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Thanks for all of the advice. I really appreciate it and we will definitley take it into consideration before deciding where to move. Since we're not quite ready to really start looking (with a realtor etc) we've been searching on the internet for homes just to get a feel for what's out there. We've noticed that there seem to be quite a few newer homes within our budget in the 27703 and 27704 zip codes. What do you all think of these areas? Where are they? How do they measure up in terms of good location, safety, family oriented, Duke commute etc. Thanks!
27703 is where I live, which I posted about earlier in the thread (out Hwy 98 to the east of Durham). There are some areas in this zip that are not good though. We are in what is called the "Oak Grove" area.
ADventive, thanks for the response. It sounds like that area might be up our alley. We'll be going in about a month to check it out and shop for houses. Are you familiar with the neighborhoods Grove Park, Wood Chapel, or Brightwood Trails? Are they nice? Are there any neighborhoods in your area that you would recommend for a young family? Thanks!
I live in Grove Park and work at Duke. It is a 15-20 minute drive, not too bad traffic wise. I really like Grove Park. There are two parts to it, Lakeside and Linkside. Linkside, as you may have realized, is on a golf course. This is the side I live on and it is beautiful. Very quiet, very green and is finished. No other houses will be there. Lakeside is still growing and I know they just started another new section. There are several homes for sale on our street that are very reasonable and all back on to the golf course, hence no backyard neighbors. One thing I did not want! If you need to know anything else about the neighborhood let me know.
Grove Park Linkside is the next neighborhood over from mine. Mine is called Marbrey Landing. Grove Park seems pretty popular. I don't know the other two you mention, but there are several new neighborhoods around.
How long have you lived in Grove Park? We're considering the purchase of a house in Linkside. I too work for Duke. We have an infant daughter and schools are somewhat of a concern for us. Do you have kids in school?
Fiona, good luck to you and your husband. Managing school and a young child are tough, so I hope you guys find a way to make everything work.
As for places to live, there are some good neighborhoods in the 04 zip, but there are also a number of not-so-good. It's generally an older section, so more hit-and-miss.
As for affordable new, I don't think you'll find much new for 250 or less in the 13 zip. You can get some very good 5-10 year-old homes in the area for that price though (ours will probably list for a little more than that when it goes on the market).
I'd recommend you give a look at Brightleaf at the Park. That's where we're building our new home. Although some sections are much more expensive (up to 600k or more), there are a decent number of new homes there by Standard Pacific that are 250k or less. I also think a 4-5 year window will work very well for resale there.
We have lived in Grove Park for a year now. We really like it. A good sense of community but not intrusive. We live in Linkside which I prefer over Lakeside (just personal preference). The homes seem not to be as close together here and, hence, more privacy. Our home backs onto the golf course which is really nice, no back yard neighbours. We also like the ability to walk around the course paths in the evening when the golfers are done. There is quite a high turnover of houses, mainly due to there being lots of young professionals. While we do not yet have children that was one consideration down the road. From talking to neighbours who have young children elementary education is fine. Middle school, however, is not great. Hence, as ADventive says, there are lots of younger children. The commute to Duke is generally wonderful, I never hit any traffice until I actually get to Duke. Even then, depending on where you are working (actually, more parking!) you can avoid the hospital where most of the congestion is. You can't beat the prices, a 3bd 2.5ba home backing onto the golf course is selling across the street for $163,000.
Ameneties are OK. There is a reasonable food lion essentially across the street. I generally use this for last minute things I need on my way home. My weekly shop is done at the Lowes Foods in Brier Creek. Brier Creek is only 10 minutes away. Far enough that it's quiet around the neighbourhood but close enough to still be convenient.
Good luck with everything.
Bragtown area of Durham is also close to downtown and Duke University. Also Trinity Park and the American Tobacco Project (old restored tobacco factory buildings, now lofts).
Bump for more suggestions please. Just visited Durham for the first time and I love it.
I'd love to live near 9th, but job wise it looks like Downtown (Main Library) or Oak grove (east).
Also curious about affordable near falls lake. Thanks.
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Grove Park
