Harnett County towns (Raleigh, Fayetteville, Apex: for sale, real estate, rental)

[FreeSpirit48]

I am considering making a move from my rental to making a home purchase, which is also having me consider where I want to be. I'm torn between staying somewhat local because I'm getting used to the area and feel somewhat comfortable, and for several more reasons, and moving to the coast carolina Beach - Holden Beach area. That's how I found this site - searching for ionof. I think reading posts from real people with real insights is valuable. So now I want to pose a question to gain more information.

In either case, housing costs and finaces are an issue. carolina Beach is still too pricey, even in this down market (I was hoping I could do it though!) Holden Beach area is possible.

But to stay in the area where I am now - Apex - it's too pricey now, though again, I wish I could buy here. I know Fuquay-Varina is lower priced and a growing/developing area. So I started to wonder about going even further away, like into Harnett Co., but I know nothing about any of those towns. I hope to hear from those who know to tell me about the county: Is rural? What are good areas, rough areas, young proffesional areas, retirement areas, blue collar areas, rich areas, under-developed but may be developed soon, a good place where an investment in real estate could grow in a few years, etc. Is it artsy? Is it farmers? Is it high tech? Is it hustle-bustle or slower paced?

I'd be looking for a place that is what Apex was like about 5-7 years ago, nice, charming, not yet developed, but that is likely to see growth soon, and close to anything that I'd ever want.

I'm in my late 40's and single. I want to feel safe, yet have a nice selection (for a mate!). I want conveniences, and a place of my own for at least 5 years, maybe more. My price range is low, I know, but the market is such that I'm hoping it's an opportunity for me to finally have a place of my own. My price range is $150,000 max. ($120-135,000 preferred) Condo only if it's ocean front! If I could find anything on Carolina Beach for that price, I'm interested. To stay near here, I'd like some elbow room - as much as possible. Three BR (or more), 2 BA(or more), one story preferred. Suburb/country.

Thanks in advance for all information!

[lynddsy]

don't know how far of a commute you have to go but, have you checked angier? small town,quiet, no evening entertainment but, not far from fuquay. then again you can go to garner for some night life. if you follow 55, you will run right into it. lots of rural areas to buy houses or there may be some closer to town. stay away from the area around the mobile home park that is in town. while they are trying to get it cleaned up(i think) there are alot of drugs in that area and behind mcdonalds. businesses there are grocery stores, auto, a few restaurants, and other mis. shops. hope i could help.

[Kanda]

There are tons of houses in Erwin for sale at great prices, for example, 1800 s.f. with large fenced in back yard and wired barn for less than 150K. On the flip side, Erwin is struggling economically. We are a mill town that no longer has a mill. When it closed, our economy hit rock bottom, we also lost our hospital. But luckily for us, we are close to Raleigh and Fayetteville, so our people can commute to the biggger cities for better pay, but still live here with lower cost of living. (If you can handle a 35-45 min. commute). I think Harnett County is a good choice for people who do not have school aged children. Our public school system is severely lacking, with no charter schools, magnet schools, and only one private school. I think our school system is one thing that keeps people from considering Harnett County when looking to relocate.