NJ Equestrian and IT husband move to NC? (Charlotte, Raleigh: for sale, houses)

[macfilly]

My husband and I are considering moving to NC from NJ - I'm big into the equestrian show-jumping scene, and he's an IT-computer guy (.net and software packaging). Does anyone know where we could find show-barns and horse shows for me, a good IT job for him (without a crazy commute) AND a nice suburban home for the both of us? From what I can tell there is a decent horse community in Southern Pines, but it seems like there's NOTHING else there (except golf). We're not looking to spend more than $600K for a nice 3 BR suburban home with a yard. I also would like to be within an hour drive from the beach. We'd really appreciate any input you might have. THANKS!!

[roadpony]

Moderator cut: url removed
If you haven't already checked out the NC Hunter Jumper Association, there are some good equine resources there... http://www.nchja.com/

I have Saddlebreds and Hackneys, so can't help you with the H/J scene in NC. However, I would think that Charlotte and Raleigh/Durham are your best bets for most of your requirements, but neither is within an hour of the beach.

[North_Raleigh_Guy]

Originally Posted by roadpony

However, I would think that Charlotte and Raleigh/Durham are your best bets for most of your requirements, but neither is within an hour of the beach.

I agree with those suggestions. I think the criteria of 1 hour from the beach may be a tough one to meet given the other requirements.

[yttrium]

You could relocate to Cary Moderator cut: off topic like a lot of northerner's have. You'd be close to hunt complex at NCSU which has horse shows all the time (NCDA&CS - N.C. State Fair Division) and be close to companies like SAS Institute, Cisco, Red Hat, etc..and i'm sure you could find a home for under 600K in Cary. A friend of mine just bought a new 5 bedroom home for 530k and he has a yard. The beach is about 2 to 2.5 hrs away.

[al_roethlisberger]

The only thing I would caution against is moving here without first securing a job, unless you have quite a cushion or have experience and skillset that is in very high demand.

Although this is a great place for tech, especially in the Triangle and Charlotte regions, a lot of people have come into this market over the last few years and some have found the job market challenging due to a lot of competition.

Although again, that being said, if you have some cushion and aren't necessarily in a rush, then you'll likely find the cost of living and other factors to your advantage.

Except for some really upscale locations, you should have no problem finding a home for under $600k, heck well under $400-500k, and if you aren't looking for something in town, probably $300k or less. Here in Sanford, you can buy a mansion for $300k or lots of land, maybe both Many houses go for $100-250k.

BTW, and on that note, you might consider Sanford. We've got industry here, even some tech/pharma, and are really quite close and nearly equidistant(30-60 min) from Raleigh/Durham, Greensboro, and Fayetteville. So we're in close striking distance to the bigger cities for work/play, but also just far enough to maintain that small town feel.

We've got quite a lot going on as far as new investment, but prices for residential and commercial are really competitive, and we've got loads of rural areas ideal for livestock. So just another option to consider.

Good luck!
Al

[nyxmike]

Look at Charlotte or The Triangle for tech jobs. I don't know much about the equestrian scene in The Triangle (I am sure there are horse farms), but every year in Charlotte there is a horse show called The Queen's Cup Steeplechase. It is south of Charlotte in Union County (lots of suburban communities and lots of upscale homes plus horse farms).

Steeplechase

Like other people have said, make sure you have a job before moving!

[GouldCottage]

You might find the local paper and Sandhills Guide interesting to see what goes on in Southern Pines. We moved down from NY because the town was a good place to relocate my renovation business ( lots of older homes )

We don't ride or play much golf, and still find lots to do. Quite a few folks from the North East here and area is growing.

The area is really 3 towns Pinehurst, Aberdeen and Southern Pines.

Good Luck, here is a link to the paper www.thepilot.com Welcome to the Sandhills of Moore County, North Carolina

[leper65]

I agree the Raleigh area is going to be your best bet, you'll be maybe 2 hours from the beach though. NC really supports the equine sports industries. The Horse Complex at the fair grounds in Raleigh has something going on there all the time. Here's their calendar of events for 2008.

http://www.ncstatefair.org/events/horse08.htm

It was mostly geared towards western around here, but in the last 10 years, the English/Hunter/Jumper has really taken off. My wife started out with Hunter/Jumper but now sticks to Dressage. There are a few qood tack shops around, Triangle Horse Spots and M&M Tack...those are the ones my wife haunts anyways.

I don't think getting work in IT would be too difficult either, Raleigh seems to be expanding rapidly, lots of companies moving down here.

We live about a 45 min. - 1 hour South East of Raleigh and bought a 2000 sq ft home (3 Br/2 Ba, in-ground pool) with 29+ acres for just over 300K earlier this year. Good Luck!

[macfilly]

Thanks so much for your replies! Does anyone know the Hunter-Jumper Horse Show scene? And does anyone know any A-show H/J trainers in the area? Thanks!

[chuck_rice]

There have been a couple of very nice horse farms up for sale around lee county as of late. Check local realtors/MLS. Also google Horse Farms, NC and see the results.