Which neighborhoods in Apex/Cary still have lots available to custom build? (Cameron: cul-de-sac)

[apex4us]

I can only find out so much information by googling and going on the real estate websites. Which neighborhoods still have lots available to be able to build a custom home? We're looking for a neighborhood where the houses are set back from the street a little, wide frontage (to allow for side entry garage), at the very least .3 acres for space between neighbors, where we can buy lot and build for $400-$450,000. From what I've heard, Highcroft has houses really close together? Or is that just one part of the neighborhood? Is Westvale out of our price range? Cameron Pond?

[MikeJaquish]

I think what you seek will cost you more than your budget.

.3+ acres is a big lot in the low $400,000's, even for a tract builder.

Westvale is in the $500,000's to mid $600,000's.

[RedZin]

I think that either the lot size will need to come down or the price will need to come up.

[apex4us]

are there any neighborhoods with smaller lots, but laid out in such a way that it feels like more space? wider vs deep lots, for instance.

[RedZin]

I don't know of any. The deeper lots save money. Less roads to build. Had you considered a resale?

[Funky Chicken]

A couple of things.
Even at the very bottom of the market, your criteria doesn't describe a house that you could have bought for less than $450K even on a distress basis in Apex or West Cary.
Most "custom" neighborhoods that broke ground in the last 6-8 years and were not substantially sold thru prior to 2008-2009 didn't stay "custom". Westvale is the first example of a new "custom" neighborhood that I can think of in a LOOOOONNNNGGG time and it has its own set of liabilities IMO (shared rec facility that is not onsite, cemetery). It is also outside your budget.
Most "custom" neighborhoods reserved their sections of .3 and up sized lots for homes that were well upwards of 3500 square feet and builders were buying those lots from developers for well upwards of
$100K before the market fell. This year, builders that are decidedly NOT "custom" are paying $88,000
for .28 acre lots in Cameron Pond that back up directly to 540.
My recommendation would be a resale, but the market is pretty hot in your price range and full of people who can tell the difference between the junk being built right now and the quality homes that were built just a few years back.
Another option is to open up the search geographically to include the Middle Creek area (Sunset Oaks, The Park At West Lake, Brighton Forest) but truthfully you are late to the party in that area too on a new build.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by apex4us

are there any neighborhoods with smaller lots, but laid out in such a way that it feels like more space? wider vs deep lots, for instance.

You might look for something on a cul-de-sac with a narrow driveway and wider back section.