Chatham/Orange county for younger families?

[Th3Numb3rs]

I'm looking as a first time home buyer, for my fiancée, myself, and our dog. Children are a few (5 or 6) years out of the picture for now, and aren't a leading factor in my search. More importantly, I would prefer a safe, young neighborhood where there is an active and involved small-town community. Hillsborough seems to embody that in some ways, and I'm just wondering if anyone can attest to similar features anywhere, like Mebane or Pittsboro. I don't enjoy the congestion of some of the other starter home areas I've seen such as southwest Durham (Hope Valley) or some parts of Cary. Any first time realtor experiences are also welcomed. Hope that gives some more insight!

[YankInEurope]

Mebane has no real "connection" to Chapel Hill. Its Alamance County, not Orange, which means its the little sister to blue-collar billboard-corridor Burlington (no thanks). Theres a big difference in feel. I would really suggest Hillsborough. Use this housing market to find a good deal. Hillsborough is as far as you can go and still be in the Triangle, dont be fooled, I know the Triangle.

[mountaintarheel]

I'd say Hillsborough and Pittsboro are definetly very similar, both in atmosphere and cultural/community opportunities. They both have that kind of "Chapel Hill" flair to them, which would make sense if you've ever been to Chapel Hill. They, also, are pretty quiet little towns, but so is Mebane. Mebane kinda straddles the Triad and Triangle, some consider it one, while others consider it the other.

The bottom line on Mebane and Alamance County is that they are working class areas and you can tell it. If that bothers you or if you don't want to be in that kind of area then steer clear. I have found that many in the Triangle kind of cringe when you mention Alamance County; it's viewed as this conservative hick place that is nothing but rednecks. I personally live in Alamance County and that is true for many areas, but not for the whole place. The eastern end of the county tends to be more influenced by Chapel Hill/Orange County in both people and in housing prices. Don't write it off until you see it for yourself, you might like it.

I believe someone mentioned schools somewhere along the way in this thread. Alamance and Orange County are very comparable. When comparing to Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools everything is going to seem like crap. Just sayin

[happytobeinnc]

North Chatham schools (the schools for Briar Chapel, Governor's Ridge, Fearrington) are solid, with lots of professional families who uber educated and school focused. And it's a nice change from Chapel Hill school competition, which is typically great for the top 10% of the class but not so great for the nice average kid. And I work at Duke and am very school focused, and I'm very happy with the Chatham Schools that Briar Chapel feeds into. I think when it comes to schools, sometimes all that glitters is not gold. Check out the schools for yourself, have a tour.