The 5 Best Things about Living in Jessup Ridge

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

    Let Expert Home Builders in Greensboro, NC Create Your Dream House

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    For anyone planning to buy a home or move to the area, knowing what options are available are a huge help. It may seem unnecessary to have a home built considering all of the homes available for sale, but a custom-built house has several advantages. Expert home builders in Greensboro, NC like Don Mills Builders, Inc. are able to work with you build the perfect house including all the amenities you’d love to have in your home. Jean Folger in her article for Investopedia talked about some of the advantages of having a new house built:

    A new house may literally be better for you. “A new home is less likely to have the health concerns or toxic materials of an older home – things such as asbestos, lead paint, mold, etc.,” says Burtt. And it can be built with certain materials making it better for the environment. “Green appliances/Energy Star rated appliances, and more efficient toilets, plumbing fixtures and electrical fixtures allow you to build “green” for a more sustainable home in the long run. And you have the option to install, sleeve and/or wire for future technology upgrades, such as home automation and solar,” says Burtt.

    Another advantage to having a home built to your specifications is that the house will have all the features that you want. No need to look at all the homes for sale in Greensboro, NC, checking for ones that meet your specifications; with a home built according to your plans and preferences, you’ll be quite happy to immediately move into it when it’s finished. For example, if you want a house with a specific number of bedrooms or want a home with a workshop, you can just discuss it with your trusted builder and have him include it in the construction plan.

    Building from scratch also means you don’t have to worry about any of the shortcomings of previous owners. Maybe an old owner modified the house to include a lounge that you don’t want, or the windows are too small. Needless to say, renovating a house to meet your tastes can be as expensive as building a new one. Therefore, as long as you have the resources for it, it’s much easier to invest in a brand-new home that reflects your personality rather than trying to change an old one.

    Building a new home can, admittedly, have a high price tag and take some time. However, considering all the advantages, it can be well worth the expense.

    (Source: Should You Buy Or Build A Home?, Investopedia)

    Greensboro Home Building

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      There are many key decisions to consider when planning to build a home in Greensboro. A great home is one that you are happy to wake up in every day. It is efficient in its layout and usage, is interesting yet practical, and brings joy into the very basics of living. These 8 steps will help to guide you through the process:

    1. Plan and Design of Home Building

      2. The design process is the most important part of building your new home. No matter how good your blueprints are, no matter how competent your builder, your plan must be well thought out and logically developed to ensure a well constructed home that meets your needs, your lifestyle and your unique personality.

      The planning and design phase involves using creativity and visualization to realize your likes and dislikes. It involves honest communication with others: your spouse and/or children, your designer and builders, and your banker. Take the time to discuss compromises and different options. Visualize your finished home from the inside out, the feel of each room, corner and hallways. In short, what it will be like to live in.

    2. Home Construction Regulations

      3. Often there are many regulatory requirements that affect your project, from zoning to allowable setbacks, buildable area, height restrictions, sewage disposal, water and utilities and many more. We are familiar with all regulations to take this stress off of you.

    3. Budget for Building Your Home

      4. Too many people travel far down the road to their dream home only to find out that they can’t afford it, sometimes after construction is already finished. Not only is it important to be perfectly clear about the overall cost of the home you wish to build, but the amount of the monthly mortgage payment (factoring in for times of higher interest rates) and the effect on your overall life cash flow as well. And it is important to include all costs, not just construction costs in your budget.

      There are additional ‘soft’ costs including design and engineering fees, surveying, driveway and landscaping, septic fields, and building permit fees or development charges. Don Mills will help you decide on a budget that includes all costs with no hidden fees.

    4. Technical Aspects of the Building Process

      5. Don’t forget to consider the physical attributes of the building site: access, wind and sun exposure, and septic field capacity to name a few.

    5. Home Plan Evaluation

      6. Assign areas where specific rooms will be located. Look at access and circulation and begin finalizing a realistic budget. Undertake the difficult but extremely important step of matching your dream with the reality of your financial situation. It is important to build with unforeseen costs and extra spending for special features in mind. It may be necessary to modify your plan at this stage. Double up the function of a couple of rooms, eliminate some rooms entirely, finish the basement at a later date, or tighten up the entire floor plan. The importance of this step cannot be over-emphasized. These are the critical decisions that still allow you to have the well designed and beautiful home you want at a price you can afford. At this point you may not have even looked at floor plans nor put pencil to paper. But you are well on the road to having an exceptional home.

    6. Drawing Process

      7. This phase is best left up to us. It is helpful for all parties involved if you write down some of your thoughts on paper and have a rough idea of what you want.

      We will help you establish relationships between the various rooms, help choose the primary orientation and the general feel of the home. This is the initial step to creating blueprints and should be reviewed many times by our design experts and yourself, the client. This is the time to make changes and add detail, because once the schematic drawings are finalized, it becomes much more costly to make changes so it is wise to spend extra time getting it right at the beginning.

    7. Home Design Development

      8. Next comes the technical side of design; attaching exact dimensions to each room, calculating wall heights, roof pitches and stair details, construction methods, etc. Your home is definitely beginning to take shape.

    8. Working Drawings

      9. There is little opportunity to make plan changes at this point, which become more expensive, but of course, less expensive than changes during construction. These drawings may include detailed specifications for materials and construction and schedules for doors, windows, and finishes.

      Give Don Mills Builders a call today. With our help throughout the entire process of home building, we can take your vision and transform it into your reality.

    By: Don Mills