Why Oak Ridge, NC, is Becoming a Great Place to Raise a Family

front yard view of completed homeAre you looking for a place to settle down, a community that’s great for kids and families? Oak Ridge, NC, is gaining popularity as families are looking for a small town with great opportunity. Convenient to Greensboro and High Point with Winston Salem close by, there is always something to do and see. A quieter place with a countryside feel that’s just a few minutes’ drive from multiple cities, you’ll soon see why people are choosing to move to the area. And there are homes for sale in Oak Ridge, NC, now.

Oak Ridge Ranks High on the Livability Scale According to Areavibes.com

Areavibes.com evaluates towns and cities based on a variety of criteria from crime rate to cost of living. Oak Ridge received an 84, which means it is “exceptionally livable” when compared to other places in North Carolina. That score ranks Oak Ridge third in the entire state of NC and 124th in the US. Low crime rate, high graduation rate, and high income per capita are just a few of the positive qualities that contributed to the score. People living in Oak Ridge are educated and successful. Even the weather is nice compared to many other areas in the state and the nation.

Amenities also contribute to the rank a town receives, and Oak Ridge has plenty of grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, shopping centers, schools, parks, and fitness centers in the vicinity. These are the everyday conveniences that make life easier and more fulfilling. Beyond the town itself, there are more opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment in the nearby cities of Greensboro, High Point, and Winston Salem.

Oak Ridge is Home to some of the Best Schools in NC

When it comes to raising a family, schools are important. There is one public school and one private school in Oak Ridge, boasting higher than average test scores for the state. Public schools students would attend Oak Ridge Elementary, Northwest Middle, and Northwest High School. The Oak Ridge Military Academy is a private school that’s been in operation since 1852, preparing youth for success in military and civilian endeavors. Other private and charter school options can be found in Greensboro, Winston Salem, High Point, and Kernersville.

Don Mills Builds Homes in Oak Ridge, NC, in Highly Desired Neighborhoods

Visit Oak Ridge to see firsthand just why it is becoming one of the best places to raise a family. If you’re looking for a new home for sale in Oak Ridge, NC, consider a Don Mills signature home. Don Mills builds luxurious custom homes in the most popular neighborhoods in Oak Ridge, including Birkhaven, Linville Ridge, and Knight’s Landing. If you want a unique home that is designed just for you with all the features you can’t seem to find anywhere else, Don Mills Builders can make it happen. Search ready to build home sites now or contact Don to get started designing and building your dream home in a dream location. Call (336) 362-1777.

Top Decorating Tips of 2018

Family room with fireplace.When it comes to decorating your home, whether it’s a brand new custom home or your current home that’s in need of a fresh look, there are some unique trends that have arisen in 2018. If you want cutting-edge design that will give your home a modern look, consider incorporating these decorating tips. And if you want a completely clean slate, building a custom home gives you limitless options. Custom building allows you to design a home to meet your needs and wants, including your decorating ideas. Build your dream home with one of the best home builders in Greensboro, NC, Don Mills.

Decorating Trends of 2018 fit into these 4 Categories:

  1. Color. Bold accents that bring out pastel colors in the background offer a calm, serene feel that still hums with excitement. Watercolor pattern on walls and other surfaces give a textured look that is the ideal mix of subtlety and boldness. The lighter watercolors can be reflected in smaller pieces with brighter colors like throw pillows, rugs, and window treatments.
  2. Material. As we grow more earth-conscious, the focus is on environmentally friendly materials. Natural wood, stone, marble, clay, cork, and live plants give a variety of textures that allow us to experience décor with multiple senses. Reclaimed wood and recycled materials are replacing man-made, mass produced items. Bringing natural materials inside softens the divide between man and nature.
  3. Fabric/Pattern. Soft textures like velvet are returning to current decorating trends, as well as patterns on walls and floors. Trends from each decade from the ‘30s through the ‘90s are being represented, with bold geometric patterns of the ‘70s, jewel-tone velvets of the ‘80s and ‘90s, and even artistic hand-painted fabrics in rich colors from the ‘30s, ‘40s, and ‘50s. Touch and texture are as important as aesthetics in this year’s hottest designs.
  4. Room Design. Individual rooms are becoming more focused on their overall purpose than ever before. Beauty and functionality meld in designs and layouts that revolve around use of the room. In 2018 homeowners are looking for convenience, comfort, and style in one low-maintenance package. Busy lifestyles leave less time for perfect room arrangement and create the need for décor that looks stylish and put together even when in use.

The Best Home Builders in Greensboro, NC Expertly Combine Décor and Home Design

The architecture and floor plan of your home will influence the overall décor. You can decorate the interior to suit the home, or you can custom build and let the interior décor go hand-in-hand with the design of the home. The best home builders in Greensboro, NC, have the expertise to take both aspects of home design into consideration, the structure and the décor. The end result is a home that not only meets, but exceeds your expectations. A custom home is completely unique, reflecting the homeowner’s personality in both the design and décor. If you’re ready to have the custom building experience, contact Don Mills Builders for a consultation at (336) 362-1777.

