Small town - rural feel - around Raleigh?? (Durham, Cary: chapel, homes)

[labmom1]

Any suggestions of where to begin our search??

We are looking for small town atmosphere - perhaps with a nice historic downtown section. Looking for either a historic section of housing or someplace rural with acreage. We are NOT development type people. Looking for areas with character not cookie cutter.

We work from home so distance to Raleigh is not a large issue - just want to be in the general area.

We do have a child who will probably go to private school - so if any of these places are near a good private school that is a major bonus.

We are also very outdoorsy - so near hiking, biking, et...is also a bonus.

Anything pop into mind? Many Thanks.

[Desdemona123]

Originally Posted by labmom1

Any suggestions of where to begin our search??

We are looking for small town atmosphere - perhaps with a nice historic downtown section. Looking for either a historic section of housing or someplace rural with acreage. We are NOT development type people. Looking for areas with character not cookie cutter.

We work from home so distance to Raleigh is not a large issue - just want to be in the general area.

We do have a child who will probably go to private school - so if any of these places are near a good private school that is a major bonus.

We are also very outdoorsy - so near hiking, biking, et...is also a bonus.

Anything pop into mind? Many Thanks.

Wake Forest...but the private schools might be an issue. There is St Catherine's Catholic school but that is it. It's not too far to Ravencroft...there are not many that go there, but a few.

[RaleighRob]

Don't know about the private school part, but everything you describe sounds like Pittsboro and Hillsborough to a T. Carrboro too, although it's a bit larger than the other two, being next to Chapel Hill.

[MikeJaquish]

Rural with acreage is available in many locations of the Triangle. It seems like the private school access is going to be a large factor your decision.

[MariGirl]

Not sure how far from Raleigh you want to be, but if you go a bit further south, Sanford (Lee County) has a historic home and downtown district. It's about 30 mins. to Cary and 45 mins. to North Raleigh and RDU airport. There is also a lot of rural land available to build a home.
If you go a bit further south down US 1, there is Southern Pines (Moore County) and surrounding area. It has it's own historic areas and is lovely. Also open land... you see lots of horse farms in parts of Lee and Moore counties as well.
The O'Neal School in Southern Pines is private, and has a good reputation. Its students come from Moore, Lee and several other surrounding counties.

[architect77]

Louisburg.

[bluedevilz]

Originally Posted by RaleighRob

Don't know about the private school part, but everything you describe sounds like Pittsboro and Hillsborough to a T. Carrboro too, although it's a bit larger than the other two, being next to Chapel Hill.

Hillsborough would definitely fit the bill, very close to one of the best private schools in the area as well. Durham Academy.

[Desdemona123]

Originally Posted by architect77

Louisburg.

What private school is near there?

[vetegnc]

Nashville has a DARNED cute historic area. Quaint little downtown, about 45 min east of raleigh. Rocky Mount academy (10 miles east) is a pretty well known private school in the area. Good luck!

[ferrickhead28]

Here's a couple of private schools to get you started:

Raleigh Christian Academy
www.raleighchristian.com

Ravenscroft
www.ravenscroft.org

Here's a list of schools in Wake County that are considered "private":
http://www.raleighrealestate.com/schools/privral.htm

My opinion? Check out the schools first, find a couple you would consider than look around for nearby historic towns to move to. Raleigh's downtown has some beautiful historic homes. I think someone posted some pics on here at one time.