Atlanta vs Chapel Hill/Raleigh/Durham Area? Please help!!!!! (living, cost, better)

[timepiecenlife]

I am a 32 year old single mom of two daughters. One will be going into middle school next year and the other is still in elementary school. I am looking to move to either Atlanta or the Chapel Hill/RD area (includes both city and surrounding areas) and really need help your help in knowing the pros and cons of both. Grew up in Asheville, NC so family is still there, currently in Tampa, FL but want to move closer to my family. I have visited both cities on several occasions (for recreation) but living and visiting is totally different. I work as a Paralegal, so finding a job is paramount, but the health and well being of my daughters is my #1 priority.

Both of my girls are very active in sports and outdoor activities so we need a place where we can go biking, to parks, swimming etc. (the more that are within walking distance the better), aau sports (track, soccer, volleyball, basketball, etc.) and school sports when they are of age. They are also very involved in theater, dance, and horseback riding, so having access to equestrian centers and kid friendly theater programs is important. I need a place that will have excellent schools: elementary, middle and high (not just grades but extra curricular activities and parental involvement as well); we need a place where not only they can grow and thrive, make friends, and be involved but where I can as well. It has been very difficult for me to have a social life in Tampa and meet people my own age and that share the same interests. I need an area that has relatively low crime, no city has none, kid friendly, family friendly neighborhoods. Nice housing that is not too expensive. Cost of living and outside expenses are a big factor (if the house is cheap but the taxes, insurance, gas commuting, costs of maintaining a home and/or spending an evening out is outrageous, what's the point). It all needs to balance out. I need a place that has plenty of diversity and appectance. No closed minded areas or schools. We like southern living, country life and hospitality but like being able to have access to the benefits of the big city.

I want a place that gives us everything we need and a place we can call home. The move is going to happen mid July, so any help knowing the overall benefits and negatives of what both cities offer and what areas and schools to look at move closely would help greatly. Thanks.