Looking for Info on Four Communities - Bedford, Falls River, Cary Park, Carpenter Village (Raleigh: apartments, daycare)

[ValerieAnn]

Hi All,

I would appreciate any information on the following townhome communities and more specifically would like to know what the commute is like to RTP and downtown Raleigh and if shops are within walking distance of the townhomes in each community:

Carpenter Village in Cary - Advertised as having shops at the village center.

Cary Park in Cary - Found out that there is a supermarket in the village but not sure how far from the townhomes.

Bedford at Falls River in Raleigh - Advertised as having shops at the village center.

Falls River in Raleigh - I think I remember someone saying that shops are within walking distance.

There are just so many options and beautiful communities but for now I think I've narrowed it down to these four. My main priorities are finding a townhome for $200,000 or less and having at least a few shops or a grocery/supermarket within walking distance.

Thanks!

[Dire Wolf]

All of these along with Highcroft got a real hard look from us (for single family home, not townhouse). We ultimately settled on Carpenter Village. CV offered the best combination of value and commute for us.

At the time, the new Harris Teeter shopping center did not exist at Cary Park (it wouldn't have made a difference for us. The problem for us at CP was the prices of the custom homes). The neighborhood is quite large and the shopping would be a long way from much of it, but depending on which town home (I think they have several areas with THs), it may be very convenient for you. The commute to RTP and Raleigh would be comparable to Carpenter Village.

Commute to RTP from these is 10-15 minutes. Very easy, low stress. I road my bike last week. Commute to Raleigh is very easy. 55->540->40->Wade. About 15 minutes to the RBC when traffic is moving. I-40 is very congested towards Raleigh during the weekday evening rush hour of course. But if you worked a 9-5 job in Raleigh, you'd be going against traffic.

The current village center at Carpenter Village does not offer much. 2 restaurant attempts have failed. The Harris Teeter shopping center at McCrimmon and Davis is a short drive away. Maybe things will change down the road. Plans also are for shops near the library and school. We walk to the library often.

Falls River has a shopping center at the Durant entrance. The apartments there are easily walkable. Back in the neighborhood you have to drive. I don't like the road layout at all. One main road down the center of the neighborhood that is real slow.

Bedford had plans for a farmers market and some shops when we were looking, but nothing had really materialized. I was real skeptical actually, as we had looked at Falls River once before and they were touting a lot of shop in the middle of Falls River that never happened, and Bedford was a lot of the same people.

Commute from either of those last two would have been awful. It is a lot of miles down 540, and it keeps getting more and more traffic. And then there is getting out of the neighborhood and to 540.

[ValerieAnn]

Dire Wolf - Thank you so much for all the helpful info.

[North_Raleigh_Guy]

Bedford has started to move forward with their plans for the small shopping area within the community (See Below). I like Bedford and Falls River, but don't think of them as very walkable communities with regards to walking to a plethora of shopping. With that and the commute to RTP I think I would favor the Locations in Cary. Like I said, nothing agaisnt Falls River and Bedford, but for you it sounds like the other places may be a better fit. I would make a day of it and visit all of those locations. They are all worth a good look!

From a previous post.....

I was driving through Bedford the other day and noticed some signs up in a small vacant field close to the area where the clock tower is and where the old farmer's market was located. It looks like there are plans to develop the vacant field into some sort of retail development. The Sign advertised a fitness gym (Anytime Fitness) and a Pizza place (Cinelli's Pizza). There is also a sign for a daycare center (The Growing Years).

I really hope they get some place like a coffee shop or similar as I can easily walk to this location even though I do not live in Bedford. I am looking forward to the convenience!

Map showing location of future retail site in Bedford with the clock tower marked as a land mark.



Vacant Lot in Bedford that is slated for retail development in Spring 2008





Signs advertising some of the businesses planned

[carolina chick]

Bedford and Falls River are overlapping communities with several walking trails and sidewalks throughout. So if you like to walk, you can reach the shoppes they have planned (currently there is a farmer's market) from the existing townhomes that are built here. Have you physically visited the neighborhood?

As far as the commute goes, it takes about 20 minutes to get to RTP from this area. Downtown is a bit further. In AM traffic, I'd guesstimate 30-35 minutes.

Moderator cut: removed

[raleighjayne]

The Falls River townhomes are within walking distance of several restaurants, Ace Hardware, a couple of gift/decor shops, a used book store, several restaurants, Food Lion, and a few docs/dentists.

There won't be as many shops in Bedford when (and if) they open.

My husband says that depending on traffic, he can get to RTP in about 25 min. If traffic is really bad he said it can take 45 min. This is from the back of Bedford.

There is a stoplight at Dunn Rd and Falls of the Neuse now which helps you get out of the neighborhood (turn left) in the morning.

[Dire Wolf]

From what I've seen, the 25 minutes is a best case sort of thing, not a typical rush hour commute. It is about 20 miles with lights involved.

Things are going to continue to get worse on 540. The area between Aviation and 50 gets very backed up already. And there is the notorious interchange with I-40 if you have to go that way. Things are better if you can continue as I-540 becomes NC 540 if you work somewhere like Cisco or NetApp.

[ValerieAnn]

Carolina Chick, Raleigh Jayne - Thanks for responding. I'm so glad to learn that shops are within walking distance of the townhomes at Falls River. From what I've read and seen on-line (especially the photos Raleigh Guy posted in another thread-lol), I really like this area. Considering that I would be relocating from NY and my friend from FL, I think a 45 minute commute just might be worth it.

North Raleigh Guy - Thanks for the info and photos. I love looking at all the photos you post on this forum.

Does anyone know what the annual or monthly fee is for the pool club at Falls River?

[ncwannabe2]

Originally Posted by ValerieAnn

Does anyone know what the annual or monthly fee is for the pool club at Falls River?

From doing an MLS search on homes in Falls River, looks like annual fees are $360.

We are moving to Bedford, where the fees are $65 / month (in case you wanted to compare).

[600monday]

Originally Posted by ValerieAnn

Carolina Chick, Raleigh Jayne - Thanks for responding. I'm so glad to learn that shops are within walking distance of the townhomes at Falls River. From what I've read and seen on-line (especially the photos Raleigh Guy posted in another thread-lol), I really like this area. Considering that I would be relocating from NY and my friend from FL, I think a 45 minute commute just might be worth it.

North Raleigh Guy - Thanks for the info and photos. I love looking at all the photos you post on this forum.

Does anyone know what the annual or monthly fee is for the pool club at Falls River?

We have narrowed the list between Falls River / and Bedford as we are downsizing from a larger home in North Wake County.

I still will commute to RTP, exiting 540 at 70. I have driven this several times and it can be 25 to 40, depending on when I leave. Regardless of the commute, we find this area with its proximity to Falls Lake / Falls area to be a bit more of a natural setting and relaxing then other areas. Thus, it is worth the commute as you say.