Relocating to Raleigh, NC

[chip 'n dale rule]

Any Raleigh experts out there???? My husband and I are beginning the process of relocating to Raleigh. I am a teacher and am unable to find a job in PA (openings are very scarce) and my husband is in IT. We are looking to live in one of the smaller towns surrounding Raleigh such as Holly Springs or Wake Forest.

We are hearing that it is just about impossible to find a job unless you are already living there. Is that true? We were hoping to have jobs lined up before we moved but now I don't know if that will be possible.

I guess I'm just looking for tips or advice anyone might have. All info is welcome! We are going down this weekend to start looking at towns and houses.

Oh, also our hotel has an outdoor pool; is it still warm enough for swimming? Keep in mind were are from PA so we are used to swimming in chilly water? TIA!!

 

[Straitlover]

The highs this weekend are only the mid-70s. Unless the ppol's heated, that's too cold for me! They may ahve already closed up the pool for the season, too. I would chekc before you come.

Everybody and their grandmother is moving here. Check this website for info:
http://www.city-data.com/forum/raleigh-durham-chapel-hill-cary/

If it were me, I would not buy a home until you know where you will be working so you don't end up w/ an hr+ commute. Nor would I come here unelss at least one of you has a job lined up. Lots of people post on the above website about not being able to find a job after moving.

Hope this helps!

 

[KTSMOM]

Most of the pools in this area close at Labor Day, although the hotel pool might still be open. It's supposed to be in the low to mid 70's this weekend.

IT jobs and teaching jobs are very hard to come by here in Raleigh. I do believe it's easier to get a teaching job in Johnston County, which is next to Wake County (where Raleigh is located). You might check the Wake County website, wcpss.net for job listings for Wake County. I'm not sure of the website for Johnston County.
As for IT jobs, a lot of people have been laid off around here and are looking for jobs. Doesn't mean you can't find one but that you have a lot of people going for the same job you're eyeing.

I also agree with the other poster, I wouldn't buy a house until you find a job. You can easily have a commute of over an hour if you buy in one section of Raleigh and work in another. With gas prices still hovering around $3.85, that's an expensive commute.

Good luck with your job search. Raleigh is a great place to live!

 

[Micca]

Dunno about the job sitch, but I have always heard great things about Raleigh. Congrats on the move.

 

[chrisw127]

Pretty much everyone on our street works for IBM or in an IT job in some capacity. Everone of my friend's husbands works in IT and they haven't had trouble finding jobs, although they seem to switch jobs a lot. I'm not too sure about job prospects, but it would seem they need teachers--Wake County holds a lot of job fairs. I imagine the PP is right about teaching jobs being easier to find in the surrounding counties.

I agree about waiting to buy a house. It's a big area. Some thoughts:

Cary: Good schools, mostly expensive houses (although coming from PA, your idea of expensive might be a lot higher, so you might not mind. People from CA are stunned at what they can buy here.).

Chapel Hill: Like Cary, but houses are even more expensive. Very liberal (which I don't mind) and a little snooty.

Raleigh: Be very careful where you live. Some of the schools are not good. Some of the neighborhoods are very expensive (inner beltline), but you might not want to live there anyway because it's very "old south" and most northerners tend to not live there. Not that they're unfriendly, it's just a small city southern thing.

Apex: A lot like Cary, only less expensive.

Holly Springs: Less expensive than Apex, but some of the schools are dicey. Growing every day.

Fuquay Varina: Less expensive than Holly Springs but the schools (beyond the elementary ones in the new neighborhoods) are a little behind.

Durham: Schools aren't so great; some interesting neighborhoods around Duke.

Wake Forest: New neighborhoods, homes in all price ranges. Some of the schools are quiet good, some questionable. My feeling when I'm in WF is that I'm pretty far away from the Triangle.

I really like it here. It's pretty friendly and a very easy place to live. We have excellent schools where I live and wouldn't even consider sending my kids to private schools. We moved down from DC and like it a lot better.

Also, 90 minutes on Southwest Airlines to Disney. Not bad at all.

Good luck.

 

[SydneyBristow]

If it were me, I would not buy a home until you know where you will be working so you don't end up w/ an hr+ commute.

Great advice.

 

[lecach]

Definately wait to buy until you know where you'll be working. THere are a LOT of nice homes available for rent.

I would say it's too cold for outside swimming. Most hotels with outside pools have already closed them for the season.

