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I am in the very early stages of considering a move to the Raleigh-Durham area d/t a possible job offer in RTP area. Am in early 40s with husband, no kids --so schools not an issue. Would be relocating from upstate NY (Rochester), and am interested in the move for the career opportunity and we are ready to try life in another area. However, although I keep hearing how great the area is for families, what about for an active, middle-aged couple? If we relocate ideally we would want to be in a medium-large city area with lots of non-chain restaurants (especially some ethnic), concerts, museums, occasional sports, with some culture, yet with the opportunty for outdoor activities. I've been all over the US, but have not yet been to the Raleigh-Durham area, but I hear that it's very nice (esp Cary). We are also looking for a place that we can fit in and meet new friends -- am concerned that we will find mainly family-oriented subdivisions? We are also looking for a place that has a culture of forward thinking, culturally aware folks.
I am in the very early stages of considering a move to the Raleigh-Durham area d/t a possible job offer in RTP area. Am in early 40s with husband, no kids --so schools not an issue. Would be relocating from upstate NY (Rochester), and am interested in the move for the career opportunity and we are ready to try life in another area. However, although I keep hearing how great the area is for families, what about for an active, middle-aged couple? If we relocate ideally we would want to be in a medium-large city area with lots of non-chain restaurants (especially some ethnic), concerts, museums, occasional sports, with some culture, yet with the opportunty for outdoor activities. I've been all over the US, but have not yet been to the Raleigh-Durham area, but I hear that it's very nice (esp Cary). We are also looking for a place that we can fit in and meet new friends -- am concerned that we will find mainly family-oriented subdivisions? We are also looking for a place that has a culture of forward thinking, culturally aware folks.
Thank you for the info. Another person mentioned Chapel Hill -- How do the areas that you are mentioning compare? What about the commute to RTP?
Another thing I'd like to keep in mind is distance/commute to the airport as I would need to travel a bit for work, and my husband and I also like to travel a lot.
I am in the very early stages of considering a move to the Raleigh-Durham area d/t a possible job offer in RTP area. Am in early 40s with husband, no kids --so schools not an issue. Would be relocating from upstate NY (Rochester), and am interested in the move for the career opportunity and we are ready to try life in another area. However, although I keep hearing how great the area is for families, what about for an active, middle-aged couple? If we relocate ideally we would want to be in a medium-large city area with lots of non-chain restaurants (especially some ethnic), concerts, museums, occasional sports, with some culture, yet with the opportunty for outdoor activities. I've been all over the US, but have not yet been to the Raleigh-Durham area, but I hear that it's very nice (esp Cary). We are also looking for a place that we can fit in and meet new friends -- am concerned that we will find mainly family-oriented subdivisions? We are also looking for a place that has a culture of forward thinking, culturally aware folks.
Would we find this in this area?
Hi Breezy,
For what you're describing, I would echo the call to look at Chapel Hill, along with Durham, Carrboro, and possibly inside-the-I440-beltline Raleigh.
CH/Carrboro/Durham are all very close to RTP (within a 15-20 minute drive from most parts) and are outside the heavy 'commuting' patterns (i.e., no stop-and-go rush hours). Together the area is home to Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill, so you have tons of cultural activities, museums, festivals, art galleries, etc. Durham and CH are also home to two restaurants on Gourmet Magazine's top-50 list nationally (Lantern and Magnolia Grill) and a third (Piedmont) that was just named among the top new US restaurants by Conde Nast. These towns have more in the way of urban neighborhoods with walkable streets, older historic homes, walkable shopping districts, along with newer subdivision and in-fill homes.
Raleigh and its suburbs (Cary, Wake Forest, Clayton, Knightdale, Fuquay-Varina, Apex, Holly Springs) tend to be much more suburban in nature, with more developer-built subdivisions and more strip malls/chain businesses. They're great places to live too if that's the kind of area one is looking for, but from what you've described, I'd suggest focusing on the western part of the Triangle. "Inside-the-beltline" Raleigh might be worth a look, though.
Thank you for the info. Another person mentioned Chapel Hill -- How do the areas that you are mentioning compare? What about the commute to RTP?
Another thing I'd like to keep in mind is distance/commute to the airport as I would need to travel a bit for work, and my husband and I also like to travel a lot.
For the commute to RTP, the Ridge Road area would be the best of the Raleigh options. Easy access to Wade Avenue, and to I40. Peak driving time trips can be ponderous.
For travel from RDU, outside rush hour, any location mentioned in this thread would be just fine.
Chapel Hill compared to ITB Raleigh?
You are blessed with excellent opportunities and choices, IMO.
Try them each on for size and see what suits you.
Raleigh has a "bigger" feel, higher population with the seats of state and county government, and more universities and colleges. It is still just a big small town.
Chapel Hill has a much stronger university influence as UNC dominates, for better or worse, depending on your outlook.
There is broad diversity in both cities.
I have heard Clayton mentioned a few times…any more information would be helpful. We would be relocating from PA with 5 children in the school system HS, MS and elementary. Thank you
As a couple without children I think to say any one town is a better fit than another is just strange. Everything in the triangle is nearby for you to go to Durham or Chapel Hill or pop inside the beltline to go to a nice restaurant.
I have always lived in a nice development without kids and never had an issue. Ok so your not having any sponge bob square pants themed parties so what. You can live wherever you want. The hardest part of moving back to the triangle after being gone near 14 years is figuring out which house I want. Everything is so nice, go out and look.
nc? what part of PA are you escaping from?
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