Help needed - choosing between Waterford Estates and Hilliard Forest (Morrisville: apartment complexes, house)

[gal83]

We are kind of confused between these two communities. Although Waterford estates is more within our budget, we are concerned about the absence of walking trails/parks and the "proximity of several apartment homes" near the Waterford community. In contrast, Hillard Forest is surrounded by SFH communities with some which are even higher priced than Hilliard. WaterFord Estates is near the kitt creek road/green level church intersection (next to Alston Ridge Elem) and Hilliard forest is at green hope/green level church intersection. Both are in Wake county.



1. How can proximity of so many apartments affect the home values in long run. Currently most of these apartments are occupied by professionals working at RTP - but in future when town starts building Parkside commons/other shopping at Hwy55/540 - these apartments might see an influx of people who might not be as educated.

2. Currently there is ~15-20K difference in pricing between the two for similar models - but can this difference increase in the future.



What are your thoughts on these two areas - is it better to swallow the 20K extra now and buy a house in Hilliard Forest or get something in Waterford which shows better and is less expensive. Thanks.

[laxmom2]

My personal choice would be Hilliard Forest, but not because of apt. homes. I don't think they will have a big effect on anything. I live near apts. and it's never been an issue. I just like the Hilliard area better and don't care for what I've heard about Alston Ridge elementary.

[ineedascreenname]

HF has their base school as Highcroft. Both subsivions are nice, but I'd go with the one that has the better school rating. Every time I give a recommendation it's swiffered off the thread, so I'm just going to suggest looking at the school report cards, well, if schools are something that is or may be, important to you

[gal83]

Thanks. I believe that with the new school assignment system that Wake county is adopting - schools would be similar. I have a daughter who will be going to ES in couple of years:

Waterford school choices:
Alston Ridge Elementary (Y)
Mills Park Elementary (T)(RC)
Carpenter Elementary (Y)(RC)
Cedar Fork Elementary (T)(RC)
Green Hope Elementary (T)
Morrisville Elementary (Y)(RC)
Highcroft Drive Elementary (Y)(RC)


Hilliard school choices:
Highcroft Drive Elementary (Y)(RC)
Mills Park Elementary (T)(RC)
Carpenter Elementary (Y)(RC)
Turner Creek Elementary (Y)(RC)
Davis Drive Elementary (T)(RC)
Green Hope Elementary (T)
Morrisville Elementary (Y)(RC)


Somehow the Hilliard forest area looks to have more "residential" feel than Waterford. We have driven through the neighborhoods several times.

[MB1972]

I'd go with Hilliard. The trouble with with a sfh near an apartment is that apartment complexes never get nicer. As apartments age the quality of tenants goes down. I speak from experience as a landlord.

[purushoth.s]

We bought in HF after looking at both the neighborhoods. I liked the overall atmosphere in HF better than WF. I would second the opinion of others to go with Hilliard instead of WF due to the proximity to apartments & also to the sewage recycling plant.

The park close to HF is pretty good. Have a lot of play area for kids. In HF try to find a lot not very close to the road. Any thing inside is good.