Have lived in Wash D.C.and loved it- Is Cary N.C. for me? (Raleigh: real estate)

[Martha P]

Several years ago I moved from Northern Virginia in suburbs of Washington D.C. to a small town in Georgia, and miss the variety in cultures, entertainment, restaurants, etc.

I am looking for a progressive, high end, community with a metropolitan feel and friendly, educated people, who are family oriented. I have a teenager who will be looking for a good college, and eventually good job opportunites.

Anyone who has moved to Cary or Raleigh area, from a larger city like D.C., please give me your opinion of the area.

Also, another writer made reference to "the availablility of good colleges if your child graduated from a highschool in North Carolina". Is graduation from a N.C. highschool or a minimum number of months of residence in N.C. a requirement to qualify for in-state tuition?

[North_Raleigh_Guy]

The Triangle area is a great place to raise a family, but it is hard to compare it to larger cities like DC and NYC. Cary is a "High End" community with educated and family oriented people as are many other areas throughout the Triangle, although I don't really think I would consider any of them "progressive".

[leighbhe]

As far as residency goes for the universities (the public ones are the ones that really matter) you can read the criteria on this page:
http://www7.acs.ncsu.edu/uga/residgen.htm

although this is the NC State page, the requirements are the same at any public institution in the area. You shouldn't have a problem, but need to be here for 12 months before your child will attend the university.

My sister lives in DC (she lived in northern va, and recently moved to DC) and this area is different and the same. I think it is a lot like northern va, with the "sprawl", each different community has its own little enclave of stores, shopping, etc.

The prices for real estate are different though. My sister spent more than I did on my house, I live on an acre and have 3500 square feet, she lives on D street in a row house with 1200 square feet and has to renovate. So, you will find the housing affordable here I believe.

Just like NOVA, the commute will depend on where you live and where you work. I think DC has a tremendous culture, lots to do, and you won't find it quite as much here. Not to say you will be bored, but there just isn't as much to do.

Hopefully this helps!
Leigh

[NCHomeFinder]

My sister also lives in DC, in an 1100 sq ft townhouse, small world!

Certainly, nothing will compare to DC, but if you're looking for the metropolitan feel closer to museums, theater, and shopping, you may want to look inside the beltline in Raleigh, or possibly in the North Hills area, where you can find a great neighborhood walking distance to shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Cary may work for you - it is close enough to downtown to provide cultural outlets, yet suburban enough to be family-friendly and safe (very low crime stats). If you want an eclectic mix of shops, entertainment, and culture, though, Cary may not fit the bill, as the development tends to have a more homogeneous feel to it.
With everything you have described, depending on your own job opportunities here in the area, you may find Chapel Hill to be a great choice, too. Great schools, safe area, educated populace... It's worth a look, depending on your commute.

[citydweller]

How are rents in the North Hills area compared to downtown? I too am considering something urban(ish) where I can walk to restaurants, retail, etc. Thanks.