Bedford area of N. Raleigh (Durham, Cary: HOA, day care, house)

[LisaZ]

Just curious about the location. Is it convenient to many things? From looking at a map, it looks like it is a hike - but then again, it does seem like there are shopping areas nearby. About how long is the drive to major shopping, dining or to RTP or downtown Raleigh or Durham? Thanks all.

[mdp_az]

Bedford, together with Falls River, is a huge planned development located just south of Wakefield, another huge development. Consequently, there are convenient grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, shops, parks, etc... within just a few minutes north and south of Bedford. Also, Bedford is getting its own "town center" with a few restaurants, shops a day care, etc...

Major shopping is 10-15 minutes away at Triangle Town Centre Mall. Downtown Raleigh is 25-30 minutes away depending on traffic and time of day. Downtown Durham is 35-40 minutes away. Downtown Wake Forest is only about 10 minutes away and has a nice small-town feel to it.

Overall, its become a pretty convenient location due to the growth in the area. The least convenient aspect of Bedford, IMO, is the inadequate access into/out of the neighborhood. You either have to drive all the way through Falls River at 25mph or exit Dunn Rd. onto an often congested Falls of Neuse Rd.

[VickiR]

If you like large neighborhoods, you'll like Bedford. Located in North Raleigh, you are about 10 min. from Triangle Towne Center (mall) and about 15 min. from Crabtree Valley (mall). Need more?!!

There are grocery stores and restaurants within walking distance. Hospital within 5 miles.

Bedford has a pool that is included with your HOA dues, walking trails, parks, tot lots, etc. Lots of sidewalks for walking.

Depending on what YOU like to do, we'll have a better idea of how far other things are. There are quite a few Agents in my office that live in Bedford and Falls River.

Vicki

[sneezecake]

Tough ride from there to Southpoint, probably the best mall in the triangle.
The commute to RTP would be a little bit rough as well, due to the traffic problems on Falls of Neuse.

[mdp_az]

I missed the question about RTP times in the OP's message. I should mention than I lived in Falls River for six years, but grew tired of the commute to RTP and my wife grew even more weary of her commute to northern Durham from there. It regularly took me 35-40 minutes each way to Alexander & Durham Freeway in RTP. If I was late leaving work (i.e. - after 5:15) it could easily take 45-55 minutes to get home...not fun. If your work is in RTP and requires a daily commute during rush hours, you might be happier in NW Wake County, Morrisvile, NW Cary or Durham.

[lovebrentwood]

Best mall in the Triangle? I've lived my life without needing to go to Southpoint mall (except once to see it). Triangle Town Center is huge and is, I believe, the newest mall in the Triangle.

Southpoint has 140 stores. Triangle Town Center has 165.

Originally Posted by sneezecake

Tough ride from there to Southpoint, probably the best mall in the triangle.
The commute to RTP would be a little bit rough as well, due to the traffic problems on Falls of Neuse.

[dansdrive]

IM 'North Raleigh area' Opinion it is convenient. No there is not a major shopping center within Bedford or Falls River but there is a variety of shops and services just south of it. Falls Pointe Plaza is considered by some as a major shopping hangout. One can buy from clothes for the family to pet supplies, food, specialty coffee, movies, and a house even as their is a Realtors office there. Durant Road has lot of restaurants and medical offices as well as Ace hardware and as they say, "Ace is the place!".

So I think its a very nice convenient place to toss out the tent and drive in the stake's and call home!

On the down side Falls Of Neuse at times is like dancing in a Congo line but inside your auto. But the light they added to the entrance into Bedford really helps break the Congo line on Falls. raa ta ta ta ta Hey! I know you hear the music playing in your head.... ta ta ta Hey!

But all dance steps aside, it is a nice area and convenient to a lot of things.

[dansdrive]

Originally Posted by lovebrentwood

Best mall in the Triangle? I've lived my life without needing to go to Southpoint mall (except once to see it). Triangle Town Center is huge and is, I believe, the newest mall in the Triangle.

Southpoint has 140 stores. Triangle Town Center has 165.

I don't want to get this off topic but I would not compare Triangle 'Gang-bang' Center with Southpoint. From the shopping atmosphere to the variety of stores Southpoint has triangle center beaten like a Bulldog on a Pork Chop.

I drive the distance to go to Southpoint and Crabtree before I would go to Triangle Town Center. Just my opinion.

[sneezecake]

Originally Posted by lovebrentwood

Best mall in the Triangle? I've lived my life without needing to go to Southpoint mall (except once to see it). Triangle Town Center is huge and is, I believe, the newest mall in the Triangle.

Southpoint has 140 stores. Triangle Town Center has 165.

That's fine, you do what you know and what's convenient...but the Indyweek poll continually names Southpoint in the "best of" lists.

Of the true malls, my ranking is Southpoint>Crabtree>Triangle Town Center.

Store quantity is not at all indicative of mall quality. Northgate claims 165 stores. Cary Towne Center has 140. Neither hold a candle to Southpoint.

[lovebrentwood]

Southpoint is in Durham. Case closed.