Relocating to Raleigh from Somerville MA (Charlotte, Hillsborough: apartment complex, for rent, neighborhood)

[jasonb885]

Hi,

So I've lived in Somerville MA the past 4 years, and in Orlando FL area before that. I'm relocating to Raleigh to be closer to family, and whenever the pandemic resolves, my employer, although I can work entirely remotely.

Currently I pay $1,800/mo for a 500 sq foot 1 bedroom apartment; Gas and electric average $50/mo with building provided heat, water, and sewage. Internet is $50/mo for the lowest speed from RCN (cable). I don't own a car, but I'm working through that process now. (Getting a NC license without previously owning a car is interesting.)

I am interested in area recommendations in the Raleigh area.

In any case, I enjoyed several aspects of my time in Somerville:

- Walkability, with two grocery stores within 8 minute walk
- Farmers markets
- Authentic, local family-owned grocer, with almost exclusively local and regional fare (this I'll miss the most)
- Local restaurants, dozens, within 10 minute walk; Admittedly I had been to almost none in 4 years as I generally cook, but the option is nice; I particularly like Lebanese, Turkish, Indian, Chinese, Thai, and NY-style thin crust cheese pizza
- Access to bars without having to drive (when the pandemic ends)
- A nice view of the sunrise/sunset from my apartment
- Going for random walks around the neighborhood

Additionally, the following would be nice:

- Washer/Dryer in-unit
- Dishwasher
- Central A/C (mandatory, I grew up in Orlando and wouldn't go without)
- Covered parking
- Gas stove
- Not being able to hear my neighbors through walls (I fortunately had reasonable neighbors, with odd music tastes)

My sister lives in Five Points and the company office is in downtown Raleigh, so being within 15 or 20 minutes of both would be ideal.

Any ideas on what areas might satisfy some of these requests in Raleigh or the surrounding area? Will I pay more or less for rent? Is downtown Raleigh the only place with apartments with views? Anything I wouldn't think to ask about coming from New England to be aware of?

Previously I've seen North Hills and Cameron Park/Glenwood South suggested.

Thanks!

[m378]

You're definitely going to want to be in DT Raleigh if you want something comparable to Somerville.

Will your company continue to pay you your MA salary?

[ippi76]

If your budget is 1800, heck even if it is 1500 you're in luck. Plenty of options for a 1 BR in DT Raleigh or Glenwood South with w/d etc and everything has AC.

Glenwood South is definitely party central young mid 20s just fyi. Downtown a little bit less but still plenty of fun.

So since you can afford it, there is no reason to live anywhere else but DT or Five Points or Cameron Village. Personally, downtown and Glenwood are the only real true walkable places so move there.

[uncchgrad]

Downtown Raleigh is definitely the place for you. Most specifically the Warehouse district. You may also want to check out some of the places in the east side of downtown, especially near Moore Square. Glenwood South (not too far from Five Points) is also a good option. Lot's of bars and restaurants there. There are some newer, very nice apartment bldgs in these areas with great views.

We don't have as many ethnic restaurants as you've listed, but that scene is certainly improving. I think that overall you'd be happy with the move.

[jasonb885]

Originally Posted by m378

You're definitely going to want to be in DT Raleigh if you want something comparable to Somerville.

Will your company continue to pay you your MA salary?

I haven't been able to entirely get an answer to my satisfaction, but I'll know on 7 Jan 2021.

[jasonb885]

What is the preferred source for finding apartments in Raleigh? In Boston it was exclusively craigslist, and housing stock is overwhelmingly older, with newer buildings going up in South Boston and further afield where space is available. (My apartment building was constructed in the 1920s.)

[SGMI]

Being there makes all the difference.

When I moved to Charlotte in 2002, I found a copy of "the Apartment Guide" which was practically a printed directory of every apartment complex in the area, neatly indexed by the side of town it was in. I spent a few days driving around, getting a sense of distance and highway convenience, walked about in some complexes, then came back later to inquire about prices.

I betcha Raleigh has something similar you can locate at supermarkets or the local welcome center.

Nowadays, there are smartphones and internet... Open Google Maps on a phone, and type "apartments" if you're on a side of the city that interests you, and go check things out.

[uncchgrad]

Originally Posted by jasonb885

What is the preferred source for finding apartments in Raleigh? In Boston it was exclusively craigslist, and housing stock is overwhelmingly older, with newer buildings going up in South Boston and further afield where space is available. (My apartment building was constructed in the 1920s.)

Check out https://www.apartmentfinder.com/.

The best way to search is by zip code. I live downtown and my zip code is 27601. I did a quick search and found most of the top apartment bldgs in the area.

[indylife]

Originally Posted by SGMI

"the Apartment Guide" which was practically a printed directory of every apartment complex in the area, neatly indexed by the side of town it was in.

I am near Indianapolis at the moment. I wish that I can get a hard copy of this book for GSO.

[paytonc]

As with Orlando, being within walking distance of anything pretty much means downtown. Average Walk Score of Somerville is 89; average in Raleigh is 31. Even 27601, the downtown ZIP, averages just a 67 WS. 27605, around Cameron Village and north of NCSU, is somewhat better at 74 -- but IMO, the dining scene isn't as trendy as downtown (CV is a bit unadventurous, Hillsborough St is for undergrads).

Used to be that groceries were the sore spot for downtown, but there's now Publix and the Weaver Street co-op.

Sunbelt cities have fewer/larger/newer apartment complexes, so big aggregator sites like Apartments.com and Zillow have better coverage than among small-landlord markets like metro Boston.