One of the many upcoming projects is 230 South Tryon, a $42 million project of 115 condominium units on twelve floors, along with a restaurant and 675 parking spaces. There are a variety of studio, one and two bedroom floorplans, as well as a limited number of custom penthouse plans that go up to 4000 square feet. Prices for the condominiums at 230 South Tryon range from $175,000 to $500,000, and the penthouse suites range from $500,000 to $1,500,000. Residents will begin occupying 230 South Tryon in the spring of 2006.

Another comes from Charlotte developer Thomas Barnes who plans to create a distinct Fourth Ward project in the coming year mixing classical architectural style and spectacular skyline views that Barnes said "just gets better the higher you go." The proposed project will be new-from-the-ground-up construction at 715 N. Graham St., adjacent to the Brookshire Freeway. The proposed project will contain 45 bi-level lofts on five stories with gated, ground-level parking available for resi­dents. The size of the units will vary between 1,256 to 1,973 square feet, with prices ranging from $246,500 to $398,000.

Scott Hartis, a Broker/Realtor who deals primarily with the burgeoning uptown market, suggests that part of what is pushing the market in this direction is the number of affordable options in the uptown area.

"I think a lot of what is driving this market is the supply of affordable condos and townhomes in uptown. It also really plays into a lifestyle choice. The biggest two groups of buyers that are buying condos and townhomes in uptown are single professionals and empty-nesters," said Hartis.

Hartis also suggests that first time buyers can afford to live in the uptown area; they just need to know where to look. "A first time buyer can afford to live uptown. I have found that Boulevard Centro is one of the leaders in the condo/townhome market for offering affordable options for first time buyers,” said Hartis. "They have multiple developments currently that offer affordable options for the first time buyer. Even better is that interest rates are so low that it allows a first time buyer to afford a more expensive property than they might have been able to buy even five years ago."

However, uptown living is not for everyone, and for those who are looking for something less high profile, the options in Charlotte are still virtually limitless.

Portrait Homes, which has been building homes in Charlotte since 1982 and is Charlotte’s #1 townhome builder, provides affordable options for first time buyers, empty nesters, and everyone in between. Location is an important key to Portrait Homes’ success, not only in deciding where they’ll build around the country, but in Charlotte, too. "That’s what's been most important to most of our buyers. They want to have easy access on and off, and good accessibility to major arteries,” said Doug Bevington, Sales & Marketing Manager for Portrait Homes in Charlotte.

Their newest community is Hanover off of Hwy 521 in beautiful Ballantyne. There are 11 plans available in Hanover, and Portrait Homes will have 9 models on site allowing buyers to visualize exactly what their home will look like. As with every Portrait Homes community, ameni­ties will include a pool and clubhouse. Hanover also will have three ponds, a picturesque walking path and maintenance-free living. The price points at Hanover start in the $90's.

Scott Sokoloski, Portrait Homes' Director of Operations in Charlotte, said that buyers shouldn't have to spend $200,000 or more to enjoy the American dream of homeownership. "The average sales price in Charlotte is about $215,000. We're talking about owning for under $100,000."

One simple thing that Portrait Homes does that most builders don't is provide exterior insurance for the townhomes. "Most townhome builders don't do that. It amounts to $30-$40 a month for the average homeowner to go out and get it, but we still include it. All you have to do is cover your belongings," said Sokoloski. "It's all the advantages of getting some equity back and getting on that piece of the pie without having to go out and buy a $200,000 house."

Lifestyle is the key ingredient that drives the townhome and condominium mar­ket and first time buyers and empty nesters play a key role in the success of this market. "I always think of townhomes as a real good spot before you decided to have a single-family home, and after you've had one," said Jim Ludwig, Vice President of Marketing for Mulvaney Homes. Mulvaney Homes has been building townhomes in Charlotte for over 15 years, and that knowledge has led them to understand and cater to the townhome and condominium buyer. "For both sides of that these are great products for you because they are low maintenance, leisure lifestyle, with not a lot of work involved and that's what usually delivers our peo­ple. We can provide rather elegant single income living in a townhome."

Hills Communities has three low-maintenance townhome and condominium communities spread throughout Charlotte. Alexander Chase offers both town-homes and condominiums in a private setting of Westmoreland Road in Lake Norman. Its proximity to both lake activities and the rapidly developing Birkdale Village presents an intriguing advantage for home buyers. On the south side of Charlotte off of Hwy. 521, Copper Ridge is one of the most affordable options for upscale living in the prestigious Ballantyne area. This condominium community of two-bedroom, two bath homes provides an affordable, stylish and low-maintenance lifestyle. In the University area, Hyde Park provides a secluded setting with easy access to virtually everything Charlotte has to offer.

As Charlotte's population continues to grow, so do the options to home buyers. And with so many affordable options available now, the American dream of home-ownership is becoming a reality for more and more people, which is a win-win situ­ation for all involved.