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Hello!
My hubby and I (no kids, 2 bad cats) are considering a move to the RTP/Cary area due to my job and his schooling. We are from the midwest (Kansas City) and would really like to find a neighborhood that is eclectic, diverse and walkable. But also safe.
Our price range for a home would be upto 200K but we likely would rent until we know the area better.
We are both older, early 40's so we are not looking for a place with alot of loud energy late at night... we are both bookish, coffeehouse, arty movie types who are trying to live a green/organic lifestyle. A farmer's market within walking distance or on a bus route would be IDEAL! Any ideas?
check out Durham. The neighborhood of Duke Park is full of bookish, green, farmers market types. and is it ever eclectic. google beaver queen pageant for a taste of what makes that neighborhood click. I think you can find homes for around $200k, but it's more of a $250+. Northgate Park in Durham is just north of Duke Park and housing is more affordable.
check out Durham. The neighborhood of Duke Park is full of bookish, green, farmers market types. and is it ever eclectic. google beaver queen pageant for a taste of what makes that neighborhood click. I think you can find homes for around $200k, but it's more of a $250+. Northgate Park in Durham is just north of Duke Park and housing is more affordable.
I had a little chuckle when the title said "Eclectic, walkable neighborhoods" and your first line talked about moving to the Cary/RTP area. Don't think there are any "Eclectic, walkable neighborhoods" anywhere around Cary.
When I think of eclectic and walkable I think of Chapel Hill, but that is probably out of your price range. Don't know about prices, but the parts of Durham the others talked about would definately fit your description.
I had a little chuckle when the title said "Eclectic, walkable neighborhoods" and your first line talked about moving to the Cary/RTP area. Don't think there are any "Eclectic, walkable neighborhoods" anywhere around Cary.
When I think of eclectic and walkable I think of Chapel Hill, but that is probably out of your price range. Don't know about prices, but the parts of Durham the others talked about would definately fit your description.
yes, I also laughed...not at all what they are looking for. I like the Durham suggestions and would also add inside the beltline (ITB) for more choices for walkability. Your budget will be an issue for ITB buying but you might be able to rent or buy a small house and update it.
Yeah, downtown Raleigh neighborhoods are nice but really expensive compared to what you can get in a nice hood in downtown Durham. For example, $250k can get you a nice older home in downtown Durham in a nice tree lined hood walking distance to activities but in DT Raleigh, that will get you a small fixer upper...Unless of course you move into one of the less desirable "up and coming" downtown Raleigh hoods.
I love both, would prob like DT Raleigh better due to being more city but couldn't afford it. Durham is my home for now though and does just enough for me...Best of all, it's still growing and getting better...
Your description screams Carrboro to me, but the price tag could be pretty difficult (it could be difficult most places actually, this area isn't all that cheap), unless you're ok with a fixer-upper and/or a small place and/or a transitional neighborhood. As a whole, the area is not exactly known for high walkability save for a few areas mentioned above. You can explore walkability using walkscore.com, which computes ratings based on how easy it is to get around on foot for your basic needs. I would start with where you'll be working and where he'll be going to school first, and then work backwards from there. Otherwise, we're kind of shooting in the dark here. Also, search the previous threads in this forum, as this topic has come up numerous times (I posed the same question myself once).
It's a generational thing. The younger generations want walkable urban neighborhoods (read a recent report by the ULI for evidence).
Problem? Lots of demand. Little supply.
You can either pay up for a 600 sq ft fixer in Chapel Hill/Carrboro or you can invest in an up and coming neighborhood in DT Raleigh or Durham. The residents of the up and coming neighborhoods want eclectic walkable urban neighborhoods as well and they're active in the community making it happen. I chose an up and coming in DT Raleigh and am quite happy with my decision.
Carrboro is doable. At 200-225K, you'll be looking at a narrow selection of older homes, 2-3 bedrooms in the 1000-1200 sf range. Two on the market now (one on main, one on Blackwood) that are in the heart of downtown where you'd be getting everything you say you are looking for.
As noted above, there will be a much bigger selection in your price range in Durham, and it is much more centrally located than Carrboro.
I sent the OP a message, but throwing out Five Points as an option. It's walkable to everything you need to live, and bus stops to take you elsewhere. We even have a tiny farmer's market on the weekends. We walked to the end of Glenwood last night for an anti-valentine's show and over the weekend biked into downtown. There are pros and cons of course, as with any place, so it's not for everyone. Houses are pricey and you can't walk conveniently to the nearest chain grocery store. Some areas are near railroad tracks and can be noisy. Probably in your price range you would need to look at fixer-uppers or homes further from the FP epicenter. But it's a great location and worth considering in light of your wishes.
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