moving from atlanta..concerned about schools (Raleigh, Cary: chapel, house, neighborhoods)

[galady]

We are headed to the Raleigh area, along with many of you. I am so concerned about the school redistricting and how to avoid this. Safety in the schools is also something I need to feel good about. We are in the 600,000 range and really want a great neighborhood with tons of kids and great schools that won't be redistricted in a year/. Any help would be greatly appreciated. We move at the end of May.

[frogandtoad]

You cannot guarantee they won't be redistricted in Wake, no matter what your budget. Unless of course you send them to private school.

[annesg]

Hey--you can afford Chapel Hill! Try there!

[thedolphe]

Try Cathedral School in Downtown Raleigh. It was designated as a President's "Blue Ribbon" school this year. My son has attended for three years. Kids can attend up to 8th grade.

[thomasj]

Though Wake county cannot guarantee schools permanently (they review every year), there are some neighborhoods like Carramore, Upchurch farms, southwick, McArther PArk, some areas of Preston with tops schools like Davis Drive & Green Hope historically had no change so far. These are located in kids friendly West Cary area. With your 600K budget it is easy to get into these areas.

[208happystreet]

Wake county is always redisticting. Most of the schools there I believe have now turned to year round schools. There is constant bickering. Never moved there because of it. Chapel Hill/Carrboro is the only area in the triangle that is not a county school system. CH is on a traditional calender and is rated the best school system in the triangle. There is redistricting in CH, but no matter where you get redistricted to, you will be fine. There are no bad schools in CH. Some people like certain schools better but they are all very good. There is alot of growth in the triangle and many of the schools are overcrowded. Chapel Hill is the most built area of the triangle and therefore you have the least upheavel. On your budget you can afford to buy a house in CH although it will buy you less. Chapel Hill is generally safe. Some of the neighborhoods up by the University (downtown) do have some crime. However, in the five years I lived in CH I never locked my doors. There are areas of Chapel Hill that are walk zones to schools. Southern Village is a large planned community with tight lots that is a walk zone to both the elementary and middle schools. Southern village is filled with kids. There are other very nice neighborhoods around too, it just depends on what you like. You can determine if a neighborhood has lots of kids based on the bus maps.

[galady]

What about the apex area? Does anyone know about the middle creek elementary and west lake schools? Where is this highway going that we keep hearing about? We liked a neighborhood called Jamison Park? Anyone have any info on that?

[sls76]

Originally Posted by thomasj

Though Wake county cannot guarantee schools permanently (they review every year), there are some neighborhoods like Carramore, Upchurch farms, southwick, McArther PArk, some areas of Preston with tops schools like Davis Drive & Green Hope historically had no change so far. These are located in kids friendly West Cary area. With your 600K budget it is easy to get into these areas.

This is not true. Macarthur Park was reassigned this year. I don't think any of the families in the neighborhoods you mention feel safe from reassignment. Highcroft or the Reserve might be possibilities. Highcroft has an elementary in the subdivision that is one of the best in the county. It also has a nice town park. You could find something very nice in your price range. The Reserve is right next to Highcroft so there might be more chance of being reassigned, but still seemingly low compared to other neighborhoods.

[MikeJaquish]

Originally Posted by thomasj

Though Wake county cannot guarantee schools permanently (they review every year), there are some neighborhoods like Carramore, Upchurch farms, southwick, McArther PArk, some areas of Preston with tops schools like Davis Drive & Green Hope historically had no change so far. These are located in kids friendly West Cary area. With your 600K budget it is easy to get into these areas.

MacArthur Park has been divided, and some kids apparently will be going to Laurel Park for Year-round, or to Joyner Elementary, in Raleigh, as the traditional calendar option.

Carramore and some Preston neighborhoods are in the OP's price range.

I avoid telling ANYONE what Wake schools their kids will attend based on neighborhood.

[thomasj]

Right, Wake schools are not guaranteed for every year, they review every year. No matter where you reassigned, most of the west Cary or Morrisville area schools - Green Hope, Highcroft, Davis Drive, cedar fork, Morrisville, west cary, etc are among top schools in the area.