I recommend somewhere in northern Rowan (and that’s Ro-ann around here) County if you are going to be going from Charlotte to Greensboro- the interstate runs through there and it makes the commute a bit easier. Also, if you go much further south than Concord there is a bit of a Yankee infestation. If you are into a rural setting avoid Mooresville or Huntersville- they are both rapidly becoming outer suburbs of Charlotte as that cancer spreads.
I am the youngest of the Boomers and need to stay away from the city. Concord seems to be the closest I can get. Charlotte Proper is off my Radar. Thanks to all that have responded to this thread.