My hubby got a great offer so we're finally moving to the triangle
This weekend we visited family down there and there was so much socializing and catching up going on that we barely had time to drive around to check out areas. I figured someone out there might be interested in hearing our impressions of a few neighborhoods.
We didn't have time to look at Cary neighborhoods, but I've driven around it a lot in the past, and done some shopping there (including picking up some ADC map books in Borders on Sat). It's neat and tidy. The epitome of suburbia
We drove through Chapel Hill. It's VERY hilly
It's out of our price range for the sq footage we want so we didn't go into any subdivisions. What I saw reminded me of Charlottesville, VA. Pretty town
APEX
Apex has an adorable downtown and historic area, as well as several new and newer subdivisions. I was able to see the historic train bridge that forces 55 to be one lane each way for a while and causes some traffic issues for those in south Apex and Holly Springs. Apparently the biggest issue with widening it (aside from $$$ and its historic value) is that a major Amtrak route depends on it being there.
We have some family that lives in the Lexington subdivision in Apex. I saw a mix of townhouses, ranches, and two story homes. There's nothing for sale right now but I would guess them to be in the 100s - 200s. The lots are small but they left trees up all around the perimeter. I saw a lot of young families.
We drove through the Dogwood Ridge and Amherst subdivisions, which look to be in the 200s-400s. It was a bit hilly so several of the homes were yardless
The homes were close together, but not on top of each other. It was a pretty subdivision. Relaxing.
Next we went to the Haddon Hall subdivision. It's right across 55 from the Beaver Creek shopping which looked reeeeeeeally nice to me
It has (or will have): SuperTarget, Lowe's, Linens N Things, Dick's Sporting Goods, Borders bookstore, Circuit City, Old Navy, TJ Maxx and HomeGoods.
So back to Haddon Hall. My husband said it didn't feel home-y/welcoming to him but he couldn't put his finger on why. The yards are all insanely green and immaculate. They either have a really overactive gardening club, really strict HOA rules, or can all afford lawn services
I would guess it's 300s on up? Next door is a more expensive-looking subdivision called Haddon Place. The location had me excited b/c of the shopping right there. For some reason my husband didn't think that was a plus
HOLLY SPRINGS
This was our favorite area. All of North Carolina is beautiful - very green with gorgeous trees and rivers, yada yada. But there was something especially pretty about Holly Springs. I really wanted to spend a lot of time here but we had family waiting with KFC so we had to rush through.
There's a LOT of building going on. We saw some strip mall looking construction in the middle of town, as well as subdivisions popping up everywhere. Holly Springs Elementary is possibly the cutest elementary school I've ever seen. I really regretted not bringing a camera. Will try to pack it this wknd when we go scout for houses.
The only subdivision we had time to drive through was Sunset Ridge. My husband said it was his favorite of everything we saw. A lot of beautiful homes with a lot of trees. It's a pity about their outrageous HOA fees.
PITTSBORO
This area was way too rural for us but we checked it out anyway since it's so central to everything (15-25 miles gets you just about everywhere in the triangle), and there is a new subdivision that intrigued me called Potterstone Village. The downtown area is very cute and quaint. We saw a huge Lowe's, but I think that's the only modern shopping in town. Downtown has bed and breakfasts, antique stores, and restaurants. But as soon as you leave the tiny downtown you're in farmland. I got directions to the subdivision at a convenience store that involved turning left at the chicken factory
I thought that was very amusing but my husband accused me of being a snob
As an aside, does anyone know what happens at a chicken factory? I'm picturing feathers being separated from deceased chickens
We actually never did see the chicken factory so either it's in a very innocuous looking small building, or the person was mistaken about where it was located. I was picturing a huge industrial-ish building with "CHICKEN FACTORY" on a sign out front. Anyway...onto the subdivision.
Potterstone Village (
www.potterstonevillage.com) is very pretty. They've left trees up all over, and some of the lots are partially wooded. It was really hopping. There were people all over checking it out, and lots of sold signs. It looks about 1/2 complete with still some empty lots, and several homes in mid construction. The homes all looked unique and next to Sunset Ridge, was the prettiest subdivision we saw. Beautiful country location, gorgeous homes. The community pool is pretty small but then the subdivision doesn't have that many homes in it.
HILLSBOROUGH
We barely went through a little of the downtown area and some of the older homes in the outskirts. It's a pretty town but I barely saw it. We beelined for a subdivision called Burkes Meadow. It was very nice, with custom homes. It got rural very fast as soon as you left subdivision and got on highways heading out. I wish I'd had more time to explore and to see how long it would take to get to Burlington as that would be a shopping destination. It took us 20 mins to get from the tippy top of Chapel Hill to the subdivision in the north of Hillsborough.
If I'd had more time I would have checked out SW Durham, Morrisville, and Cary. Possibly Burlington. My husband's job is in Chapel Hill.
All right I'm done rambling for now