Market spotlight: Berkeley

Developed in the 1980s, Ballantyne's Berkeley neighborhood is a highly desirable place to live for its brick Colonials, well-kept yards and prime location near Providence Road and Ballantyne Commons Parkway.

Berkeley is convenient to shopping, restaurants and all sorts of entertainment and recreational venues. The Arboretum Shopping Center, Stonecrest Shopping Center and Blakeney Shopping Center are all less than 10 minutes away.

If works brings you Uptown, then expect to spend about 45 minutes commuting, depending on traffic.

When it's time to relax from the 9-to-5 grind and hit the links, Berkeley is situated adjacent to Raintree Country Club and there are several public courses to choose from in the area.

The neighborhood is zoned for three of the area's top-ranked schools - Providence Spring Elementary, Jay M. Robinson Middle School and Providence High School.

The large, traditional homes in Berkeley start in the low 3,000-square-foot range in size. Most homes are 4 bedroom and 2.5 bathrooms and are typically priced between the $300,000s and mid-$500,000s.

The original homes built in the 1980s may need cosmetic updating, but the exteriors are timeless and well maintained. Lots sizes are about one-third to one-half acre in size.

Currently, there are 4 homes on the market in Berkeley. Two homes are under contract as of Feb. 24. An average of 1.3 homes sell per month in Berkeley, putting inventory at about 3 months. That's just under the 3.6 and 3.7 months for Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, respectively.

The highest list price is $564,900 for a 4,200-square-foot custom brick home built in 1996. A first-phase home built in 1989 is listed for $399,000.

Approximately 16 homes sold during the last 12 months in Berkeley for an average sales price of $465,300. Sales averaged 97.5% of list price for the last 12-month period.

Prices per square foot range from about $113 to $130.

For families not wanting the outdoor upkeep, there are condominium options in Berkeley. The condos are located near the Alexa Road entrance off Providence Road. The brick condos, built in the early 2000a, are in the mid-2,000-square-foot range. Each unit has a private, fenced patio.

Ballantyne has developed in leaps and bounds since Berkeley was established in the 1980s. There is comfort in an established, mature neighborhood with wooded lots that removes you from the hustle and bustle of growth in the area.