Quote:
Originally Posted by mamom
We are a family of 5 living in a seaside town about 20 miles north of Boston, MA. We have always loved and vacationed in the Carolinas and have this burning feeling that we could have a better quality of life there ..not that it's not good here, but we keep thinking there is something better. I know of at least 2 families that have left this area because they just can't afford to be here anymore, but there is a stigma attached to moving to the Carolina's--too much cookie-cutter construction.
We are looking for an upscale town fairly close to a major metropolitan area would love the water, but could do without and don't want rural. We have 2 school age children and a toddler and would probably send them to private/parochial school, but would like the option of an excellent public school. We don't want our house to look like every other one in the neighborhood, but would prefer new construction. We would love a neighborhood like when we were kids where everyone plays outside and neighbors walk by and actually say hello. We would like to be close to shopping and Coffee Shops, parks and restaurants and most important, low crime rate and a place where there is a real sense of community. Our price range would be anywhere from $600,000 - $800,000. Does this place exist or just in our imagination???
P.S> we checked out Chappel Hill a few years back and didn't care for it at all.
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OK, so you didn't like Chapel Hill. It could be because it is filling up with northerners (don't be offended as I am from RI and my Wife is from MA). The greater Raleigh area consists of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. Have you checked out Raleigh and even Apex?
We left New England for NC 10 plus years ago and won't ever go back there!!!!! Sounds like you want a real metro area so I would suggest you post your information request in the Charlotte Forum/The Raleigh forum/.
Yes, the place you are looking for does exist here and the cost of living is much lower, the quality of life is slower and healthier.
After you read all the comments in both Charlotte and Raleigh threads you may wish also to look at Winston-Salem and Wilmington (on the coast).
Like us you have to do lots of research and the ultimately have to "walk the ground" here to really see if NC life is for you.
. Unlike you we chose to live the rural life after too many years in big cities....but from what you have posted I would say that Wilmington would be a nice fit for you.