Which No. Raleigh or Other Neighborhood Is For Me? (Cary: real estate, townhouses)

[Cali09]

Hi - I am from No. California (East Bay outside San Fran) and am looking to narrow down where I should be looking for homes without being swayed by the homes in Real Estate searches. It's just my husband and I - 36 years old no kids & none in future. He will work in Raleigh, zip 27615. What we are looking for:
No more than 4 bedrooms -3,200 sq ft or a little less.
Home 10 years old or less.
Would like some space between houses but still be part of a neighborhood community - meet and socialize with neighbors.
Living on a Golf Course with Community Pool a Plus.
Looking for great school districts for strong resale value in the future - this one is big for us. What Districts are these?
Want to avoid the really pretty huge houses in neighborhoods where many end up empty because the prior owners could not afford them.
One story homes another plus.
Price range $450k - $525k
I really appreciate all the input on this forum, I've learned so much already!

[MikeJaquish]

Brier Creek comes to mind immediately.
Lots are not large, in the 1/5 to 1/4 acre range.

Hard to find a one-story home, too.
But price and square footage size fits.

[angie313]

couldn't have said it better myself! also wakefield has a lot of options and is a bit closer to that zip code and may have more housing variations since its more established and had a larger variation of builders than BC did. both communities have a lot to offer and have created their own little "community"- grocery stores, fast food, movie theaters, etc within very short distance.

[Cali09]

How about Cary, Apex, Wake Forest? Are they too far from that work zipcode? I don't know how far apart everything is. A 30 min commute is not a problem. I see so much talk about these places and wonder if there is a reason they are not a fit? Thanks!

[VickiR]

Originally Posted by Cali09

Hi - I am from No. California (East Bay outside San Fran) and am looking to narrow down where I should be looking for homes without being swayed by the homes in Real Estate searches. It's just my husband and I - 36 years old no kids & none in future. He will work in Raleigh, zip 27615. What we are looking for:
No more than 4 bedrooms -3,200 sq ft or a little less.
Home 10 years old or less.
Would like some space between houses but still be part of a neighborhood community - meet and socialize with neighbors.
Living on a Golf Course with Community Pool a Plus.
Looking for great school districts for strong resale value in the future - this one is big for us. What Districts are these?
Want to avoid the really pretty huge houses in neighborhoods where many end up empty because the prior owners could not afford them.
One story homes another plus.
Price range $450k - $525k
I really appreciate all the input on this forum, I've learned so much already!

Based on your criteria, I'd suggest Bedford in North Raleigh.

It is a huge neighborhood with all types and prices of townhouses and homes. Prices range from about $200s to $900s.

It is very family orientated with walking trails, parks, lots of get togethers for the neighborhs and a pool. The only thing you'd be missing would be the golf course.

If you are looking to JOIN a golf course, you can still do that.

Heritage in Wake Forest is much like Bedford WITH the golf course. However, travelling from Wake Forest to North Raleigh in the morning can be a 30 min. commute. If no traffic, it is much like a 15 to 20 min. commute.

Lots of choices in your price range. I'd choose North Raleigh or Wake Forest. My opinion!

Vicki

[Exit MA Now]

Try the Preston area in Cary around the Prestonwood Country Club.

[angie313]

nothing is wrong with those other areas, but coming in from wake forest, capital or falls of neuse are your only options and if there's a wreck, you're SOL. I used to live in WF and worked in raleigh, so i speak from experience. i'm not a cary fan, so i can't speak to that.

[lisa53109]

I have recently moved to Wake Forest and I love it. Check out Heritage. I think it will have everything you are looking for. Stonegate isn't on a golf course but the lots are larger and they have a pool and reasonable homeowners fees. Everyone is really nice. My husband works in South Raleigh and it takes him about 25 minutes to get to work in the morning. It's not a bad drive.

[rnc2mbfl]

The "less than 10 years old" requirement is a barrier to some of your choices. North Ridge and Wildwood Green are two golf communities that might fit your bill but the houses will either be older (some renovated, some not) or new ones as a result of tear downs. And, if they are tear downs, they probably won't be within your price range.

Some advantages of North Ridge for a childless couple are:

1. It's a mature neighborhood that is good for families but not overrun with children. A childless couple like yourselves won't feel out of place.
2. It's in 27615.
3. The local high school was just awarded the International Baccalaureate magnet program for the countywide school system.
4. It's close to I-540 & Triangle Town Center Mall yet not that far from the city center or North Hills (midtown area) for adult evenings out on the town.
5. The homes are on larger lots with many on one of the two golf courses. However, the golf course lot homes will probably be higher than your budget.

I don't have specific information about Wildwood Green but it's a neighborhood that is a bit West of North Ridge but also near I-540. Perhaps some others could chime in here to give you more info.
Good Luck and welcome to Raleigh. My family moved to Raleigh from the South Bay back in 1974 with an early wave from IBM.

[family27613]

We are planning a move in May to the North Raleigh area. We would like to be in the Leesville Rd, Creedmoor Rd or Six Forks Rd area and no further than Route 98 North. We are in need of a family friendly neighborhood as we have a 1 year old as well as 3 year old. We are looking for a home 10 years or newer and we really don't want to be on top of our neighbor. Good schools are important as well although I am sure this could change by the time my kids are heading off. Any suggestions as to what neighborhoods to look at would be greatly appreciated.