From DC to NC - Feedback appreciated (Charlotte, Raleigh: apartments, renting)

[From DC to NC]

I've been reading some threads this weekend and notice how helpful your feedback is, so thanks in advance.

my fiance' and i are planning to relocate from the DC suburbs to NC.

our motivation in moving is based on just wanting a change and a new start and enjoying a better cost of living. dc is outrageous as far as housing and affordability.

I plan to visit and continue my research on the best place for us but I'm leaning toward the Triangle area.

any suggestions on an ideal place for us based on the following criteria:

*we want to be reasonably safe and in a diverse area.

*we'd like to be within close proximity to the city but are comfortable living in the 'burbs. best of both worlds would be great.

*we're in our later 30s. our party hard days are just about over but we appreciate a little nightlife a couple times a month.

*we want affordable housing. we want to purchase a home (maybe within the 200K range, maybe a 3 bedroom, new construction, etc.)

*i work in advertising/marketing, he works in transportation as a city bus driver but we have aspirations to start and grow our own business.

*overall we welcome a change in scenery and the opportunity to see a little fruits of our labor. like i said, dc is very expensive and we're a little over it.

if there's any additional info i can provide, please let me know. thanks again!

[SunnyKayak]

I would recommend Huntersville, North Carolina Town of Huntersville, North Carolina
It a rather new suburb of Charlotte so almost everything has a new feel to it.
Right beside Lake Norman so you can enjoy the recreation that comes along with it.
Low Crime
You can get a nice size house for 200k
Quite a few pubs and some are even on the Lake or you can go Uptown Charlotte within 25 minutes to enjoy its nightlife.
Majority of people are around your age so you can make friends with similar interest.
I see no problem with both of your Career fields in the Charlotte area.
Charlotte transit system is the largest system in the state C.A.T.S.

You will be 2 hours from Mountains and 3 hours to the beach when you need to get away. Lots of festivals and events going on around Spring thru Summer to keep you occupied.

[From DC to NC]

Thanks!

Also, just to clarify we will be renting first, for about a year, (2 BR) before purchasing a home. We'd like to find an apartment no more that 900 or so.

[MrsSteel]

If you're interested in the Triangle, you should check out the forum dedicated to that area.
Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary - City-Data Forum: Relocation, Moving, Local City Discussions
There are a lot of very helpful people there, but many of them don't wander over to this section of the forum.

[SunnyKayak]

Originally Posted by From DC to NC

Thanks!

Also, just to clarify we will be renting first, for about a year, (2 BR) before purchasing a home. We'd like to find an apartment no more that 900 or so.

Here is a list of safe apartments within walking distance to restaurants
http://www.city-data.com/forum/2414980-post5.html