle light... kidding.

                                Courtesy of ThirteenTwentySeven Photography


Clean your Air Filters
Air Filters capture dirt and dust particles floating around your house and prevent their spread. Having a dirty or clogged air filter will reduce the effectiveness of your heating and air conditioning unit and increase your electric bill.

Energy Star

Look for appliances with the Energy Star logo. These are certified to save you electricity and help reduce your impact on the environment.

Seal it up
Look for cracks in and around doors and windows to determine if you need to replace weather stripping or replace insulation. This is especially important in older homes that have areas exposed to energy loss. Having a properly sealed home can dramatically reduce the amount of electricity used in heating or cooling your home.

Put some, or all, of these tips to use today and start seeing the electric bill get lower and lower.

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Dilworth's Hottest Eats, Part 1

Looking for somewhere to eat this weekend in Dilworth? How about treat yourself to some of Charlotte's hottest restaurants located right here in Dilworth? From burgers to besaega, Dilworth offers a wide range of culinary delights that are sure to please even the hardest-to-please foodies. Here's the scoop on Dilworth's best eateries as ranked by local foodies on UrbanSpoon:

1) Big Daddy's Burger Bar

Dilworth burger connoisseur's are crazy about Big Daddy's and it shows. Ranked 3rd Overall Best Restaurant in Charlotte and #1 for Dilworth on UrbanSpoon.com, Big Daddy's is quickly becoming the place to eat in Dilworth. Huge burgers, a bustling bar (yet still family friendly) and smiling staff aren't the only thing Big Daddy's is using to gain its success, they are run by the same people that run some of Charlotte's other hottest restaurants (keep reading...). Whether its breakfast, lunch, dinner or even a gluten free menu you're looking for, you won't be disappointed at Big Daddy's Burger Bar.

2) Ru Sans

Sushi and seafood is Ru Sans claim to fame. Coming in at 13th Overall for Charlotte and 2nd for the Dilworth neighborhood, Ru Sans has become the Dilworth Sushi Mecca for raw fish loving foodies. Located at 2440 Park Rd and only blocks from both Freedom Park and Latta Park, Ru Sans makes for a quick stop if you're looking for the best sushi Dilworth has to offer.

                                                   Photo Courtesy of CitySearch

3) Mama Ricotta's

Coming in at 14th Overall for Charlotte and 3rd Best in Diworth, Mama Ricotta's is sure to be a crowd- pleaser. Coming from the same family tree as Big Daddy's, Cantina 1511, Paco's Taco's and Plate Perfect Catering, Mama Ricotta's was bred for success. From the calamari to the Cannolicchi Pesto, Mama Ricotta's has a huge menu of Italian creations that are sure to please even the pickiest of eater's.

                                                     Photo Courtesy of TheChicLife

4) Cantina 1511

Mexican food is fast becoming a huge genre in the restaurant scene and Cantina 1511 is leading the way. With chefs trained in authentic Mexican cooking techniques, it's not hard to see why this restaurant is fast becoming one Charlotte's hottest restaurants. Tortillas and cheeses are made in-house as well as copious amounts of fresh spices and ingredients from Mexico. So whether you're looking for Vegetarian Taquito's or Pescado Vera Cruz, you'll find it and love it at Cantina 1511.

5) 300 East

Wrapping up the "Top 5" for Dilworth is 300 East. It is easily the place to go for upscale dining that's sure to impress. Located in the heart of Dilworth, 300 East has been serving up mouth watering culinary creations for over twenty years and is still one of the hottest places to get dinner in Dilworth. With a seasonally changing menu and a skilled team of chef's in the kitchen, you are in for a culinary wonderland of flavor's that will leave you craving more.

                                                Photo Courtesy of 300 East

Check back for Part 2 on Thursday and we will be wrapping up the Top Ten Restaurants In Dilworth. Happy Dining!

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Dilworth Schools - Myers Park High Part 4 of 4

Myers Park High is the high school assigned for families living in the Dilworth community. Built in 1951, Myers Park High School currently consists of roughly 2,800 students in 13 individual buildings on a 62-acre campus. Newsweek magazine has ranked Myers Park High among the 100 best high schools in the United States for the last five years straight and their NC School Report Card gave it an impressive School of Distinction ranking.

