what's out there besides Cary or Apex for great schools in affordable areas? (Charlotte: real estate)

[mom4life5]

Hubby moving family to do PhD work in Raleigh area but can commute up to 4 hours to campus. We've done our homework about the school system in Wake County and the desirability of the Triangle area however, I would like to remain a stay at home mom, as much as possible, with three soon-to-be teenagers and find that the real estate $$$ and the size of the classrooms in the Middle Schools of Cary/Apex make us want to look elsewhere. Any suggestions? Thanks so much in advance! This site is so helpful!

[MikeJaquish]

Well, it would be easier if we know what you need in a home.

Homes in Cary and Apex range from $150,000+/- to, wellllll, really high.

I would guess you want 4 bedrooms and a bonus room.
2.5 or 3 baths.
2500SF.

Consider Holly Springs and Fuquay Varina.
Consider Morrisville, Raleigh, Johnston County.

4 hours? You could live in Charlotte....

[henriInCary]

4 hours commute? You could live almost anywhere in NC and still make it to Raleigh in 4 hours. You could even live in VA or SC ...

[Ellen Pitts]

My hubby is at the end of writing his dissertation - he's at UVA so also commuting - and the two things that have been important are 1) being near the library and 2) being near his advisor. Out of sight, out of mind has really rung true for my husband and he's gotten very little input from his advisor. It's been a hard road. If it were at all possible, I would be near the people that will influence his project. Although, Charlottesville is under 4 hours and a beautiful place to live! :-) I don't know anything about the schools though.