Another one in need of relo advice (Raleigh, Durham: real estate, condos)
Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, CaryThe Triangle Area
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We anticipate moving to Raleigh next month. I'll be working in RTP - not sure about the other half yet. But I'll end up in downtown Raleigh most days for Krav Maga (only place it's taught). Kids are in college, so no worries about school. We don't want a yard, need a garage for sports toys, and like to live where we can walk to restaurants, coffee, etc.
Is Raleigh the only option for Urban living? Would Cary be a better commute? Does Cary have a downtown? I like Durham, but can't figure out how to continue my hobby/fitness regime if I'm that far from a school (Krav is painfully addictive).
It sounds like you are describing Stone Creek Village Townhomes in Cary. You would be about 10 or 15 min from RTP, right next to the greenway, walking distance to grocery, coffee shops, restaurants. It is a great location in Cary and near preston country club. Downtown Raleigh maybe 15 minutes from here. It depends on what you are looking for. There are a lot of really neat condo's in downtown Raleigh. You can go to Raleigh Durham Apex Cary Chapel Hill North Carolina Real Estate Fonville Morisey Realty and put stone creek village into the search to see these. Cary is half way between Raleigh and RTP.
I think you would like Raleigh better than Cary if you want to walk to restaurants and such. Cary does have a downtown (not a whole lot to it) but it isn't at all like Raleigh, Durham or Chapel Hill. I don't know what your budget might be, but being in downtown Raleigh is around $250 sq. ft. if you buy and can be a lot higher. There are some areas you can live in Cary that you can walk to (like a shopping center- but that would be about it) depending on what you rent/buy, but I don't think you'll find the downtown Cary area anything like Raleigh. Cary is a closer commute to RTP though.
If you are interested in Walkability, the area between DT Raleigh and Cameron Village might be your best bet. But, it's an expensive area for housing. But, then again, expensive is all relative to what your current situation is. Some don't think it's expensive at all while others are shocked by the high prices.
There are many older homes in charming neighborhoods from which to choose. There are also luxury condos with garage parking & individually secured storage units in the garage for your sports equipment, etc. My condo at the Paramount in Glenwood South has that situation. There are also several infill townhouse projects with attached garages that are might also suit you well. The commute from this part of DT is really quite easy. When I work from the office, I commute to RTP via Wade Ave to I-40. I usually travel off rush hour and get to my site in less than 20 minutes. With rush hour, it typically adds up to 10 minutes to the drive.
I am rapidly approaching empty-nest age myself (though I don't have children) and can tell you that I really enjoy that part of town.
Good Luck.
There are some areas you can live in Cary that you can walk to (like a shopping center- but that would be about it)
Actually, a previous poster mentioned Stone Creek Village. There is a lot more in that area that is walkable and bikeable than a shopping center. Pretty much everything you need is right in that general area.
Thanks for all the input. I'm going to have a limited amount of time to find a place, this really helps.
rnc2mbfl, we're in our mid-40's. I think that makes us younger empty nesters, most of my friends with kids are a long way from it. We're also very laid back, casual, hole-in-the-wall-but-great restaurant types. Does that area still make sense?
For DT Raleigh, we don't need a lot of space, that helps with the total cost. Less house = less to clean + less temptation to buy "stuff" --> more time to play. And, while I loved being Mom, I'm definitely ready to play now, not take care of a house/yard/stuff.
Thanks for all the input. I'm going to have a limited amount of time to find a place, this really helps.
rnc2mbfl, we're in our mid-40's. I think that makes us younger empty nesters, most of my friends with kids are a long way from it. We're also very laid back, casual, hole-in-the-wall-but-great restaurant types. Does that area still make sense?
For DT Raleigh, we don't need a lot of space, that helps with the total cost. Less house = less to clean + less temptation to buy "stuff" --> more time to play. And, while I loved being Mom, I'm definitely ready to play now, not take care of a house/yard/stuff.
I'm 46. I think you'd be fine in my hood. Good luck. There are great places to hang out that feel real instead of being a chain in the middle of a strip center parking lot.
Try The Rockford on the corner of Glenwood and North. It might just be the sort of hole in the wall that you describe. Good luck!
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