Moving to Zebulon in 5 days...what's your best advice (Raleigh: credit, home) - The Triangle Area - City-Data Forum

mandcc96 · 06-25-2011, 06:47 AM

Our family is moving to Zebulon in 5 days. We are a few miles from Clayton in Johnston County. What is the best advice for anyone moving to this area (from people who've lived here and people who've relocated to the area). We will be on a quiet street, no HOA. We have 3 kids (1 entering Kindergarden and 2 in high school). I'm particularly interested in shopping, banking, and school advice (as well as any personal tips). I've spent the last 11 years in a medium sized town on the coast of NH with most stores, schools, and beach within a few miles. I am excited about the move but have a TON to learn. Thanks in advance for any advice!

Claire_F · 06-25-2011, 07:00 AM

I've lived here for almost 10 years, while my husband grew up in Raleigh and Wendell. It's a very nice, quiet area. However, I do almost all of my shopping outside of Zebulon. We mostly go to Lowes Foods in Knightdale for groceries. Piggly Wiggly just opened and is okay, but they have a very limited selection due to its smaller size. I'm not a fan of Food Lion, so only go there if I absolutely have to.

There are a lot of banks here, so you have pretty much your choice as far as that goes. We use the State Employees Credit Union - if you qualify, I highly recommend it. If you need a drugstore, you won't find that in short supply. However, for prescriptions, I much prefer Zebulon Drug. It's locally owned and not a chain. You get great small-town service there. The owner's wife runs Sycamore Crossing gift shop in the same building, which is very nice and very reasonably priced. She has a very large selection of items, and the second floor is almost exclusively Christmas items. Everyone who visits me from out of town asks to go there.

I don't have children, so I can't help you as far as schools go. I don't know if you have family physicians in the area, but there's one in Wendell I strongly recommend you NOT go to. I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post his name here, so send me a DM if you would like to know.

It's very easy to make the trip to Raleigh - just hop on 64 and it will take you right in. I work in downtown Raleigh, and it's an easy commute. I've loved living here, and hope you do, too.

RVAtoCNC · 06-25-2011, 08:08 PM

I have lived here for a year - we live in Flowers Plantation - probably about 4 or 5 miles south/west of where you are moving. We moved from Richmond VA, a metro area equivalent to Raleigh, where we lived in a large planned community off a major Richmond artery and we had every store and restaurant known to man within 2 miles of our house. Living in Johnston, there is an adjustment because, while there are most of your basics, you don't have all the choices. That said, it's kinda nice to be slightly farther away from the hustle and bustle. We don't have any school age kids, but your high schoolers will probably attend Corinth Holders HS, a beautiful, brand new HS close to you all. I think you will be pleased with the school. As far as local stuff, can't help because we are 3 miles from Clayton and shop/do business in Clayton - dont know much about Zebulon, other than the Carolina Mudcats (baseball) stadium is there.

Claire_F · 06-25-2011, 08:16 PM

Just to clarify - are you moving from Johnston County to Zebulon, or will you be living in Johnston County?

RVAtoCNC · 06-25-2011, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claire_F

Just to clarify - are you moving from Johnston County to Zebulon, or will you be living in Johnston County?

I read it that she is moving from New Hampshire to the Zebulon area, but actually living in Johnston Co.

Claire_F · 06-25-2011, 08:43 PM

Hmmm. It can make a difference, because from Zebulon to Clayton can actually be a difference of 15-20 miles. If she's closer to Clayton, that's the area she'll want to know about.

mandcc96 · 06-25-2011, 09:34 PM

Thanks so much for all the info! I am moving to Zebulon but it's the area closer to Clayton (just off of 42 on 96) about 10 minutes from the Flowers Plantation info center. We were there in April and visited the high school and elementary school. The high school was impressive to both of my older kids. My youngest loved the tour of the elementary. Those were the only places we managed to really get a good look at. My husband works in Wilson so we were pretty much traveling to and from there. I'm sure it will take a while to adjust to not having everything so close by but I'm also looking forward to the break from all that hustle and bustle. We picked that part of Zebulon due to the fact that it was so close to Clayton and Raleigh but also seemed more rural.

bluecomet · 06-26-2011, 11:53 AM

The area you are moving to is a great ruaral area. That being said the area does not have a lot of close shopping areas. Food Lion on Hwy 42 in Flowers Plantation will be your nearest grocery store. The Grocery Bag at corner of Hwy. 42 and Buffalo Road is the home to the "Almost Famous Hot Dog". The owners Tommy and Donna are great folks! They also have nery good hamburgers. When the economy improves there will be other options in the immediate area for shopping. This are of Johnston County will see good growth. This is a area that you will have to check out different options for shopping yourself to determine what's best for you. The school's your children will be attending are excellent! Welcome to Johnston County.

mandcc96 · 06-27-2011, 06:22 AM

It is beautiful and rural out there. I have to drive a bit where we were to get to the major mall (about 20 mins) but were only about 5 mins from the grocery store and walmart and other stores like that. I was also 5 mins from major beach traffic that was constantly horns and sirens and loud music so I'm looking forward to no traffic and peace and quiet. Thanks for the warm welcome!!

azwildcatfan · 06-27-2011, 07:05 PM

Welcome!

We live in the same vicinity. I really like it here, though it took a little getting used to being so rural as we moved from Tucson where we were within 5-15 minutes of everything we needed. My kids are still young, just starting preschool this year, so I can only tell you that I've heard from neighbors that the elementary school (River Dell) and high school (Corinth Holders) are great, but no personal experience. As far as shopping I find you can find most things within 30 minute drives in any direction. Selma and Smithfield to the south, Clayton and Garner to the west, Zebulon, Wendell and Knightdale to the north and Wilson to the east. Obviously Raleigh is there too and has great shopping, but for every day things I haven't found it necessary (aside from my love of Super Targets). I hope you have a safe move!