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Does anyone have any tips for where we could go and look at nice communities/areas which are within a short drive of Durham Academy? I really liked Chapel Hill when we were there a few days ago but didn't see many residential parts. Does anyone know where we should go and look at nice roads/areas/communities? Also google maps tells me that from Chapel Hill to Durham academy is a 12 minute drive. Is that realistic at peak times when I would be taking children to school?
By "communities", I assume you mean neighborhoods? There is no real between Durham and Chapel Hill. They abut each other. Neighborhoods in eastern Chapel Hill include Colony Woods, Meadowmont, Falconbridge. There are some nice neighborhoods off Weaver Dairy Rd in Chapel Hill and Erwin Rd, too. I think Lochn'ora is one in Durham off Old Erwin Rd.
As for the 12 minutes, that depends entirely on where you live in Chapel Hill. It might be accurate. It might be more. It could even be less if you're right on the border of Chapel Hill and Durham.
It's likely that if you live in Chapel Hill the potential friends in your neighborhood would go to Chapel Hill schools. The excellent public schools are a big selling point for families relocating to the area, especially for families with gifted children. If you're set on private school, you'll more likely save money living in Durham.
If you're going with Durham Academy, then Hillsborough is worth consideration. There is also a lot of unincorporated land between Chapel Hill and Hillsborough that could work well. You'll have easy access to I-85, and possibly 15-501. You would still be close enough to enjoy all of the cultural activities in Chapel Hill, but avoid paying the higher tax rate for the city schools. There is a small community off Millhouse Rd that might work (look for Blackwood Mountain Rd).
The neighborhoods along Erwin Rd and Mt Moriah Rd are the closest to Durham Academy.
Thanks PoppyDog - why are CH schools good for gifted children? What would you say are the best public schools for elementary and middle school that parents really want to send their children to in that area?
Mpheels - thank you - We will go and investigate there later today.
There are some nice areas north of I-40 along Whitfield Road. While outside town limits, I believe some of those areas may still be in the CHCCS school district.
there are lots of really nice houses right around Durham Academy. Off Ridge Road, Randolph, Pickett, Erwin, and all over that area. Of course, I guess this really depends on your definition of "nice." It would really help if you gave some details on what type of house you are looking for.
CHCCS has a high percentage of gifted kids (something like 30% of kids score above the 95% aptitude required for placement in the gifted programs). There are at least 4 levels of gifted programming in CHCCS including LEAP which is a self-contained program for kids performing 2 or more years above grade level with a score of 99% or better on assessments. Public school is bigger, but there is greater diversity both in student body as well as course offerings. You can read more about gifted education in Chapel Hill Carrboro schools here: http://www.chccs.k12.nc.us/res_view_...serGroupType=G .
Especially if your time is limited, I'd seek out a realtor who works a lot in CH and Durham. I can't quite tell if you are seeking out more of an uppercrust (for the Triangle anyway) lifestyle, or just really safe options since you completely new to the area.
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