Small, but nice, home in the RTP

[MikeJaquish]

Originally Posted by PhillyIndy

And if I have that correct, 5 points, Cameron park, and surrounding areas are the historic areas where the dirt is more valuable

That is an area.
Also Historic Oakwood, Boylan Heights, and much of the ITB area bounded by Hillsborough St., 440, 6 Forks Road, Capitol Blvd,

[VickiR]

There is a n'hood in Morrisville/West Cary that I had a client do a custom build. I believe there were a few lots left. Most of our homes sell for dollar per sq. ft. so I would caution you to be careful when building smaller than norm with the highest upgrades as that will be a hard re sale.

There is also a section in Bedford that has the larger, more upgraded homes for sale. Beautiful.

Vicki

[MikeJaquish]

Snice these neighborhoods tend to be older or smaller, it is wise to consider the public amenities in the surrounding areas.
Often smaller neighborhoods tend to not have pools and other amenities which can be more affordable when financed by many more households.

[Francois]

Originally Posted by MikeJaquish

That is an area.
Also Historic Oakwood, Boylan Heights, and much of the ITB area bounded by Hillsborough St., 440, 6 Forks Road, Capitol Blvd,

And by "ITB area", he means "Inside the Beltline", i.e. inside the 440/40 (approximate) circle.

Sometimes people toss around acronyms they forget to explain to newcomers

[PhillyIndy]

Found this area. Seems a ways out (35 mins to GSK?)

Small nice houses, lots of stuff in the neighborhood, but no places to eat, not a walkable grocery, etc.

For ya'll that have been there a while, is this a a sucker development for Yankees to spend too much or a nice development that will hold value?

All other insights welcomed.

[VeraVega]

Originally Posted by PhillyIndy

Found this area. Seems a ways out (35 mins to GSK?)

Small nice houses, lots of stuff in the neighborhood, but no places to eat, not a walkable grocery, etc.

For ya'll that have been there a while, is this a a sucker development for Yankees to spend too much or a nice development that will hold value?

All other insights welcomed.

(disclaimer: I live in Briar Chapel AND am a Yankee, so my opinion may be biased )

For the type of house you are looking for, I think Briar Chapel would be great. They just started the second phase, and most of the houses are in your size range, although most likely well under the 550K budget. And, still some lots left in the original phase if you don't want to be near so much construction. You could get a NICE 2400 sq ft house, with a ton of upgrades, and still be under your budget.

I can't really speak to the long-term value, although obviously I have some faith in it or I wouldn't have bought here. I looked into Briar Chapel for a couple years before buying, and my impression is that the development is shaping up nicely and at a good pace. It seems that lots in both the new & old phase are selling pretty quick, and it's nice that the main trails, the pool/clubhouse, and many parks are already completed. It doesn't have that "could go under at any moment" feeling that many new neighborhoods have had the last few years. Some people do think that it's overpriced for the lot/house size.... I prefer a small lot, so I don't mind that my money went for a nicer interior rather than a bigger lot, we are very happy here! They do have plans for a commercial area, but I think that is YEARS away. Having to drive to stores/grocery doesn't bother me much, but if it's important to you I'd look elsewhere.

Have you looked into Southern Village? It is in Orange County (closer to Chapel Hill), and while more expensive may have the kind of house you want AND it has a "town" area with grocery, movie theater, restaurants, etc. I think the houses are about 10-15 years old, but they have many that are in the size range you're looking at, seem very well-kept with nice interiors, and are a similar style to those at Briar Chapel.

[RedZin]

Originally Posted by PhillyIndy

Found this area. Seems a ways out (35 mins to GSK?)

Small nice houses, lots of stuff in the neighborhood, but no places to eat, not a walkable grocery, etc.

For ya'll that have been there a while, is this a a sucker development for Yankees to spend too much or a nice development that will hold value?

All other insights welcomed.

There's no reason on earth to drive that far to get to GSK. Tons of nice homes within about 15 minutes (including average traffic).

Have you looked in Carpenter Village here in Cary? Or maybe you could try Highcroft Village?

[PhillyIndy]

Originally Posted by VeraVega

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Have you looked into Southern Village? It is in Orange County (closer to Chapel Hill), and while more expensive may have the kind of house you want AND it has a "town" area with grocery, movie theater, restaurants, etc. I think the houses are about 10-15 years old, but they have many that are in the size range you're looking at, seem very well-kept with nice interiors, and are a similar style to those at Briar Chapel.

Ill take a look at this.

[PhillyIndy]

Originally Posted by meh_whatever

There's no reason on earth to drive that far to get to GSK. Tons of nice homes within about 15 minutes (including average traffic).

Have you looked in Carpenter Village here in Cary? Or maybe you could try Highcroft Village?

Will do. The commute seems great, it is the nearby walkable stuff that I am struggling with....

[WeLuvNC]

There is also Wedgewood neighborhood in Cary by Garman homes that you might consider. Those homes seem to be smaller in size -- they are also well under your budget. It is a very small neighborhood so doesn't have any amenities.