Info for retirees between carrboro and Zebulon (Raleigh: hoa fees, income)

[JoannKDavis]

I am interested in the information you can offer to oldr folks who are moving with a fixed income and want the comfort of a quiet safe neihborhood 1/2 way between Carrboro and Zebulon. That is where my two daughters live with their families. We are in RI and want very much to sell and settle closer to grandchildren. We will look for a home 150-175k. We 're not interested in HOA's and want to keep costs at a minimum. How are utilities and living expenses? The tax structures and typical costs of town, county and state expenses? What type of weather affects the Insurnace needs? Is Flooding/ Severe weather damage a problem?...So many questions
Thanks
Joann

[PennyH]

Halfway between Carrboro and Zebulon places you in the center of Raleigh.

Wake County taxes vary depending on city, and range from about $1.07 per thousand to $1.25 per thousand. For a $150,000 home, many areas of Raleigh will have a tax rate of about $1600-1700 yearly.

You won't want to be in a flood zone, but other than that severe weather isn't really a problem.

For just one example of a neighborhood in your price range and general location, try Trailwood Springs - just off 64 on the east side of Raleigh. Homes built in the mid 1990s (but again pesky HOA fees - $56 every three months)

There are plenty of options, they just won't have all the bells and whistles. Average sales price of a single family home in the Triangle area for February 2008 is about $285K.