Young couple relocating to Raleigh -- looking for nice, affordable apartments in nice area (Durham: for sale)

[lmckinne]

My boyfriend and I are in our early 20's and have plans to relocate to the Raleigh area (preferably West, based on what I've read). We are looking for an area with affordable apartments in an area close to city areas, yet close to nature (hiking & biking trails, etc.).

We are interested in finding a location central to Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill in hopes that we will have a better chance of finding jobs with minimal commutes. Areas close to highways would be ideal, but not close enough to hear the noise!

Proximity to shopping and restaurants would be great. Although we are young, a family-oriented location would be nice so we could get to know the area for when we go to buy.

A location with houses less than about $250k would be nice. The most important thing to me is living somewhere that all the houses don't look brand new and identical, but very well taken care of; character and tree lined streets are musts : ) Bungalows, Queen Ann, English Tudor and Victorian homes are the most beautiful to me. Decently sized backyards are also ideal.

Although we are currently looking for apartments, planning for the future is very important to me as well. If anyone has any specific apartment suggestions that would be so much appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

[North_Raleigh_Guy]

Originally Posted by lmckinne

My boyfriend and I are in our early 20's and have plans to relocate to the Raleigh area (preferably West, based on what I've read). We are looking for an area with affordable apartments in an area close to city areas, yet close to nature (hiking & biking trails, etc.).

We are interested in finding a location central to Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill in hopes that we will have a better chance of finding jobs with minimal commutes. Areas close to highways would be ideal, but not close enough to hear the noise!

Proximity to shopping and restaurants would be great. Although we are young, a family-oriented location would be nice so we could get to know the area for when we go to buy.

A location with houses less than about $250k would be nice. The most important thing to me is living somewhere that all the houses don't look brand new and identical, but very well taken care of; character and tree lined streets are musts : ) Bungalows, Queen Ann, English Tudor and Victorian homes are the most beautiful to me. Decently sized backyards are also ideal.

Although we are currently looking for apartments, planning for the future is very important to me as well. If anyone has any specific apartment suggestions that would be so much appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

It is extremely difficult to give recommendations without knowing job location. That will make a big difference. There really isn't a good "Central" location to all three areas of the Triangle in terms of commute. If you work in Raleigh but your boyfriend works in Chapel Hill, one of you will be getting the short end of the stick. Morrisville may be the closest thing to the geographic center of the Area, but most of the housing is newer construction and you could still be looking at long commutes depending on where your destination is located.

I'm not sure if you are looking for a house or apartment. For $250K you can find homes that are not new / cookie cutter but rather in older more established neighborhoods. However, while places like Raleigh, Durahm and Chapel Hill do have hisotirc neighborhoods with craftsman bungalows and victorian style homes, you really can't get into those areas in that price range.

Have you come for a visit? Once you check out the area I bet you will have a much better idea on what area suit you. Again though, I think getting the jobs nailed down will be key. Good Luck!

[RaleighLass]

To build on what NRG has said, Morrisville would be best not knowing where in the triangle you'll be. It's also mostly new construction there as it was/is a very small town. It's located near the airport.

if you want West Raleigh, did I understand you correctly? You won't find a mix of home styles in that price range in one particular neighborhood there. There are neighborhoods with some of the styles you mentioned but they are pricey as they are inside the beltline and not West Raleigh but 5 mins drive from it. Mostly you'll see neighborhoods built in the 60's, 70's 80's typical of the styles for their time.

True West Raleigh, you should ck out the Lake Johnson area down Western Blvd, 5 mins from NCSU. the lake is lovely. Lots of trails, paddle boats, etc. They have some townhouses, not many, maybe you could rent one of of those? They are mostly owner occupied, and rarely go up for sale, teh homes are modest in size, but the location is great as you are a few steps away from the lake.
There are lots of apts nearby further down Western Blvd but know that they will have students, grad students mostly. But, you are around the same age so you'd fit right in!

[lmckinne]

Thanks for the response! Hopefully we will be able to land jobs before moving because as you said, that would definitely help.

We are currently looking for places to rent - probably an apartment or townhome. I was just asking about houses for future reference. It's important that I move somewhere that I can see myself for awhile.

We are traveling down there in late March to check out the area, hopefully that gives us some direction. Any specific areas you think are worth taking a look or that have a lot of apartment/townhome communities?

Thanks again! I really appreciate the responses.

[pstpeter]

There's some great townhomes/apartments by Southpoint (the huge mall) in Durham. Cary has a lot of townhomes to rent and again depending on where you land jobs it's a great place to live. Welcome to our wonderful area! It's a terrific place to live.

[Clever User Name]

Originally Posted by lmckinne

Thanks for the response! Hopefully we will be able to land jobs before moving because as you said, that would definitely help.

Yeah. That would help.

Unless you have a large cash reserve, a lot of patience, or madly marketable skills, this isn't exactly the best time to move without a job.