New college grad considering move to Raleigh (Cary, Apex: apartments, houses)

[nwm5709]

I am a Mechanical Engineering student in upstate NY, graduating this May and I'm 22yrs old. I have been applying to a lot of places all over the country including locations in CA and Boulder, CO. However, one of my offers is for a position in Cary, NC.

I have been to Raleigh a few times as my two sisters have recently moved there and bought themselves their first houses. My first impression is that it is a great place to start your life, as the cost of living is so much less than NY. I want to live in a more urban area with more to do and with plenty of things within walking distance. For this reason I would be leaning more towards living downtown in Raleigh, rather than one of its outlying suburbs. Also, I am very active. I run, bike, and workout a lot, and I like to go out and experience the night life on the weekends.

Can anyone give me some good advice? Is there an area that would suit me best? Is there a lot to do and a lot to see that would keep me busy?

[zthatzmanz28]

With employment and a plan, the Triangle area is nice. Depending on your income and what lifstyle you want to live there are quite a few nice areas around Cary. For me Cary has 5,000 too many cars and is very contemporary, which is great if you like that sort of thing. Apex is just around the corner and there is Holly Springs. Jordan Lake has trails and outdoorsy stuff.
You have the most important piece--EMPLOYMENT, now yoy will need to decide what you what to spend and how far you want to commute.

[lovebrentwood]

You will be as busy as you want to be.

Check out Meetup.com to see what people with similar interests are doing in the area.

As your siblings have probably told you, the summers are wicked compared to upstate New York. If you can get used to the heat, you'll be fine outdoors. Spring and fall weather is nice and longer than upstate NY, too, so that's good if you like outdoor activities.

[nwm5709]

Thank you for your responses. I think I can manage with the heat. I am sick of the cold long winters up here in NY anyway. I checked out Meetup.com which looks like a great site to find clubs and activities.

I would say that my price range for housing would be somewhere around $800/month? Maybe a tad more? Is this reasonable to find a nice place downtown? Are there any specific places that would be a walkable distance from restaurants and bars and all?

Thanks

[lovebrentwood]

Try the Peace Street, Cameron Village area -- apartments in homes. There is also "Raleigh Apartments" -- Google it, they are reasonably priced apartments in 3-story old brick buildings but are ancient...but convenient to what you want.

[zthatzmanz28]

Originally Posted by nwm5709

Thank you for your responses. I think I can manage with the heat. I am sick of the cold long winters up here in NY anyway. I checked out Meetup.com which looks like a great site to find clubs and activities.

I would say that my price range for housing would be somewhere around $800/month? Maybe a tad more? Is this reasonable to find a nice place downtown? Are there any specific places that would be a walkable distance from restaurants and bars and all?

Thanks

I have heard there are many apts within that range in Raleigh. You might even find a house on the out lying areas. Downtown will be you best location for what you are looking for and ease of walking...