Relocating to the Triangle without children (Raleigh, Durham: real estate, condos, chapel)
Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, CaryThe Triangle Area
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We are considering relocating to the Triangle next year and wanting to know what areas to focus on when we come to visit this summer. We are relocating from NYC, but I am originally from the south. We are an interracial (black/white) professional couple, WFH, and do not/will not have children. We also hold LGBTQ identities though we are cishet appearing. We will have a housing budget of around 900k. We don't need to be in the middle of everything, but would prefer to be close common amenities (e.g. grocery, fitness, sampling of good restaurants, etc.). When doing internet searches, we think we may lean more toward Durham over Raleigh because we read about an artsier vibe. However, we are pretty open minded given that we WFH and don't have to worry about commuting on a daily basis. We lean more liberal and enjoy arts, museums, and nature. So, as long as we have access to those things we are good. It is also important to be in an area that feels fairly integrated vs segregated. Any recommendations or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
As an aside as we’re currently talking to realtors and looking to relocate down there with our young kids, what has been said time and again is Raleigh area is great for families, Durham is better if no children. Geared more towards adults.
With your budget you could quite comfortably get a nice modestly-sized house, old or new, in Watts-Hillandale, Trinity Park, or Old West Durham that would very much be the sort of vibe you are looking for with a decent amount of walkable amenities. A condo right downtown would also be an option if you wanted to go that route and didn't need detached house.
With your budget you could quite comfortably get a nice modestly-sized house, old or new, in Watts-Hillandale, Trinity Park, or Old West Durham that would very much be the sort of vibe you are looking for with a decent amount of walkable amenities. A condo right downtown would also be an option if you wanted to go that route and didn't need detached house.
I would agree with this, though I prefer single-family detached homes over condos/townhomes in your price range. Ignore all the naysayers - Durham is a wonderful city and a place you will likely feel at home in.
I would agree with this, though I prefer single-family detached homes over condos/townhomes in your price range. Ignore all the naysayers - Durham is a wonderful city and a place you will likely feel at home in.
As a Durham resident, I agree with this statement 100%. Check it out, I think you'll feel quite welcome when you move to the city.
As an aside as we’re currently talking to realtors and looking to relocate down there with our young kids, what has been said time and again is Raleigh area is great for families, Durham is better if no children. Geared more towards adults.
Cishet is a short hand for cisgendered/heterosexual. While my husband and I look to be a cishet, we both actually hold LGBTQ identifies. Thanks for this information. I was getting a similar vibe, but didn't want to rule out Raleigh. We did get our airbnb in Durham intentionally though.
With your budget you could quite comfortably get a nice modestly-sized house, old or new, in Watts-Hillandale, Trinity Park, or Old West Durham that would very much be the sort of vibe you are looking for with a decent amount of walkable amenities. A condo right downtown would also be an option if you wanted to go that route and didn't need detached house.
Thanks you for this info!! I was having a difficult time really sorting out specific neighborhoods in the area. I would simply hear vague accounts about stay away from East Durham because it's dangerous.
While I agree with Durham recommendations, watch out for the rightward drift of our state legislature and our elected judges. The legislators are attempting to violate medical privacy by banning surgical treatment of TG kids under 18. While it does not affect the OP, it affects the image of the state.
However, Durham will probably remain a liberal island in the state. Also look at Chapel Hill addresses which are in Durham County.
Last edited by goldenage1; 05-08-2023 at 10:00 AM..
OP, I'm a gay male who lived in Durham as well as DC and Philly. I found Durham my favorite of the three due to a combination of reasons which all added up to a community feel not experienced in either of the two others. Many lament the lack of dedicated LGBTQ nightlife options, but in my opinion it isn't necessary due to a welcoming general population one doesn't need to hide from. Entertaining at home is a big thing in Durham (pre-pandemic anyway) and is from my experience the best way to meet new friends/neighbors via potlucks or BBQs. Durham also has a fair amount of LGBTQ sports groups involving volleyball, running, cycling and tennis. Trinity Park, Old West Durham and Watts-Hillandale are great but don't sleep on Duke Park or Old North Durham either where you can get more mileage from your real estate dollar.
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