The 5 Best Things about Living in Jessup Ridge

Are you looking for a new home community in Greensboro, NC, with plenty of amenities? Look no further than Jessup Ridge. Here you’ll find a peaceful country setting just 15 minutes from the city of Greensboro. This growing neighborhood has a lot to offer families of all sizes and stages. If you’re looking for a place to call home, consider the five best things about living in Jessup Ridge.

  1. Peaceful country setting. If your idea of home includes rolling fields, lush green forests, and a natural landscape, you’ll find just that in Jessup Ridge. Surrounded by trees, the neighborhood is built into the land for a natural setting that is far from the overdeveloped style of other communities. Breathe fresh air, hear nothing but the crickets and birds chirping, and feel at home. Walking trails have been cleared through and around the neighborhood forming a network that connects to the Haw River State Park. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors here in Jessup Ridge.
  2. Short commute to the city. The only problem with living in the country is how far it is from the city, right? This is not a concern in Jessup Ridge. Just a 15 to 20 minute drive and you’re in the heart of Greensboro, and the larger cities of Charlotte and Raleigh are under 2 hours away.
  3. Spacious lots. Feel like your neighbors are a little too close? Home sites in Jessup Ridge are large enough and purposefully designed with privacy in mind. If you have big plans for your outdoor space, you’ll definitely have room to bring those plans to life.
  4. Quality custom homes. Want your home to be unique? Don Mills Builders designs and constructs custom homes in Jessup Ridge that stand out from the rest. Your personal wants and desires for your home can be developed into the dream home you have always imagined. Quality craftsmanship and materials go into every Don Mills original home, ensuring lasting value for generations.
  5. Neighborhood pool. When that hot North Carolina sun starts beating down, you’ll be glad for the cool waters of the Jessup Ridge pool. The newest addition to the neighborhood, the pool is available to all Jessup Ridge residents. Need a place to hold a group event? Reserve the clubhouse for your next get together.

More Benefits of Living in this New Home Community in Greensboro, NC

These top five things about living in Jessup Ridge are really just the beginning. The neighborhood is in a top-notch public school district with alternative educational opportunities nearby. Excellent hospitals and healthcare facilities are in the area, and the Greensboro international airport is easily accessible with just a short drive. Opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment are all around in Greensboro and the rest of the Triad. Jessup Ridge offers a true balance between urban convenience and rural atmosphere. Let Don Mills build you your dream home in a dream location. Call (336)262-1777 to schedule a free consultation.

Fun Things to do in Northern Guilford County

Greensboro Science Center Dinosaur ExhibitIf you’re looking for the best area to live in Guilford County, try heading north. Northern Guilford County has a lot to offer in terms of livability from great schools to fun activities. There are many reasons why people are moving to the northern part of the county, including the laid back country atmosphere. Custom home lots in Greensboro, NC, are being developed outside the more congested city center. But despite the small town feel, there are still plenty of fun things to do in Northern Guilford County without venturing all the way into Greensboro. Avoid the traffic and crowds and try these attractions.

Haw River State Park

Home to the Summit Environmental Education Center, Haw River State Park is a hub for NC State Parks. Haw River State Park is home to many different ecosystems from wetlands and uplands, to forests and fields, making it an excellent educational spot to learn about the natural world. The park includes multiple hiking trails and a boardwalk for viewing the wetland area. The Summit Conference Center offers accommodations from motel-type rooms to cabins and all sorts of educational programs for people of all ages. A 6-acre lake is available for fishing and canoeing, and the outdoor pool is open in the summer. There’s also a disc golf course, a ropes course, a gym, and athletic fields. Haw River State Park is home to a wide range of recreational opportunities as well as a place to commune with nature.

Greensboro Science Center

Another top attraction in the northern part of Guilford County is the Greensboro Science Center. Complete with an indoor aquarium, outdoor zoo, and a variety of hands-on learning opportunities, this facility is popular with children and adults. Favorite attractions include the hands-on aquarium pool where guests are permitted to touch some of the sea creatures, the outdoor ropes course overlooking the zoo, and the traveling exhibit room where a variety of different scientific attractions are cycled in and out over the course of the year. Play areas for even the smallest children are available, allowing young scientists to learn as actively as they please.

Friendly Center

If you’re in need of some retail therapy, Friendly Center is home to a wide variety of brand name stores from Banana Republic to Barnes and Noble. It’s on the northern side of Greensboro, allowing you to avoid the traffic and crowds surrounding the Four Seasons Mall and downtown shopping areas. Plenty of dining opportunities accompany the shops at Friendly Center including PF Chang’s and Cheesecake Factory. And of course there’s a Starbucks for when you need a dose of caffeine to keep your energy up for more shopping.

