Raleigh Northeast Suburbs vs. SW/West Suburbs? (Cary, Apex: employment, neighborhoods)

[Mugsy300]

Can someone breakdown a summary of how life compares in these two areas?

I know it will all be personal opinion and I'm not trying to get people arguing with each other.

But, if you were investigating relocation to this area from out of state and you had narrowed it down to the fact that you would look in NE Raleigh/Wake Forest/Rolesville or Cary/Apex/Holly Springs/FV, what would you say the key differences are?

let me throw out some idea starters:

• schools
• RTP commute
• Family friendly neighborhoods- where neighbors and kids are always socializing
• Festivals, kids activities , and rec programs
• Shopping- assume all the big box are near both, but what about higher end retail stores and boutiques? Is there a mall or nice outdoor shopping venue at or near either of these areas?
• Grocery stores- again, assume the regular are there, but what about specialty or niche type grocers (Whole Foods, Trader Joes, etc)
• Restaurants- outside of the standard chains, what unique dining options do each of these areas have?

Yes- I know about the relo index pinned thread, but I'm trying to compare and though direct input would be easier than opening a thousand links and sifting through to derive my own compare. I've literally not seen any of these areas.

Also, where are some of the major area employers that are not in RTP? In other words, what are some of the other common commute destinations. I assume RTP and downtown, but anywhere else?

Thank you!

[Francois]

Originally Posted by Mugsy300

Also, where are some of the major area employers that are not in RTP? In other words, what are some of the other common commute destinations. I assume RTP and downtown, but anywhere else?

What industries? Are you thinking of moving without already having a job? That's not typically a good idea...

[Mugsy300]

Originally Posted by Francois

What industries? Are you thinking of moving without already having a job? That's not typically a good idea...

No. I have a job I can bring with me. I can technically work from anywhere. But just curious about commutes/traffic patterns if I were to pursue local employment at some point after moving there. Moving to Raleigh may not be my best longer term career move with my current employer as a teleworker. My chances for upward mobility would likely be limited. I work in HR and have spent time in both manufacturing and IT sectors.

[twingles]

Originally Posted by Mugsy300

. I've literally not seen any of these areas.


!

Well, that's kind of the crux of it.

We didn't see every part of the area before we moved, but we knew we wanted west Cary to be close to family that was already here. Didn't want to be in an area that wasn't mostly built out yet. Wanted to be able to walk to shopping. So that narrowed it down considerably.

After we got here we looked at some of the other areas - some places I could see myself living (other parts of Cary, Apex) other places I could not (Wake Forest). Nothing wrong with those areas. Just not for us. You have to come and see and narrow it down. It's got nothing to do with "starting a war" it's simply being pragmatic about your search.