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I actually don't want to leave Chapel Hill and have been here for a few months now, but I've got house fever and am very heartsick that we won't be able to afford a house in good condition with a yard here (doesn't have to have granite and stainless steel...just a good roof and no electrical/plumbing problems). We have a child about to enter elementary school and I hate the cooped up feeling that comes from living in a rented apartment. He needs a yard to kick a ball and dig in the dirt.
What I want: 3-4 bedrooms, fenced backyard, close to good school and supermarket/shopping center (and a library!). Would also like a "bustling" feeling which you can get in downtown Chapel Hill.
Can you offer some suggestions for attractive, safe neighborhoods in the $200,00 range in Cary and Raleigh?
1. get prequalified with a lender. then you'll know how much you may need to save, and how much your price range should/can be. You've got 5+ months before you need to be under contract on your next home.
2. read the forum, and read up on WCPSS schools. Determine which ones you feel meet your needs.
3. Either by yourself, or with a Realtor, you can determine which of those schools actually have homes in the budget you're going to spend.
4. Might be before 3 even. Determine your must haves (3 beds, 4 beds? how big of a yard? what condition of the home? etc).
I actually don't want to leave Chapel Hill and have been here for a few months now, but I've got house fever and am very heartsick that we won't be able to afford a house in good condition with a yard here (doesn't have to have granite and stainless steel...just a good roof and no electrical/plumbing problems). We have a child about to enter elementary school and I hate the cooped up feeling that comes from living in a rented apartment. He needs a yard to kick a ball and dig in the dirt.
What I want: 3-4 bedrooms, fenced backyard, close to good school and supermarket/shopping center (and a library!). Would also like a "bustling" feeling which you can get in downtown Chapel Hill.
Can you offer some suggestions for attractive, safe neighborhoods in the $200,00 range in Cary and Raleigh?
>$200,000 for a detached home with a yard is an extremely active price range in Cary or Raleigh.
I agree with Bo: Be certain of your qualification to borrow, so you are prepared to proceed should you locate a home that you like.
In Cary, you might consider Northwoods, Burtrose, Irongate, Meadowmont, Russel Hills, Oakwood Heights.
These are all inside Maynard Rd, and fairly close to downtown Cary conveniences and whatever "bustle" we can muster with ongoing revitalization.
Meadowmont is a favorite, for proximity to groceries, drug stores, restaurants, elementary school, parks, and the library.
But, anything in good condition in your price range in any of these neighborhoods will move very quickly, so you need to be ready.
Mike, is there a Meadowmont in Cary, too? That's confusing! I'm sure Dragoncat won't be able to find a house for $200k in Meadowmont in Chapel Hill!
Dragoncat, for that price, I'd really consider Durham. I know what folks say about the schools, but I have several friends who have been very happy with their school choices in Durham. Several families I know have their kids at Central Park School for Children and I know other folks who have been very happy with the Hope Valley Elementary, Githens Middle, Jordan High track. I also know folks with kids at Durham School of the Arts which I think just sounds awesome. I very much wish there was an option like that in Chapel Hill.
Mike, is there a Meadowmont in Cary, too? That's confusing! I'm sure Dragoncat won't be able to find a house for $200k in Meadowmont in Chapel Hill!
Dragoncat, for that price, I'd really consider Durham. I know what folks say about the schools, but I have several friends who have been very happy with their school choices in Durham. Several families I know have their kids at Central Park School for Children and I know other folks who have been very happy with the Hope Valley Elementary, Githens Middle, Jordan High track. I also know folks with kids at Durham School of the Arts which I think just sounds awesome. I very much wish there was an option like that in Chapel Hill.
Yeah, we had Meadowmont since the 1960's, and Chapel Hill liked it so much, they had to build a knockoff....
How do you feel about Hillsborough? When are you trying to move?
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