Concern and question from possible transplant (Raleigh, Durham: transplants, chapel, homes)

[LisaMc46]

My family and I are considering moving to the triangle from Vermont. We have family in Cary and Fuguay Varina and visit frequently. My husband could request a transfer to the Raleigh office of his employer.

There's so much about the area that appeals to us: great schools, great neighborhoods in the $250-$300,000 range, a wide selection of churches and the general friendliness of the people we've met during our visits. The barbecue and sweet tea are an added bonus!

We do have one concern. It seems like town zoning officials in many area towns don't give much thought to aesthetics or green space. I get the impression that they'll happily give a permit to any big box store that requests to build one on old farmland or a nice wooded area without giving much thought to how the resulting traffic and aesthetic impact will affect nearby developments.

My husband and I looked at homes in Holly Springs and Apex during our last visit (Sunset Oaks and Brighton Forest particularly appealed to us) but I was a bit concerned when our Realtor mentioned that there were a lot of new big-box stores and strip malls in the works. While it would be great to have a Target, etc. within a short drive, I wouldn't want to stare at one every time I turned out of my development.

So, my question is: Can anyone recommend towns within commuting distance of Raleigh that have good zoning regulations in place? I'm looking for a town with a good amount of parks and other green space and outdoor recreation areas spread out between well-planned residential developments and commercial areas. If the town bans or limits neon signs, that would be an added bonus.

Thanks for your help. I lurk here frequently especially now that we have over 200 inches of snow here in my corner of Vermont and I'm dreaming of spring.

[skaternum]

I don't understand this statement:

My husband is a state employee and here and could request a transfer to the Raleigh office.

If he works for the State of Vermont, how could he request a transfer to a "Raleigh office"?? Did I miss something?

[Francois]

If he works for the State of Vermont, how could he request a transfer to a "Raleigh office"?? Did I miss something?

Exactly what I was thinking! NC State Govt has a hiring freeze, so you can't assume he could just transfer down here to the same job he's doing there, and no, I don't recall any State of Vermont jobs here.

I get the impression that they'll happily give a permit to any big box store that requests to build one on old farmland or a nice wooded area without giving much thought to how the resulting traffic and aesthetic impact will affect nearby developments.

You can thank your fellow transplants for that--as folks move here by the (tens of) thousands, the developers are going to slap up construction wherever they can, aesthetics be darned. That is a problem of any rapidly-growing area. Many a former farm/woods is now a Wal-Mart, Food Lion, or cookie-cutter subdivision.

[LisaMc46]

Originally Posted by skaternum

I don't understand this statement:
If he works for the State of Vermont, how could he request a transfer to a "Raleigh office"?? Did I miss something?

It's a state job that's administered and paid for by the federal government (the office of Social Security). Since the job function is the same in each state it's not too difficult to move around the U.S. as long as jobs are available (of course you have to apply and have an interview so I guess it's not technically a transfer). My husband transferred to Vermont from another state eight years ago.

Sorry for the confusion.

[Awakening Escapade]

We have a number of parks and greenways in the triangle. However, we have lots of new construction too.
The old saying location, location, location is so true- and with that thought in mind- don't buy with any undeveloped areas around your home. No matter how it's zoned- that could be changed. So your best bet- buy in a well developed area and you won't end up with some huge development next door.

[saturnfan]

Most governments here are no better than common prostitutes in catering to developer requests.

Chapel Hill might be an exception but is costly.

[CHTransplant]

Chapel Hill is notorious for resisting big box and fast food/drive through development.

But, if you really want to avoid that kind of thing, just live in a more rural area like Chatam County. It will lengthen your commute, but you'll have the absence of development and "green space" you seek.

[RaleighJonathan]

The developments out by Brier Creek (West Raleigh, towards Durham) are located by great shopping, but also Umstead Park - This park has camping, hiking, fishing, bike trails, and will be untouched by any zoning hawks!