Custom Home Lots in Greensboro, NC, are Currently Available in Highly Desired Neighborhoods

Looking for a home that meets all of your criteria but keep coming up short? Consider custom building on a new, ready to build lot. Don Mills Builders are currently designing and constructing on custom home lots in Greensboro, NC. In the custom building process your ideas, wants, and needs go into the design of your very own luxury home. A truly unique home like no other can be yours in the highly desired northern Guilford County area. Call Don Mills at (336) 362-1777 to get started planning your dream home.

Best Schools in Guilford County

Front of custom home in Greensboro, NC.Thinking of moving in 2018? If you have school-aged children, the decision of where to move is largely based upon the quality of the schools in the area. When it comes to public schools, children typically attend the school they are assigned to based on their home address. In some situations, it is possible to choose what school your child will attend within a certain zone. Private schools and charter schools offer alternatives to public schools. Where you live may not matter when it comes to acceptance to these alternative schools, but transportation is usually not provided by the school. Take all of these factors into consideration before choosing a neighborhood and looking for home building contractors in Greensboro, NC.

Public: The Northwest District

Made up of Oak Ridge Elementary (9), Northwest Guilford Middle (8), and Northwest Guilford High (9), this district is top-notch from an educational perspective. Greatschools.org gave all of these schools high rankings of either 8 or 9 out of a possible 10. Rankings are based on a variety of things from test scores to student demographics and parent reviews.

Public: The Northern District

Made up of Northern Guilford Elementary (8), Summerfield Elementary (8), Northern Guilford Middle (8), and Northern Guilford High (9), this popular zone is well-established as a quality group of schools. Just as with the Northwest District, the Northern District received scores of 8 or 9 out of 10 from Greatschool.org.

Alternative Public Schools

Different educational opportunities are available in Guilford County in the form of alternative public schools. Schools like Christine Joyner Greene, Haynes-Inman, Gateway, and Herbin-Metz Education Centers serve exceptional learners. SCALE academies are available to help students who are in need of a different setting academically and behaviorally to be successful. Guilford County schools are fully prepared to serve a diverse range of students.

Private Schools

Guilford County is home to 34 private schools, 74% of which are affiliated with religious organizations. A few are located in the northern part of Guilford County such as Oak Ridge Military Academy and Oak Level Baptist Academy. These schools are reputable in the community and are known for high test scores and excellent student-to-teacher ratio.

Charter Schools

Summerfield Charter Academy is a public charter school in the northern Guilford County area with Greensboro Academy and Cornerstone Charter Academy close by in Greensboro. Charter schools are free and open to the public and typically accept students through a lottery system. They provide alternative educational opportunities to public schools in that they are able to use their state funding in different ways and subscribe to progressive educational philosophies.

Northern Guilford County is an Ideal Community for Families

So many positive educational opportunities exist in Guilford County, the best of which are in the northern and northwestern area. If you’re looking for a new home in or near Greensboro, consider Summerfield, Oak Ridge, or Stokesdale. New custom home neighborhoods are being developed now in these areas from Jessup Ridge to Birkhaven to Knight’s Landing and more. Call Don Mills, one of the premier building contractors in Greensboro, NC, to start building your dream home in a great location. (336) 362-1777.

Best Restaurants in the Northwest Greensboro Area

119 Cobblestone DrWhether you’re in the mood for something familiar or want to try something new, you’ll always have plenty of dining options in Greensboro. Whether you are new to the area or if you’ve lived here for years, these are some of the best restaurants in the northern Greensboro area. Once you’ve visited and tasted the food, you’ll be ready to make this place your home, and meet with custom home builders in Greensboro, NC, to plan your relocation.

Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen

Get the authentic southern dining experience in an upscale establishment. Serving some of your favorite down-home style meals that are staples here in the south, Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen offers a classy atmosphere with indoor and outdoor veranda seating. Food is made with fresh ingredients from the veggie cart full of produce from local farms. Currently serving lunch and dinner daily plus brunch on weekends.

Green Valley Grill

Mediterranean style cuisine authentically grilled on a wood-fired rotisserie with fresh local produce to complement each dish. Dine out in the courtyard that is reminiscent of old world Europe, or enjoy the indoor dining room and bar. Choose from craft beers, local wines, and cocktails to put the finishing touch on your dining experience.

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse

If you’re in the mood for a top quality USDA prime steak, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse is your place. Choose your cut from ribeye, filet, T-bone, New York strip, and more. Enjoy a variety of succulent sides and an extensive beer and wine list with local and domestic options.

