If you like Chapel Hill/Carrboro, then you might also like.... (Raleigh: co-op, transfer to)

[bobjsim]

...

There is a chance for a transfer to RTP from the greater Boston area with my company. I spent some time in the area over 10 years ago (4 days) and from what I remember, I liked the vibe in Chapel Hill/Carrboro the best. Didn't see enough of Raleigh to form any opinions (except I did sit in traffic a lot), and I didn't care for what I saw of Durham or Cary.

I liked the walk-ability factor, bike friendliness, vibrant downtown vibe of Chapel Hill. Reminded me a bit of my hometown growing up, with a little bit of Burlington VT or Amherst MA blended in. But looking at prices online, I don't much like that part. What other neighboring communities share some of the aspects of Chapel Hill/Carrboro without the high prices? I understand that Durham has experienced some positive changes over the years, but I would need to experience it myself.

Yes, and I understand you can't lump all of Durham into one bag. (I lived in Tacoma WA for a while and it had a bad reputation too. Also a mix of nice neighborhoods with sketchy ones).

In the short time I spent in Cary, I had no idea there were bike/walking trails. Or maybe they were not prevalent a decade ago. But I'll check it out again as well.

I could care less about school systems. I'm single with no kids. But dog/pet friendliness/accommodations are a criteria. Maybe I'm spoiled. I want what Chapel Hill/Carrboro has to offer, but I'm cheap

[MikeJaquish]

Parks


http://www.townofcary.org/Department.../Greenways.htm


Regardless, you won't confuse DT Cary with DT Chapel Hill or DT Durham.

[Atony]

Downtown Durham today is a drastically different place than downtown Durham of 10 years ago. It offers what you say you want, but it isn't exactly cheap either. Lots of people want a walkable, vibrant downtown vibe so those rents (in both Raleigh and Durham) come at a premium.

[PDF]

I can't imagine living elsewhere in the Triangle is going to be that much cheaper, especially with what you're after.

[michgc]

You might like downtown Hillsborough. It's much smaller than CH/Carr but it has a nice-sized downtown that has restaurants, a Weaver Street Co-op Grocery (started in Carrboro), a large library, shops, farmers market, etc. The town sits on the Eno River and there's a riverwalk alongside it that is nice. It's fairly vibrant town for being pretty small. And it's cheaper than Chapel Hill/Carr. It's worth checking out.

[poppydog]

As a long time Chapel Hill resident. Durham would be my pick if you don't want Chapel Hill. You should definitely come check it out.

[jetwhisperer]

It seems like Chapel Hill would be a bargain coming from the Boston area.

I agree with the others that you should check out Durham.