Where would you live in the triangle area if cost weren't an issue and you were working in Cary? (Raleigh: real estate, chapel)

[algasory]

I am tentatively going to be relocating from Westport, CT to NC to work in Cary. Real estate pricing is ridiculous here so our house would probably sell for well north of a $million. I've tried to read about all the different areas, etc... but can't really get a feel. We're a pretty big family (4 kids ages 2 - 8) and are definitely looking for a family oriented area. Feedback is appreciated.

[J_Lurk]

Cary. We live 1.5 miles from my husband's work and that has been the best decision we could have possibly made. (I work from home and a little bit from an office in North Raleigh). With young kids it makes all the difference (ours are 2 and 3 1/2); he can come home from work for lunch and for emergencies. Many people will tell you that the roads in this area are not keeping up with growth; if you live close enough to work it is a non-issue.

Cary is very family-oriented. There is a whole thread on likes and dislikes on Cary, and I agree with many of the pros and cons. //www.city-data.com/forum/ralei...ike-about.html I grew up in the Triangle and if traffic had been a non-issue we would have lived in Durham or Chapel Hill, but for our present needs living close to work is the way to go.

[jfre81]

You are better off living near your job if you can afford it. That really goes anywhere, regardless of traffic. The traffic is there because people do not live close to their jobs.

[Zoid]

My folks relocated here from Westport a few years ago, I think you would enjoy the areas of Preston, so I would maybe start there.

[gcd01]

Definately Cary! Everything you need is right there...shopping and dining galore, great schools, lots to do, etc. Always makes the 'best place' lists near the top. If I were working there and cost wasn't an issue, I'd live there. If it is too expensive, I'd suggest Apex.

[MikeJaquish]

McGregor West or McGregor Downs in Cary.
Lochmere
Regency
Wessex

Another favorite area of mine is Olde Raleigh, around Ebenezer Church Road and Duraleigh Road. Many offerings of moderate to higher-end homes.
Spend $250,000 or $2,500,000. Or any amount in between.

Easy access to most points in the Raleigh area: RDU, I-40, I-440, Crabtree Valley, Rex, Downtown Raleigh, and shopping in Cary.

[NewUser]

No question about it. Cary.

We lived in Morrisville for 11 months and would frequently take walks in the Cary neighborhoods and greenways. For out budget, we would have had to settle for a 20 year old house on a 1/4 acre lot, which we weren't able to come to grips with. With your budget, you'll be able to buy a beautiful house, pay for your kids college education, and pad your own retirement account. . . . Not a bad situation to be in.

[MrsSteel]

Like so many others, I believe you should try to live within a few miles of work whenever possible, so I would probably say Cary. Or I might possibly choose Raleigh inside-the-beltline (but that's because I really like the older neighborhoods there!). The only thing that might be a concern is the year-round school situation in Wake County's elementary schools. Do a little homework on that. Some people are comfortable with it and some aren't. You just have to decide for yourself. Best of luck!

[sls76]

I grew up in Wilton and moved to Cary last year. Our family loves it here. We live by Preston and really like this area because everything is close by. Depending on what size lot you currently live on, you might have a hard time adjusting to the small lots typically found in Cary. A quarter acre seems pretty standard and in our neighborhood they are building almost 6000 square foot houses on .2 acres.

[IdaClaire]

If money is no issue, I'd definitely say Cary. In general, I think quality of life improves greatly when you live near your workplace. Or, you might want to check out some of the Raleigh neighborhoods inside the beltline if you like older homes.