Harper’s Restaurant

Looking for a more casual dining experience? Harper’s Restaurant serves American cuisine like BBQ, burgers, salads, sandwiches, seafood, steak, and more. Have a beer or glass of wine while you watch the game on any of the HDTVs inside or enjoy the fine weather on the outdoor patio.

Big Burger Spot

Another casual location, Big Burger Spot offers 13 different burger choices or a make-your-own burger option. Hotdogs and chicken tenders are also on the menu along with plenty of typical American sides like fries made in a variety of styles and loaded with toppings. Complete your meal with one of the delicious premium milkshakes.

As with the Food, Custom Home Builders in Greensboro, NC, Offer Many Choices

People seek out many different types of food just as home buyers are all looking for different types of homes. Just like you want your food prepared to your particular preferences, having choices when it comes to your home is just as important. Custom building a home is like ordering a perfect burger cooked to your liking with all of your favorite fixings and sides. Your builder is like your chef, listening to your order and designing and building your home to your preferences. Every feature, every detail is just as you want it. Work with custom home builders in Greensboro, NC, to build your dream home in the highly desired northern part of the city. Call (336) 362-1777 to schedule a consultation.

Benefits of Living in Summerfield, NC

Finished home in Summerfield, NCAre you looking for a place to settle down, to raise your kids out in the country where the green grass grows? Do you also need a place with a short commute to Greensboro or High Point? Summerfield fits this description and then some. New home neighborhoods are growing quickly. Custom built homes are going up in spectacular fashion, the most beautiful of which can be credited to a premier home builder in Summerfield, NC—Don Mills.

A Short Commute to Greensboro, High Point, and Winston Salem

Known as the Piedmont Triad, the cities of Greensboro, High Point, and Winston Salem form a loose triangle on the map in the foothills region of North Carolina. A diverse economy, the Triad is rich in opportunity. Summerfield is convenient to all three cities, yet still offers a small town sense of community. Just hop on Highway 220 and head into Greensboro or Interstate 73 straight to the Piedmont Triad International airport. From there catch 68 into High Point or continue on Interstate 40 (or go north and grab 158 if you prefer the back roads) to get to Winston Salem. Whether its work or entertainment that brings you to the city, the drive is quick and easy.

Scenic Landscapes, Fresh Air, and Greenways

The landscape showcases the beauty of rolling hills and lush green forests. You’ll know you’ve left the city and entered the country by the smell of the air and the view of open land. Summerfield Community Park and Summerfield Athletic Park offer recreational opportunities of all kinds from ballgames to hiking trails. Picnic beside serene waters at Community Park and experience nature in all its glory. Catch the Anna Long Marshall Wayside which connects to the Atlantic and Yadkin Greenway, linking the Greenways throughout Greensboro into one long trail system. Summerfield is its own community, yet still connected to the city in so many ways.

Family-Friendly Neighborhoods and Top Notch Schools

New homes are going up in some great neighborhoods in Summerfield. Birkhaven and others have ready-to-build lots just waiting to provide the foundation for someone’s dream home. Outside of the city limits, you can avoid the higher taxes that Greensboro residents pay and still enjoy great schools. Summerfield Elementary and Summerfield Charter Academy received high ratings on greatschools.org, meaning your kids can get a quality education close to home. For these reasons and many more, Summerfield is an ideal place to raise a family.

Don Mills Builders, a Leading New Home Builder in Summerfield, NC

Are you ready to slow the pace of life and take time to smell the roses? Consider having a custom home designed and built for you and your family out in the country. Don Mills designs luxurious homes that are built to your specifications. Every detail, every feature, every dream you’ve wanted for your future home can become your present home. Realize your dreams this year through a new home builder in Summerfield, NC, who knows the area and the business inside and out. Call today for a free consultation: (336)362-1777.

Apple Grove

As part of the Arbor Run community located in the Oakridge and Stokesdale area, the Apple Grove development offers all brick and stone design homes on half acre or more size cul-de-sac lots, as well as an available pond lot. With access to Arbor Run’s private community clubhouse, pool, and tennis courts, you can build the home of your dreams in Apple Grove.

Homes in Apple Grove, Oakridge

Part of the Arbor Run community located in the Oakridge and Stokesdale area, the Apple Grove development offers all brick and stone design homes on half acre plus size cul-de-sac lots as well as an available pond lot. With access to Arbor Run’s private community clubhouse, pool, and tennis courts, you can build the home of your dreams in Apple Grove.

7604 Braelands Drive, Summerfield, NC – SOLD

Featured in the 2014 Spring Parade of Homes. This home has been SOLD.

Address 7604 Braelands Drive, Summerfield, NC
Price $629,000
Bedrooms 4
Bathrooms 4
Square Feet 4,371
Year Built 2014
Elementary School Oak Ridge Elementary
Middle School Northwest Middle
High School Northwest High