Soon to be new to the area...looking for some input... (Raleigh: how much, unemployment)

[phatman]

Hi everybody,

My girlfriend and I will be moving to the Raleigh area within the next 2 months. We are coming early to scout work and housing in about a month and are doing as much research online as well. We understand unemployment is an issue but also believe that there is more opportunity in Raleigh then where we are right now. But rather than bore you with our stories, I would just appreciate any input on the following:

1) I work in the food and beverage industry and am just looking for your personal favorite eateries and/or bars.

2) Suggested areas to live outside Raleigh?

We checked out and took a liking to Zebulon, Wendell and Knightdale. Also going to look at Wake. We are looking to be close to the city but not live in it. We both really like younger thriving suburbs that have a decent downtown area.

Let me thank anyone in advance for posting. We appreciate anyone that takes the time and energy to help us in any way.

[bazers]

Sounds like Apex might fit the bill. Check out their downtown.

[RedZin]

I agree with the Apex suggestion. There's no "thriving downtown" in Wendell, Zebulon, OR Knughtdale.

You may also wanna consider Hillsborough if Apex turns out too pricey for you. Their downtown is on the upswing and already a really cute area with good restaurants and some shops.

You must be living someplace with pretty high unemployment?

It's around 9% here. Just FYI.

Good luck in your search!

[RaleighLass]

Thriving downtown is relative. Living in Knightdale or Wendell will get you close to downtown Raleigh, while feeling close to the countryside and living cheaper. They are good locations if you want to drive in to Raleigh for a thriving Urban feeling downtown with clubs, higher end restaurants, museums, etc. Apex is quaint downtown but in the Mayberry sense, not urban. Most of Wake County, including Apex, Cary, knightdale, etc, have the typical strip mall shopping areas.

[RedZin]

Oh. We have tons of chain restaurants around here. And a decent amount of local places.

What do you do in the industry?

[VickiR]

Originally Posted by RaleighLass

Thriving downtown is relative. Living in Knightdale or Wendell will get you close to downtown Raleigh, while feeling close to the countryside and living cheaper. They are good locations if you want to drive in to Raleigh for a thriving Urban feeling downtown with clubs, higher end restaurants, museums, etc. Apex is quaint downtown but in the Mayberry sense, not urban. Most of Wake County, including Apex, Cary, knightdale, etc, have the typical strip mall shopping areas.

So true!

Glenwood South (downtown Raleigh) has tons of restaurants. Just ate at Sullivan's. Delicious steaks.

Shouldn't take you more than 15 min. to get to downtown Raleigh from Knightdale.

Depending on what you do in the restaurant industry, there seem to be always hiring. There is a huge turnover in the restaurant business.

We have tons of restaurants, including chains, in the area, so best of luck to you.

Vicki

[Cathy Markee]

how much money do you want to spend that will make suggestions easire

[phatman]

Thanks everybody. To address some of the questions/statements mentioned above:

I am a restaurant manager but have experience serving, bartending, wine tasting, etc. Would love to stay in a fine dining environment focusing on healthy, tasty food with a great wine list but I'm open to anything.

We currently live in a beautiful small city - Sedona, Arizona. Unemployment is not too bad but I have hit a wall and this city is getting smaller and older at the same time - not ready to retire just yet.

My girlfriend is a licensed massage therapist and will be looking to get into the medical field - i.e. physical therapy.

Between the two of us working, we think the $900 range should get us decent space.

We have not looked at Apex and are now going to throw that in the mix.

Thanks again!