Wake Forest suggestions? (Raleigh, Cary, Apex: HOA, houses, neighborhoods)

[LONGISLAND2NC]

I would like to drive through some Wake Forest area communities today and would appreciate some suggestions. I have had a quick look at Heritage and Wakefield and it seems that I probably cannot afford the house I want, perhaps due to the premium being asked to live on a golf course?

I have been scouring the archives of this forum and here is the list I have come up with so far:
Dansforth
Crenshaw Hall Plantation
Northampton
ThornRose

We are looking for a family oriented, swimming pool community, good schools are important. The house would be 350 - 450K, 2600-3400 sqft, 4+ bedrooms, open floor plan, 0-7 years old. A backyard suitable for kids to play in would be nice too. I work from home so commute is not an issue. I don't mind the homes being close together as long as they are not right on top of each other the way they are in some of those newer West Cary planned communities (which I can't afford anyway).

We have seen a lot of great communities in the Raleigh area and some of our favorites to date are Abbington in Apex, Glen Laurel in Clayton, Brighton Forest in F-V, Sunset Ridge in Holly Springs and various random Cary subdivisions.

If anyone has any suggestions that you think might fit my taste and budget in Wake Forest, or any other area for that matter, I would love to hear them! Feel free to DM, Thanks in advance.

[ericamcclenny]

Here's a few neighborhoods that are in or near Wake Forest that should meet your needs.

Oakcroft off Falls of the Neuse
Bedford off Falls of the Neuse

Stonegate is VERY nice and right up the street from Heritage. It's off Forestville Rd
Kimmon Place off Purnell & Bud Smith Rd

Barham Place is a little east but still Wake Forest address...very nice custom finishes for the price.

There are many homes to choose from.

[leighbhe]

I would also suggest Twin Creeks at olde mill stream (off of harris road)

Strathaven off of purnell (powell road)

Fairlake (off of purnell about a mile from capital on the left)

Stony Bend (two entrances to the neighborhood that do not connect), off of stony hill road

If you want some land, there is a great house off of bold hill run that is on 4 acres!

Happy hunting

Leigh

[dad2jules]

I live in Northampton and have nothing but good things to say about it- been here just over 3 years and have been very happy with everything here. Jones Dairy is our elementary school and my daughter just started this year so I don't have a lot of experience with it but have been happy so far. She was in private pre-school for 2 years so my bar is pretty high for my daughter. When we moved looked at Dansforth and liked the homes but didn't seem to be many kids around but that was 3-4 years ago. Didn't like Thornrose because of Lennar- what you see is what you get- no upgrades/ customizing available to the homes.

[LONGISLAND2NC]

Thanks all for the suggestions and DMs. I can see I am going to need to devote at least a couple more weekends to exploring Wake Forest!

[NYer]

Also north of Heritage, you will find Bowling Green & Bishop's Grant. Both have pools.
Rolesville is very close, and there are tons of new subdivisions there, too. Granite Falls has a great swim club, and you don't have to live there to join, so that opens up the possibilty for you of getting more house for less $ if you get a house in a pool-free community, but then join Granite Falls (5 minute drive or so from the Heritage area.)

[mjmama]

Based on what you are looking for, I second the Bedford recommendation. There are some excellent deals on homes in Bedford right now worth looking into. It's a bit too far north for my commute, but it was tempting and a great neighborhood for families.

[LONGISLAND2NC]

I quite liked the Bedford neighborhood but the lots seemed quite small and the houses kind of narrow, straight up and down. I like wider style houses like this one -

[ericamcclenny]

Bedford has several sections with different looks. The pool is amazing and they have neighborhood events often. Very active community.

[dchz1]

Originally Posted by dad2jules

I live in Northampton and have nothing but good things to say about it- been here just over 3 years and have been very happy with everything here. Jones Dairy is our elementary school and my daughter just started this year so I don't have a lot of experience with it but have been happy so far. She was in private pre-school for 2 years so my bar is pretty high for my daughter. When we moved looked at Dansforth and liked the homes but didn't seem to be many kids around but that was 3-4 years ago. Didn't like Thornrose because of Lennar- what you see is what you get- no upgrades/ customizing available to the homes.

Northamptons is also were I live and love it. HOA is less that $400.00 a year with a pool and playground. There is a special path to Jonesdairy elem. so no children need to walk on the main roads. Quiet area.