Baltimore7,
We arrived from the NE just under a year ago. After much research, and after looking in Brier Creek and Cary, we bought a home in the Fairfield development in SW Durham. We couldn't be happier. The more we learn and see of the Triangle area, the more satisfied we are that we made the right decision for us.
My husband works in the southern most part of the RTP and his commute is around 12 minutes. Fairfield is an active community of less than 400 homes, offering recreational facilities and social activities for those that are inclined to partake of them. Our neighborhood is ethnically diverse. People wave at each other in passing, are out jogging at all hours, and the dog walkers are a ubiquitous and friendly bunch.
What we really like is that we feel like we're on the edge of a more rural area, with an entrance to the ATT one mile from our home, yet we're less than 10 minutes from the Streets of Southpoint and all of the other smaller malls nearby. A large variety of restaurants are within close striking range. An added plus is the ease in which we can go elsewhere in Durham and Chapel Hill. I confess we almost never go to Cary or Raleigh, so can't speak to the convenience of getting to those cities.
We are very glad we didn't listen to those who categorized all of Durham by its worst neighborhoods, and by the realtors who encouraged us toward Cary and Brier Creek. For us, living in SW Durham was a perfect fit. I wish you well in finding the neighborhood and home that's right for your family.