With internet connectivity becoming an increasingly important tool in advancing childhood education, Myers Park High has invested heavily in its students success by providing internet access to 100% of all of its classrooms. That's an achievement that ranks higher than the district and the state average. The school has 14% of its student's course enrollment being that of Advanced College Prep Courses, which is double the district average and triple the state average.

                                          Photo courtesy of Kiss 95.1 FM

The school offers an array of exciting courses that will inspire and challenge young adults such as, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and Honors courses. In addition, the curriculum also provides College/University Tech Prep, Apprenticeships, Career Intern programs, Art, Photography, Chorus, Theatre, Orchestra, Marching Band, Debate, Journalism, Culinary Arts, and a JROTC.

If you're looking to give your kid every advantage possible, Myers Park High School proves itself to be a valuable asset to its students and our community. Whether its Dilworth Elementary, AG Middle or Myers Park High you wont be disappointed in Dilworth's schools.

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Dilworth Schools - AG Middle Part 3 of 4

Located just outside the Myers Park Country Club, Alexander Graham Middle School, aka "AG Middle", has been offering young minds a place to learn and grow since the 1920's. The school is situated on a 120 acre wooded lot which is shared by Selwyn Elementary and Myers Park High. The school boasts a School of Distinction ranking by its NC School Report Card and scores higher than the state and district in both reading and math EOG testing.

• AG Middle makes school safety a top priority which has led to having only half of the district's average for student misconduct.
• Having access to information is the key to maximizing learning potential for Dilworth families; AG Middle has successfully gained 100% Internet access for all of its classrooms.
• No education can be complete without quality teachers and AG Middle has some of the best. Currently there are 99% fully licensed teachers at AG Middle which is higher than both the district and the state average. They also beat the state average for teachers with an advanced degree and teachers with National Board Certification.

Photo courtesy of Google Maps                                                                          



The school offers a wide array of programs in Arts, Foreign Languages, and Sports as well as in Special Interest and Vocational Programs. AG Middle is a great school to get your children prepared for the ever-challenging world of high school and give them the tools they need to excel.

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Dilworth Schools - Dilworth Elementary Part 2 of 4

Dilworth Elementary School is in the heart of Dilworth and occupies a building that was previously home to a Charlotte magnet school. In the early 1900's, Dilworth Elementary was built as an eight room school on land donated by Edward Dilworth Latta. This is your child's first stop on their path through Dilworth area schools and it offers a number of amazing learning opportunities.

Dilworth Elementary has tons of amenities that students can benefit from including two soccer fields, an athletics gymnasium, eight tennis courts, an amazing media center, computer labs and twenty-eight classrooms designed to maximize the learning opportunities for its students. As "Dilworth Dragons", student's are exposed to a challenging course curriculum which emphasizes strong reading, critical thinking, and problem solving skills. Dilworth Elementary also offers an array of school clubs such as science exploration and foreign languages.

Photo Courtesy of Google Maps                                                                          

Dilworth Elementary has proven itself for years to be an excellent place for young minds to grow and has received numerous positive reviews online. This is just some of what Dilworth area parents have to say:

• "I think Dilworth Elementary is Charlotte's best kept secret"  
• "A small school with a big heart"
• "As a parent of a 2nd grader at Dilworth Elementary, I have only great things to say about it"

If you're one of the many of families looking for a place to call home and weighing the pro's and con's of area schools, Dilworth Elementary is a great place for any child looking to get a great education.

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Dilworth Schools: Part 1 of 4

Dilworth area schools offer some of the best learning opportunities within North Carolina. One of the biggest questions families ask when determining where to live in Charlotte is, "How are the schools?" With education being a substantial determining factors of adulthood success, its imperative that parents demand the best for their children.

Photo courtesy of Valley Library (Oregon State Univ.) on Flickr.com

                        

Despite budget cuts from CMS and other school districts from across the country, Dilworth area schools continue to offer exceptional learning opportunities to all of its students. If you're living in, or thinking about moving to Dilworth, your public school journey will take you through Dilworth Elementary, Alexander Graham Middle, and then to Myers Park High. These schools are ranked among the highest in the state for EOG and EOC test scores, internet access, advanced course curriculum, licensed teachers, and yearly progress.

                        

Follow my future blog post as I explore in more detail the advantages of each of the public school in the Dilworth community and how they relate to your child's success.

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