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We are driving to Raleigh in August to check out the area. I want to manage the cost of the trip carefully and get the most of our time and miles. So, I am looing for suggestions:
Lodging: Does anyone have a suggestion for a motel - inexpensive with comp breakfast and outside pool for the kids? We are planning on a stop-over in the north VA area - a place where the kids can get out of the car, unwind and not make the entire trip a riding in the car event.
Realtor: Is is better to just go it on our own or should we hook up with a realtor to visit new sub-dIvisions? (In Jersey if a realtor shows you a property - you are married to that relator and MUST go through them should you decide to purchase)
Schools: Since the NCschools will be in session does anyne know if visitors are welcomed to visit the schools or do they provide an "Open House" type information sesson for prospective new comers? Do I go directly to the schools or through the superintendentd office for information?
Lodging - we stayed at Best Western Cary on Walnut St. Be sure to get discount from either on the web, coupons at Rest Area, AAA. It's exactly what you're looking for - pools, breakfast, etc. The only problem is it's hard to find until we found out it's behind Pizza Hut! Every Thursday (or Tues), Pizza Hut offers $5 large pizza, eat at there.
Realtor - we tried to go on our own at new subdivisions that we visited. After speaking to the subdivision agent at each place, it was confusing and awkward on not knowing much about their contract, etc. So we got a wonderful agent from Fonville Morisey named Betty and she took us to the subdivisions as well as showing each towns that we're not familiar with. We rode in her car and it was a plus. She know which area is good and bad. It's best that you get yourself an agent.
School - you will be certainly welcomed at most school. All you have to do is to go to the school office and tell them that you're a newcomer. Some of them will be happy to show you around, some just explain to you about the school and give you info papers. Be sure to visit NC School Board webiste (look up in search engine) and check their rating.
Schools in NC now don't start until August 25th (a Friday; go figure?). So if you are coming to the area in early August, you should be able to tour the school no problem without having to worry about disrupting classtime or anything like that
I have a suggestion for lodging!!! The Hampton Inn in Garner in Johnston County (which is about 30 min from Raleigh) was just beautiful....they even had duvet covers and realy fluffy pillows, price also included free breakfast buffet (not the best, but it was plenty of food) and there is also an outside pool. If that seems a bit distant, there is sure to be a Hampton Inn right in Raleigh. The rooms are super clean and the beds are sooo comfy. Price was very reasonable at $79.00/night, too (but this was about 2 months ago, they may have changed) As for schools, I'minormed is correct, you should be fine since school there does not start for a while. FMrealty.com is where i always go to search for homes, and i am sure you can find a good realtor there, too. Good luck!
Ok... I have to know.... what's up with this whole "Garner in Johnston County" business. I've heard it several times on this forum by at least 2 people. I lived right on the border of Garner and Raleigh and Garner is definitely in Wake County. Garner High School is part of Wake County School system. Are there two Garners? I doubt it. Are you POSITIVE you weren't just in Garner and then crossed the county line? Garner is fairly close to the border, but it's definitely in Wake County.
Suburb
Garner is a town in Wake County, in the Raleigh-Cary metro area.
The community was named for H.C. Garner, founder
The community is in the Eastern Standard time zone.
The latitude of Garner is 35.711N. The longitude is -78.614W. Elevation is 358 feet.
Ok... I have to know.... what's up with this whole "Garner in Johnston County" business. I've heard it several times on this forum by at least 2 people. I lived right on the border of Garner and Raleigh and Garner is definitely in Wake County. Garner High School is part of Wake County School system. Are there two Garners? I doubt it. Are you POSITIVE you weren't just in Garner and then crossed the county line? Garner is fairly close to the border, but it's definitely in Wake County.
Garner, NC
Suburb
Garner is a town in Wake County, in the Raleigh-Cary metro area.
The community was named for H.C. Garner, founder
The community is in the Eastern Standard time zone.
The latitude of Garner is 35.711N. The longitude is -78.614W. Elevation is 358 feet.
The estimated population, in 2003, was 20,537
There are parts of Garner that are in Johnston County. Here where I live, my city borders 2 counties also. This area of Garner goes to Cleveland schools and West Johnston High. Twisted Oaks and Heritage Farms are just 2 of several subdivisions that are located in Garner in Johnston County. I also asked Hampton Inn (just to make sure) what city/county it was in and she said Garner/Johnston County.
I live in Johnston County....Garner is in Wake County....I think there is a Hampton Inn at 40/42 but that is also in Johnston County although it may have a Garner address. I know there are quite a few areas in Johnston County that have a Garner address, Clayton phone number and pay taxes to...you guessed it, Johnston County! I have a friend who lives in Johnston County, has a Zebulon address and a Wendell phone number. Her kids go to Johnston County schools!
I believe the distinction is that you are in the city limits of Garner and the other Garner in Johnston county is a mailing address.
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