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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Art Buyers Flock to Dilworth

If you are an art lover or you're just looking for a cool place to be check out the Ciel Art Gallery located on Camden Rd. near Dilworth. This is no ordinary art gallery; it is the only gallery dedicated to fine art mosaics in the United States which makes it a truly unique treasure of the near Dilworth area.

A wonderful collection of mosaic art is displayed in the gallery throughout the year. Heartistry, the newest exhibit displayed now through February 25th, is a collection of heart-themed mosaics from artists all around the world.                                                      



                                                                         Hours are:

Tues-Fri 1p.m.-5p.m. 

Saturday 11a.m.-5p.m.

1st friday of the month open until 9

other cool stuff:

• Private Appointments to view the collection are available...date night?
• Classes are offered for a number of different projects. You can be an artist, too!
• A community mosaic is displayed outside of the Charlotte Art League building. The owner of Ciel, Pam Goode, directed the installation along with a few others.

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Ideal Home for Sale in Dilworth



Introducing: 2321 Cumberland in Dilworth!
Come check it out this Sunday, 1/30/11 from 2-4pm...you'll fall in love.



On Freedom Park, this location cannot be beat. It is just a few blocks to the restaurants and shops on Dilworth's trendy East Blvd. If you're in the medical profession, walk to CMC hospital complex!



The large wrap-around deck and patio is where you might spend most of your time. 

Surrounded by a private brick wall you'll love grilling out and relaxing in this piece of paradise.

The back yard is one of the current owner's favorite spots. Stacked stone wall and steps lead to the lower level play area.

 

Aluminum fencing and brick wall surround your private paradise. The new screened porch completes this wonderful space. We don't need to sell the kids on this playset!

Kitchen opens to a large sun-filled breakfast room with tile floor and a built in "command central" home office.

The large kitchen is open to a warm family room with hardwood floors throughout the space.

The kitchen has stainless appliances and a large granite island with breakfast bar. We love the tray ceiling.

The fireplace is flanked with built-ins and an oversized bay window looks out into the large back yard.

Other features of this house include:

•   Fireplaces in Living Room and Great Room

•   Attached one car garage

•   Tile Baths

•   Extensive Decking

•   Fenced Yard

•   Attic Storage accessible through bookshelves in hall

Come and see this beautiful home during Open House on Sunday, January 30 from 2 - 4p.m.

Email me if you need directions. Have a great week!

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Restaurant Week in Dilworth

Hi, Dilworth Foodies! What a glorious week for us! Restaurant week is in full swing (from now through Sunday 1/30/11) and the dishes here in Dilworth are simply delightful (pardon my alliteration; it was just too tempting).

In no particular order...

Dolce is featuring:
gnocchi, velvet lobster bisque, piccata, tiramisu, charcuterie plate...and more

Copper is featuring:
masala roasted cauliflower, goat cheese vegetable croquettes, semolina crusted trout...and more

Bonterra is featuring:
Braised short ribs, filet mignon, scallops, ribeye, lemon icebox pie, duck & pork plate...and more

Check back tomorrow for more Dilworth restaurants featured in Restaurant Week.

Bon Appetit!

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Dilworth Location Makes a Good Investment

It's tough to know in this economy if it's the right time to buy a house...or sell a house, for that matter. If you are looking to take advantage of historically low interest rates as well as lower home prices (as compared to the peak in 2007), then now is a great time for you to buy.

Buyers are more cautious of location and price since the market downturn; location has remained the single most important factor even throughout this "mess." (Hence: the "location, location, location" mantra). It's never been more important to buy the right house at the right price in the right neighborhood.

If you're a stats person, enjoy the info below...and email me if you have any questions about why it is a good time to buy or sell in Dilworth.

• If you already own in Dilworth, you know it's wise to probably stay put for a little while longer; you'll recoup more of your investment if you can hold onto it for a few years longer (and why not when you've got a great neighborhood to enjoy?!?).

•  Recent reports from the 2010 NAR (National Assocation of Realtors) Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers shows that first-time home buyers are seeking a home that they will live in for at least ten years while those who have bought and sold a home before plan to stay in their new residence for at least fifteen years. With all that Dilworth has to offer, it's no wonder homeowners are staying-put in their homes longer.

• Dilworth offers many amentities such as restaurants, shops, art galleries, coffee shops, a strong school district (it's no secret that parents flock to this school distrcit), the parks, and the sidewalks, it makes it a key place to buy; in this market or in any other.   

