The Preserve at Briar Creek vs. Hedingham Townhomes (Raleigh, Durham: apartments, leasing)

[vanllabean81]

Hello,
My family and I will be moving to NC in January, but we have to pick a place online, and we'd like to choose by the end of this week. We're looking at two places, they both look very nice, but they are about 20 miles apart, and I'm just wondering what these two areas are like.

The Preserve at Briar Creek seems like one of those apartments built right by a mall, so for location, it would be most convenient, and I'm hoping, on a bus line, or close to public transit, as we'll only have 1 car. Also, I'm a bartender (unfortunately) for a few more years, so I'd like to work pretty close to home, if luck will have it.

However, Hedingham Townhomes has every amenity that we want (including the golf course for my hubby) but it looks like it's kind of out there. The map makes it look very far from things, but maybe that area has more than I think. The townhome would certainly be a nicer way to live, but I don't want to screw myself by having no bus line nearby, and nothing within walking distance.

If any of you can tell me more about these areas, and the ups and downs of both, I would really really appreciate the help. It's tough to do this from a computer. Ideally, I would fly down there and check them out myself, but it doesn't look like I'm going to get the chance, so I'm counting on all of you to point me in the right direction! No pressure though. Both communities are lovely, I just need more info on both surrounding areas.

Thanks so much!!
I'll be checking twice a day, at least!

[North_Raleigh_Guy]

Originally Posted by vanllabean81

Hello,
My family and I will be moving to NC in January, but we have to pick a place online, and we'd like to choose by the end of this week. We're looking at two places, they both look very nice, but they are about 20 miles apart, and I'm just wondering what these two areas are like.

The Preserve at Briar Creek seems like one of those apartments built right by a mall, so for location, it would be most convenient, and I'm hoping, on a bus line, or close to public transit, as we'll only have 1 car. Also, I'm a bartender (unfortunately) for a few more years, so I'd like to work pretty close to home, if luck will have it.

However, Hedingham Townhomes has every amenity that we want (including the golf course for my hubby) but it looks like it's kind of out there. The map makes it look very far from things, but maybe that area has more than I think. The townhome would certainly be a nicer way to live, but I don't want to screw myself by having no bus line nearby, and nothing within walking distance.

If any of you can tell me more about these areas, and the ups and downs of both, I would really really appreciate the help. It's tough to do this from a computer. Ideally, I would fly down there and check them out myself, but it doesn't look like I'm going to get the chance, so I'm counting on all of you to point me in the right direction! No pressure though. Both communities are lovely, I just need more info on both surrounding areas.

Thanks so much!!
I'll be checking twice a day, at least!

I would vote for Brier Creek Hands Down. Location is far superior to Heddingham. Close to shopping and employment opportunities and centrally located to allow you to explore the rest of the Traingle like Durham and Chapel Hill. Also, I know you said your husband was a bartender but what do you do? IF you end up with a job in the Research Triangle Park, Brier creek will put you much much closer than Heddingham. Heddingham is ok, but the location and surrounding ammenities leaves a bit to be desired IMHO. I looked at some houses in Heddingham last summer but I didn't care for some of the area that surrounds the Heddingham Development. I think that area will improve with time, but If I was choosing between the two right now....I would choose Brier Creek.

Good Luck!

P.S. ~ I can't really help with the Bus Lines at either location.

[ferrickhead28]

Im with NRG.

I had some friends who lived in Hedingham in one of the townhomes. They had the HARDEST time selling it when they had to relocate. Plus, there are alot of homes for rent there too. I talked to a lady who recently rented out here house because of some houses/cars getting broken into. She didnt feel safe. Also, some of the residents were not happy they put up a Walmart right behind them.

Briar Creek is nicer in my opinion. I would suggest driving through both, especially at night to see which one is a better fit for you.

Good luck!

[Big M]

What an interesting comparison!

Its not known as Hedinghood for nothing. The golf course is an utter dog track.

Meanwhile, Brier Creek is in a fabulous location, is newer and your husband may get a job at the nearby Carolina Ale House.

I could go on, but I think the other posters should have made your mind up for you by now.

[vanllabean81]

Thanks so much, you guys are so helpful!

What about Remington on the Green? What does anyone know about that community/area?

[Carrieg11]

We moved to Raleigh not knowing the area and picked Hedingham as a temporary location. The neighborhood is okay, but I'm glad we only signed a 6 month lease. Now that we have explored Raleigh a lot more...there are so many other places I would have chosen.

[Ananda3]

Just another Hedingham comment from a former resident: If you are used to living in a big city the crime rate in Hedingham is not bad. When I was there some kids broke into one of the pools and threw some chairs in the pool and egged some stuff. This was in the newsletter. I had a bad neighbor who was VERY loud. I'm not fond of townhomes and apartments because of the noise factor, but it is much cheaper than renting a house. Because Hedingham is such a BIG community it can be a mile or so from the main streets. There are sidewalks, but you would probably have to walk a mile to get to a bus stop. It is about 3-4 miles fom Wake Med Hospital (a big hospital complex) and a mile or so from the Walmart shopping center. I liked living there, but I wouldn't stay there long term. (I rented from a private owner and did not live in the apartment area)

[rbcp]

Hedingham is probably the worst golf course in Raleigh.

[saturnfan]

Originally Posted by vanllabean81

Thanks so much, you guys are so helpful!

What about Remington on the Green? What does anyone know about that community/area?

By all that's holy, STAY AWAY from that dump. Previously known as Dominion Park Green, this apt. recently had a drug related murder. Awful place despite the refurbishment.

The Mini-City area's very crime-ridden. I lived there 8 years.

Try my complex, Northridge Crossings, for safe, roomy apts near lots of stuff like Triangle Town Center w/o Brier Creek gouging rents. Phone is 919-875-0090. I'm a community watch volunteer and just renewed for a fourth lease.

Thank the Good Lord you asked here before leasing in Mini-City.

[vanllabean81]

Seriously. This is a great website. I think we're going to go with the Preserve.