I think the retailers see an economy in Albemarle that justifies them opening a business on the bypass. Those stores will serve more than just Albemarle but I do not know if the opening of the stores relates to an increase in the school age population. There is a lot of traffic on that road and I would think that is what the businesses see along with the success of other businesses there.
If AHS closes I am not sure we will see a drop of 25% due to the already low housing prices and other factors that may have some influence. Some feel that house prices have remained stagnant partially due to the issues that exist at AHS? I was told last school year that a majority of students at AHS do not live in residences that their parents own. I cannot verify that with any documentation but the person that told me would have some idea of this. That would not surprise me though as I do not see that as just Albemarle. I have been told by several people that they did not move into the county or they moved out of the county, not just Albemarle, due to concern with the school system as a whole although the people work in the county. Their fear was not schools closing but strictly educational. Where does the city council and chamber of commerce stand on this? I would think those entities would be out front leading the charge.
Homeowners near Stanly Community College and west are concerned that their neighborhoods and homes will be districted to AHS for high school. The number one concern I have heard is the issues of academics and discpline at AHS with number two concern being drop in housing values. They are not closing a school but being redistricted. I have a strong belief that housing prices are determined as much by the schools performance, perception, and reputation, as it is by having one in the town. Just my personal opinion.