Considering relocating to Raleigh from NY (Durham, Cameron: apartments, rentals, lofts)

[SunnyInNY]

I'm a 29 year old single black female living in the suburbs north of NYC and I've recently decided that I need a change. I've decided that Raleigh could be a nice place for me to start over but I've never visited. I do plan on visiting within the next few months.
I would want to live close to the downtown area so I have more opportunities to make friends and enjoy what the city has to offer. So far I've found a few apartments that seem affordable ($700-$1000 range) but I don't know what neighborhoods are clean and safe. I'm from a middle class area so that's the kind of environment where I would feel the most comfortable. What neighborhoods are considered ethnically and culturally diverse? I have friends from different ethnic backgrounds so it would be nice to live in an area that had a decent mix of people.
I have a 2yr accounting degree and am working towards a bachelors (will be done by the end of 2012) in business so any advice on my likelihood of finding a decent paying job (30K-40K)? I was thinking I would go for something administrative or entry level accounting. How is the overall job market?

[Francois]

Ethnic mix won't be a problem in Raleigh, Durham, or anywhere else in the Triangle. There are lots of condos downtown that are being rented (tons of buildings went up right before the crash, couldn't sell and are now rentals), and any of the big condo buildings would be safe. Slightly west of downtown, towards, NCSU and Cameron Village, are many more apartments, and also a safe, interesting area. Downtown Durham (which you didn't mention, but should go on and check out while you are here) is undergoing an "urban renaissance" and lots of old tobacco warehouses are being made into lofts, tons of new restaurants and clubs, very cool vibe.

As for jobs, this area is in the same recession everywhere else is, so it's best to be on the hunt now, not wait until you graduate. This has become a very "hot spot", on many magazine lists, and the competition for open jobs has skyrocketed in the past couple of years as people from out of state are clamoring to move here (so sayeth HR folks who've posted here). So start your search sooner rather than later, whether you decide you want to relocate here or wherever else.

[SunnyInNY]

Thanks Francois, you're post was very helpful. I do plan on looking for work now and hopefully I can get a good paying job with just some college under my belt. I didn't think of looking into Durham as well but I'll check out the area as well.

[NYNP74]

Hi Sunny, How did the search go? I am also from northern NY and looking to relocate to raleigh. What areas if any did you decide on?