Young, hip culture in Raleigh? (Durham, Chapel Hill: skateboarding, chapel, home)

[hunterheitz]

Hey everyone, just wondering if anyone has any perspective on what's hip in Raleigh? Any skate / music / art scene? What else cool happens?

I'm considering a move from Burlington, VT and I just want to make sure I'll find a lot of same fun things down south!

Thanks in advance!

[IdaClaire]

I would say that your best bet would be Durham (the older neighborhoods near downtown) or Chapel Hill/Carrboro. I have relatives in the Burlington area and have spent a good deal of time there, even living there for about a year, and Chapel Hill/Carrboro reminds me so much of Burlington.

I think there is a wee bit of a scene in Raleigh as well, but it's not as crunchy as Burlington and Chapel Hill. Downtown Durham is known for being progressive and has a sizable population of hipsters, activists and a healthy GLBT community. It's more urban and gritty than Chapel Hill- I love both places and like many of the neighborhoods inside the beltline (ITB) in Raleigh. I'd check them all out and see which areas have the best vibe for you.

[scorp200]

Oh yeah, IdaClaire gave you good advice. I know Burlington well too - I think Carrboro would make you feel right at home (minus the mountains).

[hunterheitz]

I'll definitely miss those mountains! Any skateboard / bmx scene down there? How about community activisim?

[mdp_az]

Not sure about the skateboarding / bmx, but I can say community activisim is alive and well in Durham, probably moreso than in any other area in the Triangle. For your mountain fix, you'll just have to head a few hours west once in a while to some of the great mountain towns.