Harnett or Clayton Comparison (Dunn, Angier: transplants, schools, university)

[buckeye40]

Can someone give a fair comparison between the two countis? And what cities in Harnett County are like? Any thoughts on Angier, Coats and Barclaysville? Thanks for your help in advance.

[FVmommy]

I don't know much about Clayton, but my impression is that schools there are MUCH better than in Harnett. You'll also find MANY more transplants in the Clayton area. I would say Clayton is well on its way in the transition from rural to suburban, while the Harnett county towns are still distinctly rural.

I did live in Coats for a couple of years (11 years ago) when I was a student at Campbell University (in Harnett) - it's a very small town with a very rural feel and very few amenities (would drive the 15-20 minutes to Fuquay or Dunn for even basic shopping, restaurants, etc). That said, I loved the people and the church I attended there and was made to feel very welcomed. I felt a real sense of community. There are a number of people who live there and commute to the Triangle. But my sense is that most of them grew up in the area, and it is a long commute. I have visited Coats since returning to NC 2 years ago, and while Fuquay Varina has changed immensely in the last 10 years, Coats seemed pretty much the same.

I do prefer Coats to Angier - Angier just doesn't "feel" right to me, though Sunny Skies ice cream is quite yummy.