Considering a relocation from MO to Raleigh (Chapel Hill, Wake Forest: apartments, leasing)

[Nick Papa G]

I am considering a relocation from Missouri to Raleigh for a job. I am married with two kids, 9 and 5 and want to get a better idea of the area.
I cannot find any consistent information regarding cost of living differences. I have read where not to live but do not know good, affordable areas to live. My wife and I plan on leasing for the first year so we can find the right house, but are not sure where. We have been considering the Wake Forest area since crime data and schools appear to be good.
Can anyone give me any tips. Are there any other midwesterners that can tell me what we would expect to run into with a move?

Thanks

Nick P

[asearchforreason]

Nick, you will get more useful advice if you provide more information.

For example:
What is your budget?
Where are you working in the Triangle and what kind of commute are you hoping for? It's a big area...commuting Wake Forest to Chapel Hill is much different than Wake Forest to North Raleigh.
What are some other things that are important to you? Lot size, newer home, etc.

[Nick Papa G]

Well,
I would be working near 540 and Capital.
Budget wise, that is difficult as my wife and kids will have to stay in MO for awhile while we sell the house we are in. So I guess I need some recommendations on areas to rent and then once we are ready to bring the family and dogs, an area to lease.
As for something for the family, we would like to have something similar to what we have now which is 3 bed 2.5 bath with a nice sized yard. With our basement we have about 2100 square feet. I would like a house with a garage too if possible. For a house, I would like to stay in the $1500 - $1600 a month range if possible.
In regards to rentals, I have been looking at Brookefield or Northridge Crossings near where I would work.

I am not looking to buy until we have been in Raleigh for a year and get to know the area.

Hope that helps

[saturnfan]

I live in Northridge Crossings and have been there 8 years.

It's a very convenient location near lots of shopping and restaurants. As Neighborhood Watch captain, I can tell you crime is not a big issue. We have individual monitored alarms and sodium halide streetlights that are equal to big cities such as NYC.

We are running close to 100% occupancy, so check in with the office at 919-875-0090 as soon as you know when you want to lease.

Two new complexes are also opening down the road but are more expensive and fewer square feet. Brookefield has a good name too and is near shopping.

Northridge Crossings | Raleigh, NC