Can someone tell me more about Carrboro? (Cary, Chapel Hill: HOA, chapel)

[shoes4birds]

We've just started looking at the Carrboro area and love what we see of it...I'm posting here to see if what I understand about the area is correct. From what I understand...

*It's a very diverse area
*Nice restaurants
*Nice schools (not part of WCPSS)
*Decent nightlife

Is it affordable for housing? We have 2 kids (ages 2 and 4) and we're looking to spend between 300-400K for a home. Are there nice restaurants? We don't want to be in an area where there are a ton of chain restaurants that are considered the best in the area. Although we are family-oriented, we like our nightlife too and would like to meet other couples who are interested in the same (family plus some fun with other couples at night). We don't mind suburbs as long as it has character to it and isn't completely cookie-cutter.

Do you think Carrboro might be for us? If not, any other areas that come to mind?

I appreciate any info you have to offer on the area.

[shoes4birds]

Ok, I have to say, I just did an MLS search and came up with only ONE home in Carrboro that was between 300-400K. Am I missing something?

[CaryGal]

Originally Posted by shoes4birds

Ok, I have to say, I just did an MLS search and came up with only ONE home in Carrboro that was between 300-400K. Am I missing something?

I just did a search on Fonville Morrisey's site and came up with 21 homes in the 300-400k price range in 27510 (Carrboro's zip).

I live close to Carrboro and head over there pretty frequently, and I think it's a great place. It sounds to me like it would be a nice fit for your family, and I would encourage you to visit it and check out all it has to offer. They don't have a lot of chain restaurants, and have more local places to eat, which is one of my favorite things about it.

The people there are always friendly and I always enjoy my time there, good luck in your search!

[shoes4birds]

Thanks CaryGal...my MLS site must not be a very good one (the first one I came across).

[welovedurham]

I wouldn't say Carrboro is "very" diverse. Maybe the numbers support it (I don't know), but in my experience I wouldn't say it that way. I would say that people are very accepting, so you would not feel singled out if you were of a different culture or race, or if you were biracial, or gay/lesbian. You would, however, feel more at home if you have a lot of money and are politically liberal/progressive (there are certainly exceptions to this).

But yes, definitely there are primarily great upscale local restaurants. There are drinking bars and music bars (including the widely known Cat's Cradle) for nightlife.

Schools are part of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro School system.

[dcgrl]

I agree that Carrboro isn't "very diverse." It's mostly white, with many Hispanics--but they don't really mix and mingle. It is progressive and accepting, in theory.

I love Carrboro, however--it does have a cool, laid back vibe, and is a great place for kids and hipsterish parents.

[shoes4birds]

Originally Posted by dcgrl

I agree that Carrboro isn't "very diverse." It's mostly white, with many Hispanics--but they don't really mix and mingle. It is progressive and accepting, in theory.

I love Carrboro, however--it does have a cool, laid back vibe, and is a great place for kids and hipsterish parents.

Thanks for the replies. dcgirl, I like your description. We were originally looking at the north end of Virginia Beach, off Shore Drive. What we love about that area is the laid back quaint feel with the local bars and restaurants. What we DON'T like about the area is that we'd have to spend a massive amount of money for very little home (more than likely a major fixer-upper) and that the public schools are massive. This seems a possibility that might just suit us a bit better.

[shoes4birds]

Carrboro and Chapel Hill are obviously VERY close. Are there a lot of people who live in Chapel Hill and spend time in Carrboro? I'm wondering if we might want to include Chapel Hill in our home search so that we have more options?

Any thoughts?

[Jdatlas]

Originally Posted by shoes4birds

Carrboro and Chapel Hill are obviously VERY close. Are there a lot of people who live in Chapel Hill and spend time in Carrboro? I'm wondering if we might want to include Chapel Hill in our home search so that we have more options?

Any thoughts?

Yes. We live in Chapel Hill and spend a lot of time in Carrboro. We like the Weaver Street Market, the Open Eye coffee shop, Amante Pizza and Milltown restaurant and the Farmer's Market. I could go on and on. Carrboro has a lot to offer.

[carroboroliving]

Carrboro is a fabulous place to live and raise a family. I live in a wonderful family friendly neighborhood in Carrboro (Chapel Hill / Carrboro schools - best in the state). We are within walking distance of school, parks, farmer's market, Weaver Street co-op market, 2 supermarkets, shops, restaurants, music, coffee, bars. We are on the free bus line, bike lines ... very walker / biker friendly area. My children are in the dual langual English / Spanish program (really fantastic). The neighborhood is full of professionals with children of all ages. We have our own park and HOA that funds holiday parties, halloween, Easter egg hunts. We have built in baby-sitters (high school age kids).