Likely moving to Raleigh from Pittsburgh...questions (Durham, Cary: apartments, rental)

[LCreature]

We are likely moving to Raleigh sometime within the next six months due to my husband's job. He attended college in Raleigh, and both of us grew up in different parts of the state. We have been in PA for the past six years and have a soon to be three year old daughter.
We will be looking for a rental for the first year or two, it may take some time to sell our home here. We do not want to spend a ton of money, because we are going to be saving to buy again. We're thinking between $800-$950 on a two bedroom. We would like to be within a 15 minute commute of downtown, in a relatively safe area. Any companies to recommend or ones that you would avoid?
Second, any recommendations for preschools?
I know that it is currently a sellers market in Raleigh. Is that true of Durham as well? We are willing to commute longer from our permanent residence for the right house.

[saturnfan]

Try my place Northridge Crossings.

[broxbax]

I would try using a site like Zillow to look for apartments. it places dots on a map so you can look at certain areas/neighborhoods that are within a 15-20 minute commute. I think in North Raleigh anywhere that is halfway between the outer and inner beltlines and inwards is going to be within a 15-20 minute commute. I live right by I-540 (outer beltline) and it is closer to 20-30 minutes to get downtown.

[Myghost]

I used to live in this place for 18 months before I bought a house:

Apartments in Cary, NC | Hermitage at Beechtree

Slightly older (1980's construction) but the location is great and it meets the high end of your budget for a 2/2.

It is:
On the greenway
near I40 and easy access to all
Walking distance to food, parks etc.
Safe


It's not the greatest place ever, but I was very happy living there. If nothing else, it's a great location to be central to the entire triangle. So look at other places nearby.

The other area that is "very central" is up near Duraleigh, Edwards Mill, Blue Ridge Road area.

In ALL cases, you need to check the specific place. A mile or two can make your location go from "pretty good" to "pretty bad". I don't think you'll find "stellar" or "unliveable" in your pricerange, but the variety of places is worth paying careful attention to.

[Konscept]

I moved from Pittsburgh a few years ago. We rented an apartment close to RTP since I worked there. Is your husband working in downtown Raleigh? Lots of places are under 20 min even with traffic. Cary and North Raleigh spring to mind.