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My husband and I are likely relocating to the Durham/Raleigh area this spring. We're self-employed so finding a job isn't an issue, we do however need fast internet and a reasonable commute to the airport. Reasonable is anything under an hour.
We're 50ish, kids are in college so school districts aren't an issue. What we would like is a lot of at least 1/4 acre with fruit trees and room for a good sized vegetable garden and green house. Maybe even a few chickens. I've heard that some HOAs require you to ask there permission for things like a compost heap, to me that's absurd, definitely want to avoid that.
As for the house, something around 2400 square feet, older construction is fine, and at a price under 325K.
Would really appreciate any suggestions of areas to look at. Duke Forest seems promising as does North Durham near Eno.
Would really appreciate any suggestions of areas to look at. Duke Forest seems promising as does North Durham near Eno.
Try Butner and Creedmore (Granville County) and look for a lot without too many trees. There's a Cape on South Elm Street in Creedmore with 6.5 acres where they allow horses and chickens; it has a lot of cleared land for a garden.
Last edited by goldenage1; 01-14-2012 at 05:31 PM..
I would think the houses in the Duke Forest area would have too much shade for real gardening.
My parents bought their house off of Leesville Road and filled their half acre with fig, peach, pear, pomegranate, and apple trees. I usually bum fruit off them in the summer. Anyway, I think the trick is just finding a lot that doesn't have too much shade and doesn't have a HOA that restricts chickens. Also don't bother looking at houses in Cary since they still haven't amended their chicken law though hopefully that will happen soon!
I also thought of Leesville area.
Springdale Estates and Springdale Gardens, with the trick being to find open lots for gardening among the heavily wooded neighborhood.
Their are older neighborhoods all across N Raleigh with large lots and fewer restrictions.
Chickens are something to check in any neighborhood. Even if there is no HOA, there may be covenants restricting chickens.
Might also want to consider unincorporated Wake County south of Raleigh.
Thanks for the advice, will check those areas out.
As for the chickens, that's not a deal breaker for us, more of an idle idea, but we definitely do want fruit trees and a good veggie garden.
My original idea was to be around Durham for access to that town and also Chapel Hill. We enjoy fine dining and cultural stuff, also independent bookstores, cool cafes, etc., so assume that being closer to the universities might be better for that. I have the idea that north Raleigh is the land of cookie cutter neighborhoods, minivans and chain restaurants, nothing wrong with that, it's just not where we are in life right now. If my assumptions are wrong, please let me know!
I think it's usually in the spring but I recommend going on Raleigh's Tour d Coop. You can see lots of urban chickens, beautiful veggie plots, and get a feel of various neighborhoods all in one afternoon. It's a lot of fun.
I think it's usually in the spring but I recommend going on Raleigh's Tour d Coop. You can see lots of urban chickens, beautiful veggie plots, and get a feel of various neighborhoods all in one afternoon. It's a lot of fun.
Thanks, that looks like a fun day out. Definitely seem like my type of people too, a good veggie plot, sustainability, and not being too far from town.
I'd look in the rural buffer zone north of Chapel Hill (more or less bracketed by I-85/I-40 and 15-501. Lots of affordable homes on acre plus lots in this area, due to restrictions on extending city services (ie...septic requires bigger lots). Predominantly Orange country with a little of western Durham mixed in. Will put you under 30 min to airport, and 5-15 min to duke/unc. Most homes in this area are on heavily treed lots, but there will be a good smattering of lots that get sunshine, and lots of neighbors have chickens.
I think it's usually in the spring but I recommend going on Raleigh's Tour d Coop. You can see lots of urban chickens, beautiful veggie plots, and get a feel of various neighborhoods all in one afternoon. It's a lot of fun.
Eva! You are just an endless source of valuable information!!!! I will make sure to plan a trip for one of my visits to Raleigh on that exact weekend.
My son just moved to Knightdale in a new subdivision I think in the 180 range but fully equipped.
Nice diverse neighbor group. He likes it.
Knightdale is a more economical area than many and services are ramping up.
We still love our apt on Capital Blvd but we're in a different stage of life than him and his wife.
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