[Pietrantonio]

I'm looking for practical advice on some areas where the cost of living is reasonable, yet at the same time, can enjoy areas of good schools, and nice neighborhoods. Right now, I live in NC Charlotte, and the cost of living isn't outrageous, but it's getting harder as the days progress. I'm sure it's not just NC as well. But, I do want to be able to live where I can call home (5+ years) with nice neighborhoods where the residents mow their grass, and keep things clean. (Selective areas of NC keep up with this stuff) I would like to be in an area where my kids, when they arrive one day, can go to school in a nice area, etc.

So, I come to all of you for your advice. I've looked on CNN Money for "best places to live" etc, but it targets more familys who can afford 200,000 + dollar homes. That's not us. Our budget falls in the 95,000-150,000 dollar limit range. If you have any ideas, opinions, suggestions, experiences living where you are or where you did, and the such, I'd like to hear about them. The world is a large place, and actual testimonies seem to be the best form of review.

Thanks for all the help!