Relocating to Raleigh from Somerville MA

[SGMI]

Even when I was a student in the 1980s - small landlords in Raleigh did not always bother to advertise in the paper. Sometimes they'd just put a FOR RENT sign in a window or advertise in the NCSU newspaper, or post flyers on telephone poles and the kiosks on campus. A strong rental market doesn't need much exposure, and small time landlords actually find lots of phone calls to be a hassle.

[rnc2mbfl]

Depending on what the OP wants, I think that the entire west side of Downtown (Warehouse to Glenwood South) and hooked over Cameron Village would be the sort of area that the OP wants to research. I say these areas based solely on having walkable access to a substantial grocer option. As for the area to the immediate west of Cameron Village becoming more NC State student oriented, I still think it's an option, especially north of Clark. This area gives the OP walkable access to Cameron Village and Hillsborough St.
The older apartments between Cameron Village and Broughton High School is an option if the OP wants to live more modestly (cheaper). The whole "Bishop's Park" area is another option that puts the OP in the middle among Glenwood South, Cameron Village, and Five Points where the sister lives.

[jasonb885]

In all of this, I forgot to mention that I'm 41, single, no kids. When I did go out, I rarely stayed out after midnight. I do prefer places that are relatively quiet, though, so living near clubs and bars would be unpleasant in the middle of the night.

[m378]

Are you set on living in an urban environment? The suburbs here have several "live work play" type places that combine apartments/condos with lots of walkable amenities (grocery stores, restaurants, bars, movie theaters, etc). It won't be like living in Somerville (urban), but it gives you a lot of walkability and maybe a more quiet atmosphere.

For example in Park West Village:

https://www.livedistrictlofts.com/
https://www.thebristolatparkwestvillage.com/
https://livedistrictstation.com/

https://www.parkwestvillage.net/

Obviously you're going to get more chains than not, but being in that area gives you many options nearby for ethnic food, groceries, etc.

If you were in your 20's I wouldn't even suggest this, but figured I'd throw it out as another option. May not be what you're looking for at all.

[jasonb885]

Originally Posted by m378

Are you set on living in an urban environment? The suburbs here have several "live work play" type places that combine apartments/condos with lots of walkable amenities (grocery stores, restaurants, bars, movie theaters, etc). It won't be like living in Somerville (urban), but it gives you a lot of walkability and maybe a more quiet atmosphere.

For example in Park West Village:

https://www.livedistrictlofts.com/
https://www.thebristolatparkwestvillage.com/
https://livedistrictstation.com/

https://www.parkwestvillage.net/

Obviously you're going to get more chains than not, but being in that area gives you many options nearby for ethnic food, groceries, etc.

If you were in your 20's I wouldn't even suggest this, but figured I'd throw it out as another option. May not be what you're looking for at all.

That sounds interesting, I'll definitely take a look at that as well, thanks!

When I lived in Sarasota, there was a strip mall and later an actual mall within 5 minutes drive; that was convenient enough for shopping, although nightlife such as it was necessitated a drive into downtown Sarasota. Still only 15 minutes though. And it was entirely walkable at that.