Unicorn search: Close-knit, family-friendly, walkable-ish neighborhood in Chapel Hill (bonus points for school recs) (Durham: neighborhoods, movie theater)

[k2hayes]

Thank you all for the really great information. One of the reasons we've looked at CH, even though we're looking at Montessori at this point, is for the high schools, possibly even middle schools. Our kids are so young now it's hard to predict, but since there are 3 of them, with different needs, it's likely they may not all stay in Montessori thru 8th or private thru 12th. Without knowing where they'll want/need/end up, we want to put ourselves in the best place now (i.e., move somewhere with a lot of different options).

We will add Carolina Friends to our list, and our plan is to apply for as many as the charters as we can next year, as we'd be moving that summer, for the following school year (20-21). Some may not allow application without residency, even if residency occurs before enrollment. We're going to do the best we can and see where we land as if we can get into charter Montessori, that'd be an excellent, cost-saving option.

[BoBromhal]

I don't believe that any "public" schools allow you to gain a spot/enroll before you're a resident. And so they won't let you APPLY before you're a resident.

But you seem to know which schools you want, so it should be easy enough to draw a circle of acceptable distance around those and find a home, since you have a generous budget.

[TarHeelNick]

If you are going to not be utilizing the CHCCS system; paying the premium to live there may seem like an unnecessary cost but there are other perks to being
in-town" in Chapel Hill; ie mostly the type of community you are looking at. If you find the right house in the right neighborhood that you feel good in the higher taxes may be worth it to you regardless (and if you are from the DC area there shouldn't be much of a sticker-shock)

In Durham your budget would get you into the Trinity Park area and half of your budget would get you into the American Village or Pickett/Garret road area. The later of which is where Duke School is. All three would probably be a good fit. Pickett/Garret may be a little more suburban than you'd like but still a convenient area to Chapel Hill and dt Durham.

[purplebee]

Have you contacted the schools you are interested in, told them about your kids and gotten confirmation that they would be considered competitive for admission? I ask because there are not many nonreligious private schools in the area and they often are not eager to admit students with special needs, no matter what their website says about "nurturing the whole child" or "honoring diverse learning styles." Even if your children's needs would not qualify them for an IEP in public school, many private schools hesitate to accept students with differences. Sometimes it is because they have a very specific curriculum they want the children to access (e.g., Duke School is project based, which does not work for all children), sometimes it is because they have many higher achieving/"less complex" applicants to choose from, and sometimes it is because they already have a number of "special needs" students and feel their resources will be too taxed if they admit more.

I am not trying to discourage you, but it would be terrible if you purchased your house under the assumption that admission to one of your preferred privates was a done deal, and then discovered it wasn't. Personally, I would have a direct conversation with the schools you are interested in. Be honest about what your kids will need and see how they respond. Maybe even find out if you could do a tour or a visit if you will be in the area.

Good luck!

[k2hayes]

Hello all,

Posted awhile ago and I think we've narrowed our search down to Hillsborough.

We're still looking at largely private schools - Montessori Community, Carolina Friends, Studio School (Woodcroft), and charters (Expedition, Eno River) and wondering if you have any thoughts on neighborhoods or areas within Hillsborough or the bordering areas that meet our dream home list:

* At least .5 acre, ideally fenced or at least fence-able (ie HOA wont prohibit it)
* Want to be in a natural setting/green friendly neighborhood where nature and natural space is preserved somewhat, but within 10-15 minutes of restaurants, shopping, etc
* 3500-4500 sq ft, 3+ bedrooms, plus extra play room and home office space
* At least some children in neighborhood, Family friendly events
* Pool and other amenities a big plus
* Bonus points for sidewalk, or very bikeable streets for younger kids and walkable for dogs
* Bonus points for good public Hillsborough schools in zone (as a plan B)

Thank you!

[BoBromhal]

Croasdaile
Hardscrabble (Plantation)
Hope Valley
Lake Hogan Farms
Stoneridge

[TarHeelNick]

Originally Posted by BoBromhal

Croasdaile
Hardscrabble (Plantation)
Hope Valley
Lake Hogan Farms
Stoneridge

I'd add Churton Grove to this list as well.

[toot68]

Originally Posted by BoBromhal

Croasdaile
Hardscrabble (Plantation)
Hope Valley
Lake Hogan Farms
Stoneridge

None of those are in Hillsborough, or even particularly close to it. Stoneridge is a nice fit for what you are looking for, in CHCCS, very close to Friends and Emerson Waldorf. Pool, big lots, lots of kids and safe to ride bikes, tons of hiking trails in duke forest and johnson mill. Have to wait for a house though, maybe 6-8 go on the market in a given year?

[k2hayes]

We visited Churchton Grove and really loved the houses, neighborhood, sidewalks, size, pool, that we saw families walking dogs, deer in the wooded areas. Is there anywhere closer to CH or Durham with a similar feels?

[k2hayes]

Toot68 - we drove through Stoneridge, but the houses seemed a little too distant and set back? Lots of deer, but didn't see many kids or families out and about.