Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, CaryThe Triangle Area
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Hello! Long time lurker first time poster here. After a lot, lot, lot of research I'm finally scheduled to visit the Raleigh area and burbs at the end of the month to see things in person. I'm so excited! I'm looking to relocate my family (me, husband and 3 year old and one of the way) to the Raleigh area within the next year or so. I won't be moving until we, at the very least, start a job search and secure an offer or two but I want to be sure I actually want to live there first! Our lines of work do well in the area so I'm not concerned but we have some timing hurdles to get through over the next 12 months. I'll likely start applying while on maternity leave next year.
I want what everyone else wants when looking for a new home: affordable single family (350k and under for 3-4 bdrm), family friendly backyard space, good public school, decent (under and hour) commute, cute walkable downtowns, family friendly neighborhoods, town events and gatherings etc. Now I've done as much online research as I can and have decided to check out the following towns: Raleigh, Holly Springs, Cary, Apex, Wake Forest, Chapel Hill.
I'd love input on if anything is a waste of time or if I'm missing something major. I'd love to visit and walk some of the greenways more but I know not everyone in our party will be excited to do so (meeting family there who will also be relocating). I had Lake Jordan - Seaforth Beach as a morning destination but it was vetoed so keep that in mind as well. Would love to hear your thoughts! Should also note, our available prospecting days are saturday through thursday. I've factored in driving times and walking times. We plan on seeing some open houses and visiting a few food stores as well on days the agenda isn't packed. While trying to be considerate of the family likes and dislike's I've kept the agenda pretty safe, I think.
Day One: Raleigh: Breakfast @ Rise Biscuits & Donuts - Holly Springs location, State Farmers Market, The Pit BBQ for lunch, then walk around the city, Coffee shop break, Marbles Kids Museum, Dinner at Big Daddy's Burger Bar (falls of neuse rd - raleigh location), after dinner ice cream at Buster's real ice cream, stroll around
Day Two: Durham: Duke University Chapel, Cary: Kids Together park, Cary's Downtown Chowdown - food truck festival, Explore Cary Downtown, Dinner at the Mac House
Day Three: Fruity Pickin' Storytime (Grapes Edition) at Millstone Creek Orchards, Durham: Lunch at Dames Chicken and Waffles, Museum of Life and Science, Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Day Four: Apex & Holly Springs: Schools/see neighborhoods, Open Houses, Raleigh: Pullen Park, Lunch - picnic lunch in the park, NC Museum of Natural sciences, Videri Chocolate Factory, Dinner at Tupelo Honey
Day Five: Free day – likely do more open houses and drive around neighborhoods. See that castle in chapel hill and explore those neighborhoods – will probably leave the husbands and kids at hotel pool for a break
Looks good. Just temper your expectations on the "cute walkable downtowns". The downtowns don't really compare to what you might find in the NE, it's more subdivisions and strip malls down here.
@m378 Thank you - it's a necessity as we'll have 3 toddlers and 1 reluctant husband with us! I've also been researching for a good 6 months.
@SaucyAussie - Agreed. I'm in north jersey and there are only 2 that we can drive to within 15 minutes and even those lack appeal. My current town, and neighboring towns, have nothing to offer in terms of downtown or shops. There may be a one off restaurant to visit. It seems like Apex and Wake Forest at least have walking trails to get you out of the house, even if it isn't a traditional downtown setting. It's just nice being able to have the option. Here, I can dodge traffic for fun
@m378 Thank you - it's a necessity as we'll have 3 toddlers and 1 reluctant husband with us! I've also been researching for a good 6 months.
@SaucyAussie - Agreed. I'm in north jersey and there are only 2 that we can drive to within 15 minutes and even those lack appeal. My current town, and neighboring towns, have nothing to offer in terms of downtown or shops. There may be a one off restaurant to visit. It seems like Apex and Wake Forest at least have walking trails to get you out of the house, even if it isn't a traditional downtown setting. It's just nice being able to have the option. Here, I can dodge traffic for fun
If walking trails are your thing then Cary has a ton. For downtowns, Wake Forest is my favorite, followed by FV, Carrboro, and even Cary is up and coming. Apex is "cute", but literally a block long, and feels a bit manufactured.
If you're going to Holly Springs on day four, don't bother going all the way to the HS Rise location on the first day. Just do breakfast at the Farmers Market.
I think some days are definitely heavier than others. We're not married to any dinner plans and would be just as happy grabbing a pizza and going back to the hotel if time gets tight, or kids start to lose it. I just dont want to miss an opportunity to showcase what the area has to offer compared to what is available to us at home. I'd rather be over scheduled and decide what can be dropped (like the Duke gardens or a lunch spot) than have to scramble to find something to do if that makes sense. You should see my rainy day back up schedule!!
If you think it's doable, i can hustle and make it work!!
If you're going to Holly Springs on day four, don't bother going all the way to the HS Rise location on the first day. Just do breakfast at the Farmers Market.
Great idea, thanks! I think I'm underestimating the size of the market.
If walking trails are your thing then Cary has a ton. For downtowns, Wake Forest is my favorite, followed by FV, Carrboro, and even Cary is up and coming. Apex is "cute", but literally a block long, and feels a bit manufactured.
Good luck!
Helpful having the preference list, thank you! I think we'll want to drive through either FV or Carrboro on the free day.
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