Briar Chapel in CH or Bedford at Falls River? (Cary: homes, neighborhoods)

[Doil74]

My family is relocating to the triangle area where my husband will work at RTP. We like the home styles and sense of community at both Briar Chapel in Chapel Hill and Bedford at Falls River, but wonder if one is preferable over another. Briar Chapel is in Chatham County with lower taxes, but we understand Wake County, where Bedford is, has better schools. Both seem to have indirect and potentially lengthy commutes to/from RTP, but we don't care for closer Morrisville and think Cary is overrated (I've had family there for years). Any other communities we should consider that offer newer craftsman style homes in the $300k-$400k range?

Thanks in advance for any insight!

[roscomac]

We live in Bedford and love it. Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions about the neighborhood.

[invent1]

Hi there, we've purchased in Briar Chapel and they are putting final touches on our home now. We move in at the end of the month.

We did over a year f research and are very excited about Briar Chapel. FWIW, I am extremely school focused and spent a lot of time looking deeply at all the options in the Orange County and Chatham County area, and came to the conclusion that school fit is very individual. My older son (headed to college next year) would have been the perfect fit for Chapel Hill schools.....my daughter will be much happier at Northwood HS in Chatham County. I used to feel it was one size fits all and "the best was the best, end of story" but not anymore.

Message me if you'd like, and I'd be happy to tell you about my experience buying and building in Briar Chapel.

[Doil74]

Originally Posted by invent1

Hi there, we've purchased in Briar Chapel and they are putting final touches on our home now. We move in at the end of the month.

We did over a year f research and are very excited about Briar Chapel. FWIW, I am extremely school focused and spent a lot of time looking deeply at all the options in the Orange County and Chatham County area, and came to the conclusion that school fit is very individual. My older son (headed to college next year) would have been the perfect fit for Chapel Hill schools.....my daughter will be much happier at Northwood HS in Chatham County. I used to feel it was one size fits all and "the best was the best, end of story" but not anymore.

Message me if you'd like, and I'd be happy to tell you about my experience buying and building in Briar Chapel.

----------------------

Thanks so much for your insight. I'd love to know what other neighborhoods and sections of the Triangle you considered before settling upon Briar Chapel (did you look at Bedford?), and why you ultimately chose it. We, too, love it (and are current David Weekley homeowners), but know that it will be quite some time before the first phases are finished. I will be a stay-at-home-mom with a newborn and a 4-year-old and will want to quickly establish a community support system that I fear will be lacking in the near future. My two main concerns are proximity to conveniences (I'm not a big shopper, but expect to frequent Target and/or Walmart for basics) and sense of community.

I totally agree with your comments about schools and am a believer that you can get a good education just about anywhere if you apply yourself. That said, I'd be remiss not to make sure the Chatham County schools are high performing as my son will start school next August.

Again, anything you can add would be helpful as we make our decision.

I appreciate it!
Molly

[invent1]

Molly.....this is Gina!!!

Too funny! Call me anytime.