moving to NC and have never been there- help! (Raleigh: hardwood floors, apartment complex) - Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary - North Carolina -The Triangle Area - City-Data Forum

jenm52378 · 06-06-2008, 11:23 AM

I am moving to NC (probably Chapel Hill or Durham) in August and was hoping to get some advice on which neighborhoods are good and which should be avoided. We are primarily looking to rent a house. I fell in love with a house online which is near Crest Dr and S. Merritt Mill Rd. How is that neighborhood? I also found one in downtown Durham. Any other recommendations? I appreciate any advice. Thanks!

sneezecake · 06-06-2008, 11:34 AM

Why Chapel Hill/Durham? Are you working on that side of the triangle?

What are some of your wants/needs in a house, and do you have a price range?

Are you only considering rental homes?

jenm52378 · 06-06-2008, 11:49 AM

Yes, my husband is getting transfered to that area. We are primarily looking at rental homes with 3 bedrooms and hardwood floors. Our max price is $2000 (we would prefer more like $1800). We need to rent until the market is better in CA and we can sell our place here. Thanks!

sneezecake · 06-06-2008, 12:11 PM

Hmm, I am not an expert on the rental home market but I'd imagine you can find what you are looking for, though not in the contemporary/modern hardwood/granite/stainless type versions that CA is used to.

As a matter of comparison, my apartment complex in SW Durham (a good area) rents 3bed/2bath units for around 1200/month I think.

You may be able to find some nice rental townhomes in Brier Creek that are a bit more modern from private renters, but that's just a guess. Brier Creek is technically Raleigh, but very convenient to RTP.

seattlenextyear · 06-06-2008, 12:30 PM

If you're paying more than $1500 for a 3br rental in Chapel Hill, it'd better come with a private masseuse.

findingmesomeday · 06-06-2008, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seattlenextyear

If you're paying more than $1500 for a 3br rental in Chapel Hill, it'd better come with a private masseuse.

I've not seen a 3 bed house for less than $1500. Townhouses and condos are a different story.

seattlenextyear · 06-06-2008, 01:16 PM

Really? Have you tried Craigslist? I just moved out of one where I was paying $900.

It could also be the case that you missed the boat on the cheaper housing, since a lot of people look in May for the beginning of the fall semester.

findingmesomeday · 06-06-2008, 01:44 PM

Well there you go. I'm not sure I'm still up for living in student housing! Been there done that. It was right at the time. Now it's not.

jenm52378 · 06-06-2008, 01:56 PM

Yes, college housing is out. We finally have good jobs and can afford some thing nice...

sneezecake · 06-06-2008, 02:06 PM

Is short-term lease availability a concern for you? With your house on the market are you hoping to be able to buy something here ASAP? If so, you may want to look at managed apartment communities that offer short term lease options and 3br apts - you'll have a tougher time negotiating a month-to-month or short-term agreement with a private landlord.