House north of Cary for $300k? (Raleigh, Durham: renting, HOA, chapel)

[chime]

We just moved to the area and are renting a townhouse in Cary Park/Bloomsbury right now while we wait for our other house to sell. In the mean time I'm looking at possible areas where we might want to buy and you all seem to have such a wealth of knowledge... I know someone can tell me if what I want exists or if I need to maybe reframe my expectations.

Here's the list:
* Short commute to RTP
* .3 - .5 acre lot would be nice. With trees, if possible.
* Not-too-uptight HOA. I'd like to be able to plant a vegetable garden and hang a flag.
* Price range is $250-$350k
* Decent commute to Chapel Hill.
* Other than resale value (and we don't plan to sell for 10 years or so but you never know) school districts are not a big deal.
* A friendly community, possibly with access to greenways, would be nice but I'm not really dead set on being in a neighborhood either.
* We have dear friends in Amberly and would love to stay somewhat near them.

So. Is my list unreasonable? Anyone know of any subdivisions that would fit the bill?

Thanks!

[ThreeMeninMyLife]

West Park off of 55 and Highhouse meets almost all of those, but we have a nazi HOA. I got a letter yesterday that I had to cut my lawn and had weeds. HELLO! WE had a drought! Also, they told me to fix my blinds b/c they were crooked LMAO

The houses here run in low 300s, 0.3 acres, TONS Of trees and ponds (park like setting), several greenways, and a wonderful school district.

I work in RTP and it take me about 17 mins to get to work down 55.

Hope that helps-its not really north, but its not really Cary either, even though we have the address.

[durhammom]

Hi!

Try South Durham -- neighborhoods that would fit the bill include Grandale Forest, Grandale Place, Oakhurst, Oakhaven, Fairfield, Settlers Mill. Grandale Place, Oakhurst and Oakhaven are all a bit newer and house prices may be a bit above 300K but Grandale Forest, Fairfield and Settler's Mill were all 90's developments and houses can definitely be had for around $300. Oh and there is Wellington Forest and Wyndcross a bit closer to Southpoint Mall and if you'd like older neighborhoods then Hunter's Ridge (I think that's the name -- off of Grandale) would also fit the bill. Back road commute to Chapel Hill and less than 15 minutes to just about anywhere in the park. If you want a slightly longer commute there are a number of neighborhoods off of 751.

[Janecj]

There is a new subdivision off of Trinity Rd. Raleigh/Cary line and Chapel Hill Rd. named Brandywine. EZ commute to I40, but I think it is considered Raleigh. (Drees homes). Lots are still available but some back up to I40. Don't know if that area is of any interest, but I just ran across it the other day and thought it was very nice and larger lots for the area (with trees).

[MikeJaquish]

Grandale Forest, Grandale Place in Southern Durham come to mind immediately.
You can get the price, the lot, the trees, and this puts you close to RTP, and about 1/2 way between Amberly and Chapel Hill, with easy access to either.
I don't know how tight the HOA is.

You might find another neighborhood in that area that works for you, also.

[mkal]

Chancellor's ridge near the Southpoint Mall in Durham is a nice neighborhood too. You could get a nice 4 bedroom house for your price and is close to RTP.