The pricepoint that you mentioned is reasonable for 3bdrm homes around the Raleigh area. There are great subdivisions all over the Raleigh, Wake Forest, Cary areas where kids thrive in the community environment. I just did a very generic search for 3 bedroom rentals priced at $1000-1300 and came up with about 300 choices! So you will have to narrow your search quite a bit:
Some of the questions I ask my relocation clients to aid them in streamlining their search is:
Do you want a pool community?
Do you want to walk to shopping?
Do you want a large yard/small yard?
Do you mind doing yard work?
Do you want a bonus room in addition to the 3 bedrooms?
Do you want a garage?
How close do you want to be to your work?
Do you have pet(s) to clear with the landlord?
Do you have a lot of visitors to where parking would be an issue?
Is the age of the home a factor?
Do you or family members have allergies to gas? (gas ranges and heat)
Do you mind well water or do you prefer city/county water?
Do you want to be in a specific school district? (although that is [i]always[i]subject to change.)
I hope this helps.