Need help - thinking of relocating - towns to look at???? (Raleigh: fit in, transplants)

[gallicxy]

Hi all,
My husband and I are currently living in NJ and are thinking of relocating to NC. We initially were looking at Clayton, and still are(any input plus or negative would be appreciated) but only because we don't know where else might be family friendly and job friendly.
I am an RN and would like to work in a local hospital/doctors office. My husband, at present owns an interior design workroom and would be looking to start that up again in the area where we moved to. The suburbs of Raleigh appeal to us because I know there are good hospitals and I know my husband could find jobs with interior decorators and clients and such.
The thought of moving is overwhelming but I truly believe it will be a good thing.
We would be looking to rent a home initially.
We have 7 children. 1 starting high school in the fall. 2 that are middle school age and 4 that are K - 5.

What school systems are good?What high schools should I avoid? What school systems should i stay away from? Where do you send your kids and are you happy?

What communities/towns are good places to raise our family. Low crime, good neighbors, local shops etc...

Coming from NJ I am use to having grocery stores and restaurants close. This is something I still would desire.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. I know the triangle are is large and I need help navigating it!!!

[Francois]

First and foremost, don't move until you have a job. Layoffs are happening here just like everywhere else. Of course, as a nurse, you have much less to worry about than most fields.

I haven't been to Clayton in a long time--it is a former "sleepy Southern town" that is now apparently becoming "Long Island/New Jersey South", so if you're from NJ I guess you'll fit in fine there.

They do say the schools are very good, there in Johnston county.

[gallicxy]

Thanks Francois for taking the time to respond.
I don't necessarily want Long Island/Jersey South. That's kind of what we're looking to get away from.

[alliecat6571]

Francois -- this is just my thoughts .....there is no way Clayton is Long Island/Jersey south! Far from it...we have lots of friends in the area and not one of them is from the northeast. Gallicxy -- Just wanted to give you my opinion...My husband is in the military (stationed at Ft. Bragg) and we wanted to live as far away as possible from there so we researched and looked all over the place...we wanted to be close to Raleigh is all we knew...so we looked at Sanford, Lillington, Fuquay, Garner, Clayton, and Four Oaks. We decided on Johnston Co. -- the Four Oaks area! It has been the best thing we ever decided on. We are close to everything...20 minutes from downtown Raleigh, 20 minutes to Crabtree Valley Mall, 10+ minutes to Garner (White Oak Shopping/Movies) Tons of restaurants close by...and UNC Chapel Hill is the farthest...45 mins. I have two kids and one is in elementary school and the other is in middle school. They go to the Four Oaks schools and they are wonderful! The teachers and principal have been awesome...very open and loving and accepting (being military we see that alot moving) they have made some great friends too! I can honestly say this, moving here has been the best thing....Johnston Co is a great place and whatever place you decide I know you will be happy. Hope this helps...just another opinion.

[saturnfan]

Be aware that your pay as an RN might be much less than in NJ.

Also, the construction slump may hit your husband's type of business hard.

Unless you're sure of finances, don't come here while the slump is on.

[jsbinnc]

I moved to Clayton in August '08, specifically Riverwood primarily for the schools. I have been very satisfied with Riverwood Elementary and have friends who are with the middle school. Unfortunately out here there are no services of any kind, gas station, grocery store, mini mart. I have a 15 - 20 minute drive to the grocery store, gas station, restaurants, etc. I understand this is soon to change with a grocery store and some other stores. Nevertheless, as a single father I am very pleased with Riverwood, both the schools and the neighborhood. You will definitely meet plenty of new transplants, my neighbors are from New Jersey and New York.