ny to nc - familiar story..... (Raleigh, Garner: apartment, rentals, townhouse)

[ny2nc]

ok, my hubby and i have been contemplating a move to the Raleigh area for 3 years and it looks as though we are going to make the move, however, we will rent our LI home and then rent down there- just to be 100% sure. We have narrowed down our choices regarding location and homes, and we are down to 5 places: Riverwood, Athletic, Plantation Pointe, Glen Laurel, Flowers Plantation and Eagle Ridge. Understanding that this is a story you've all heard a million times, perhaps someone could be kind enough to give me some more input, from an "insiders" perspective perhaps. We also have school age children, so keep that in mind. We have been to the area on several occasions we are familiar with the landscape.
So, any sugggestions.....how about from your fellow transplantees??
Thanks so much. Some times it feels as if my head is spinning
Forgot to mention that I am a teacher and my hubby currently owns his own construction biz and will be looking for supervisory work when we land.
Thanks again- mucho appriciated!!

[saturnfan]

I recommend you rent in an apt complex. Low deposits and amenities like a pool.

Home rentals are risky and carry high deposits with uncertain maintenance.

Once you are sure where you want to live, you can buy.

[slynn41072]

Originally Posted by saturnfan

I recommend you rent in an apt complex. Low deposits and amenities like a pool.

Home rentals are risky and carry high deposits with uncertain maintenance.

Once you are sure where you want to live, you can buy.

I agree.

[convergent]

I just moved down from Albany, NY. Its definitely hot... so be ready if you are coming soon. But so far we love it here. I don't know anything about those developments... we bought a house in the part of Wake County just south of Raleigh that is not in any municipality, so our taxes are very low and reasonably close to everything. Looking at your stated occupations, you may want to look into salary ranges here before you solidify your decision. My understanding is that teaching and construction are two fields that carry quite a bit lower salaries here than in the Northeast. I am in the tech sector and stayed with the same employer so didn't have to deal with that.

[mia78]

Convergent is right on the money. You may be in for a shock at the salary difference and need to adjust your housing needs accordingly. My dh took a $4.00 paycut when he moved here.

[Yarc Ecstasy]

The best advice I can give you is to rent a townhouse or or single family house. This will give the the most enjoyable lifestyle and replicate what it will be like to live here as an owner. If you rent an apartment, you stand a pretty good chance of having loud neighbors and it just won't feel like home to you. As this is a test session for you, I would not try to save a few bucks on where you live.

[saturnfan]

Originally Posted by Yarc Ecstasy

The best advice I can give you is to rent a townhouse or or single family house. This will give the the most enjoyable lifestyle and replicate what it will be like to live here as an owner. If you rent an apartment, you stand a pretty good chance of having loud neighbors and it just won't feel like home to you. As this is a test session for you, I would not try to save a few bucks on where you live.

All depends. I almost never hear the upstairs neighbor.

[giffman]

Riverwood Golf and Riverwood Athletic are tied to two of the best schools in Johnston County for Elementary and Middle. Clayton High School is ok. Riverwood ammenities are second to none. Residents pay as low as $50 per month for health club, pool, and golf privileges.

I'd say steer clear of Eagle Ridge. Garner area schools are not very good in comparrison to the rest of Wake County Schools. The other communities you listed are nice. Glen Laurel homes are the nicest and the neighborhood golf course is one of the best public courses in the entire triangle.

[psr]

I agree with the Garner schools. It is a shame how Wake County treats Garner. Live outside of town/city limits. Taxes are much lower and even though you do not have trash service, there are plenty of waste collection sites. Also, be aware that houses generally have no basements. This means that storage is at a premium even in a 2000 sq ft home. When I lived in the Great White North, an 1100 sq ft home meant the sq ft ABOVE the basement. Here it means no basement unless specifically stated.

[newmom5497]

I also am a teacher and live in Johnston County also. A job should be no problem here for you...Johnston County is always looking for teachers(I had no problem at all last summer when we moved from Jersey). A construction job may be harder to come by though.

Riverwood, Flowers and Glen Laurel are all good choice to rent a house....very family oriented areas with walking trails, playgrounds, pool-clubs etc. I am positive you will be happy there with both the neighborhood and schools. I hear nothing but good things about the schools and neighborhoods from co-workers, parents and friends.

I'm not familiar with Eagle Ridge but if its in the Wake County area of Garner, I would steer clear. I have a friend visiting right now who will also be working in Johnston County schools but will be living in Wake County(Garner area) and she is trying to transfer her kids to Johnston County due to her working here...the Garner(wake) schools they would attend are not that great(via Greatschools.com...and also from talking to people in the area).

Good Luck. We love it here.