Orlando to Raleigh/Durham area (Cary, Chapel Hill: chapel, homes, find a job)
Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, CaryThe Triangle Area
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We're thinking of moving somewhere with real seasons, more beauty (Orlando is ugly as sin), etc. Looking in particular for a liberal area,where intellectualism is not a dirty word. Where being Christian doesn't automatically = creationist. We looked at New England, but honestly, we can't afford it. We're a single income family as I stay home with our soon to be 4 kids and homeschool them. Husband is in information security, and I know the research triangle is a tech hub, with good salaries but affordable housing.
I'm thinking, given that we want liberal, maybe even funky, and affordable, and since we don't need a good school district because of homeschooling, that Durham is the better area? Of course, that also would depend on where he can find a job (yes, we'd do that before deciding to move - don't worry).
But all other things equal, any areas that are not a good bet? Either unsafe, or not child friendly, or super conservative? Ability to be somewhat near a Catholic Church would be preferable.
I homeschooled in this area for about 10 years and I also have four kids and I'm from Florida. My sister actually lives in Ormond Beach and my mom is in The Villages. :-)
I think you would be happy pretty much anywhere in the Triangle. There are certainly the Christian=Creationist sorts here, but there is plenty of variety among Christian beliefs. There is a very active Catholic Homeschooling group in the area as well. Cary Homeschoolers is another group that is very diverse group with lots of different religions and plenty of liberal people.
The Museum of Natural Sciences in Downtown Raleigh offers classes for homeschoolers. They also have a Teen Science Cafe where teens can hang out and listen to scientists talk on various subjects.
I really don't think you'll have a problem finding real science education or like-mindedness anywhere in the Triangle.
Feel free to message me if you want to chat about homeschooling in the area. I'm glad to help!
Well, the Catholic Church encompasses a lot of different types...consider me the type that focuses more on social justice issues.
You'll do just fine in the Triangle! You might want to zero in on a location where after school activities for your kids would be easiest to support.
Lots of social justice opportunity in the Triangle with Raleigh being the state capital. Did you follow the Moral Monday protests?
You'll do just fine in the Triangle! You might want to zero in on a location where after school activities for your kids would be easiest to support.
Lots of social justice opportunity in the Triangle with Raleigh being the state capital. Did you follow the Moral Monday protests?
I did follow them!
My husband is now balking, saying that NC is more southern than Florida so moving there would mean moving to a more conservative place. I'm trying to convince him it is the Austin of NC, lol.
As for activities, good idea.
How is the traffic getting round there, if you aren't in rush hour? So if I was in Durham and wanted to go to a museum or whatever in Raleigh, is that a nightmare, or no big deal if it is say, the middle of the day?
Doe sit make a difference in liberal/conservative for Durham vs Raleigh? How about if we want an older more established neighborhood....maybe even somewhere you can walk somewhere (not all the time, but I grew up riding my bike to the corner store, to a local ice cream place, etc), or doesn't look cookie cutter? Can we find that for say, around $250 or so, in a 4 bedroom?
I think you'd find what you're looking for in most of the triangle area. I would also suggest looking at Carrboro or Hillsborough as they tend to be fairly liberal and a lot of unc professors and employees opt to live there. We have friends who homeschool and live all over. The budget for a 4 bedroom home will put you further out or in a less desirable area most likely but not needing a particular school system or district should help with that. There are several realtors here who can probably point you in the right direction. Good luck with your decision!
Doe sit make a difference in liberal/conservative for Durham vs Raleigh? How about if we want an older more established neighborhood....maybe even somewhere you can walk somewhere (not all the time, but I grew up riding my bike to the corner store, to a local ice cream place, etc), or doesn't look cookie cutter? Can we find that for say, around $250 or so, in a 4 bedroom?
I think that 250k number for a 4 bedroom in a walkable area is going to be difficult to find, but not impossible. Areas that come to mind are Walnut Hills, Pirates Cove and Greenwood Forest in Cary. You're probably also looking at something that needs some updating in that price range.
This area is becoming more crowded and more expensive every year as new residents come in requiring services.
The state government is very poorly run and, unless the present governor loses the election (still in recount), has presented a very bigoted influence toward minorities and those of moderate income.
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