One of the main reasons people purchase a home is the desire to have a place that they can call their own. If you’re looking for a home to commit to, consider residing in one of Charlotte’s best neighborhoods! With a wonderful community-focused attitude, Dilworth in Charlotte, NC has a rich historical background as well as a blossoming future!

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Ride the light rail to the NASCAR Hall of Fame!

Looking for a fun, near Dilworth attraction?

Located just outside of Dilworth, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is a great spot for you and your family to have a whole lot of fun! The great thing about this wonderful Charlotte attraction is that you don’t have to be a NASCAR buff to enjoy yourself!

Main attractions of this architecturally-unique site include:

·“High Octane Theater” educates visitors on the history of NASCAR

·Ramp that takes you to the second floor of the building also serves as a display area for a number of historic cars. Very cool.
·Check out the Racing Simulator that is sure to get you pumped for this sport

·Shop NASCAR
·Restaurants to fuel you up after all that fun are in walking distance

Just in case you’re looking for another reason to go: now through Jan 14, beginning at 4:00p.m., the Hall of Fame is offering FREE ADMISSION!

The close and fun activities that Uptown has to offer are just more reasons that Dilworth is THE place to live in Charlotte!

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Should I Wait to Buy a House in Dilworth?

A cozy Colonial is on the market (3bed/2.5bath/1600/ft) for $349,000-

sellers will have to bring money to sell. Doesn't this sound like a good time to buy?

You may have asked yourself, or heard friends chatting, “Is now a good time to buy a home?” The bigger question often is: “Are home prices going to continue to fall?” followed by “I think I’ll wait”.

Take a look at the following reasons on why NOW looks like a good time to buy in Dilworth or any other area, for that matter:

1. 30-YR and 15YR fixed rates have come off their lowest point and have begun to rise; currently up .250-.375% off their lows.

2. The new NC purchase contract (which goes into effect on 1/1/11) will require tighter time lines and due diligence dollars to purchase. After 1/1/11, buyers will now have to come up with money for two deposits: Earnest Money and Due Diligence. The need for buyers to be more proactive in getting loan approval will go up significantly after December 31st – so will overall stress levels.

3. Home prices have continued to drop; sellers are becoming more realistic about the value of their homes. According to Zillow over 27% of the homes sold in September were sold at a loss.

End of the year- when other buyers want to stay in next to the warm fireplace- is a great time to buy. The buyer pool is depleted (holiday's, cold weather, etc) and sellers know that. They are anxious and hopeful that someone, anyone! will come see their home...and buy it! Bidding wars and multiple offers are far less likely in the "off" season.

4. It is very difficult to predict an absolute bottom; however, we are getting very near. Any small incremental price savings can be wiped away if interest rates continue to rise. According to the National Association of Home Builders a rise in interest rates of .25% will price 7,621 borrowers out of the market in the Charlotte MSA (BTW: rates were over 6%in 2005).  

So today as you think about buying (or selling!) and you're thinking of waiting, ask all the questions above and consider getting off the fence; the affordability factor and hassle factor may make the decision to get down off the fence easier.

If you have questions about any of the above information, the team over at Cunningham & Associates do a wonderful job. Todd Croy & Deanna Valeo are two stellar lenders who know the patterns the market is currently making. It may be worth a 15 minute  call to see how close you can be to buying the best investment you've ever made.

Your family tree will thank you for making the investment now...

(If you love the pictures you see, shoot me an email and I'll schedule a tour of this home that is currently on the market...it is one of the best renovations I've seen in a long time)...

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Opportunity for Home Seller's in Dilworth

HGTV’s producer’s are looking for upbeat, fun, and charismatic folks to participate in their upcoming season of their hit show, My First Sale. There are at least 5 homes that have already begun taping for the show, but they need more! If you are selling your home for the first time, thinking about selling your home, or know someone else who would fit the bill, email: mbrush@highnoontv.com. She’s a fabulous gal to work with and will do everything in her power to help you get chosen for the show. It’s been a great experience (and amazing exposure) for those who have already participated. Here’s a still shot from one of the Plaza Midwood homes that has already begun the process. Dilworth: we need to represent!

Photo by Lynn Johnson, www.BallantyneBuzz.com

Photo by Lynn Johnson, www.BallantyneBuzz.com

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