www.craigslist.org. I've found a few nice houses that way, most of the time from private owners....but both prop. mgmg and renting from private owners is all about the luck of the draw. Having said that, BE CAREFUL of the scammers, and call ONLY those who list a legitimate phone number.
Cary is expensive. Do your research.
Actually, I don't really believe there is a cheap area to live anymore within 35 miles of Raleigh (includes Cary & the rest of Wake County) and now Johnston County is expensive. Inside Clayton city limits, the town will charge you up the rear for utilities. A friend of mine lives in Ellington s/d right off 42 in Clayton, and she told me her utilities for her 1,800 sq. ft house ran her $400 this month - that includes electricity, water/sewer/trash. Her gas bill is separate, and was almost $60 (she has gas stove)...that's $460.00 worth of utilities!!!!! ....that's alot!! The moral of the story here in Clayton: Live out of Clayton city limits (and have either a well or county water) if you are considering this side of town....
I've been looking to downsize into a 1,500 sq. ft. house with a price range of $1,000 or under - every single day since March...and can't find one that's decent (I refuse to live in drug-infested downtown Clayton or a trailer, especially after the tornado damage here earlier this year, sorry). I have 4 kids, so 1,200 sq. ft for $1,000 (the current average rental rate for 1,200-1,300 sq ft out in Clayton) is not going to cut it for me - just not big enough...thus, my struggle to find a 1,500 sq ft house is appearing to be fruitless. I'm not interested in buying (been here too long lol).
Also, do thorough research on school budgets/community issues. The bussing thing in Wake County is a nightmare, and with all the state budget issues, extracurricular activities for schoolaged children are very sensitive issues.
Gas is about $3.65 a gallon here in Clayton, so definitely consider that re: commuting...because it does add up. I commute to Cary each day (work 8-5) and the traffic SUCKS AND it's expensive. On average, almost 2 tanks of gas per week = MONEY per month. More importantly, take the test drives during rush hour; during rainy rush hour (not sure how US1 is back and forth out that way) and see if you can deal with it. Above all else, rent before buying. I think this whole area is ENTIRELY too over-rated, both economically, with job availibility (8,000 people applying for a vacancy at any given time), and educationally (and we're in Johnston County schools, which are deemed by many to be superior to Wake County schools).
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