I've heard good things about Apex and Morrisville. I live in Durham and love it but the schools dont have the best reputation. I work in Chapel Hill and the schools are good but the homes are more pricey.

My Mom is a realtor in Fuquary-Varina. That seems like a great place to live and still possible to commute to larger areas. If you want her info I can pm you.

Also, while you're here you ought to take the kids to a pumpkin patch. There are several near Raleigh:


Wake County

GREENLEVEL GOURD FARM - Gourds, pumpkins, hayrides, gourd crafts, picnic area, farm animals
3800 Greenlevel Road West, Apex, NC 27523.
Phone: 919-387-7352.
Email: sandyjockisch@bellsouth.net.
Directions: Greenlevel Gourd Farm is located at 3800 Greenlevel Rd. West. Take Hwy 64 West to Greenlevel Church Rd. Turn on Greenlevel Church Rd. and travel 2.7 miles to Greenlevel Rd. West. Turn left and travel to 6th house on right.
Open: Daily during October, 10 am to 6 pm. Sunday afternoons during the month of December from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. Gourd gift shop hours 1:00-5:00 PM Tuesday thru Sunday year round.
Also offers: pumpkins, gourds, gourd crafts, donkey rides on weekends, Halloween goodies. Halloween hay ride 7 days a week during the month of October.
Payment: Cash, check, no credit cards.

HILL RIDGE FARM - pumpkins, pony ride, hayride, train ride
703 Tarboro Road - Youngsville, NC 27596.
Phone: (919) 556-1771. Or Phone: 800-358-4170.
Fax: 919-556-5881.
Email: funonthefarm@hillridgefarms.com
Directions: click here for Directions.
Open: 7 Days a Week 9:00am - 6:30pm
2008 information, from their website: Fall Festival General Admission - $10.00 (Fall General Admission also includes Hayride & Pumpkin!) Children under 2 years old are admitted FREE! Train Rides: $2.50; Gem Stone Panning: $6.00; Pony Rides: $4.00 (Sept. 13th-Nov. 9th) Weekends Only.

KEN'S KORNY CORN MAZE - corn maze, children's maze, rope maze,
3175 Benson Highway, Garner, NC, 27529
Phone: 919-779-4765
Directions: Click here for Directions.
Open: Monday to Wednesday by appointment. Thursday 4:00 to 8:00pm, Friday 4:00 to 9:00pm, Saturday 10am to 9:00pm, and Sunday Noon to 7:00pm
2006 prices: Adults $9.00, Kids 6-12 $7.00, Kids 3-5 $3.00 and Kids under 3 free with paid adult. New 24 Foot Super Slide. Children's Maze - Small maze made from straw for the beginners. Rope Maze - 8,000 square feet of fun. Games -Miniature golf and pumpkin bowling. Concessions - Hot dogs, home made ice cream, Chick-Fil-A sandwiches, funnel cakes, nachos, popcorn drinks and specialty coffee hot and cold with picnic area. Photo Opportunities - Straw creatures, giant pumpkin, cutouts and very large straw man. Straw Critters - Giant spider, caterpillar and bumble bee. Tractor made out of large round bales of straw for playing. Gourd Checkers - Large playing board with Jack-Be-Little pumpkins. Fun for all ages! Monster Truck and Tractor wooden playground equipment.

THE MAZE AT HECTOR'S CREEK - corn maze, pumpkin patch, pick your own pumpkins, field of pick your own wild flowers.
274 Old Mill Road, Fuquay-Varina, NC, 27526
Phone: (919) 552-0823
Email us at: pam@hectorscreekfarm.com
9 acre corn maze hours: Friday and Saturday 10:00am to 9:00pm Sunday 1:00pm to 5:00pm Monday through Thursday by appointment
Note: The last person/group allowed through the maze is 1 hour before closing!
rates: Adults - $8.00 Children 4 to 12 - $6.00 Age 3 and under - free Group Rate - $6.00 per person $2.00 discount with military ID there is also a $1 off coupon that you can print out on their website
For more information see these pages: Calendar of Events, Attractions, Location / Directions, Photos, Hours / Rates.

OLDE COUNRTY PRODUCE AND MULCH - Beans, Christmas Tree Live, Corn, Pumpkin, Squash, Strawberries
8824 Poole Road, Knightdale, NC 27545
Phone: (919) 217-0411
Email: kirkfarms@bellsouth.net
Open: Monday to Friday 7 am-7 pm, Saturday 7 am-5 pm
Crop availability: Strawberries - late April-June Corn - May-June Butterbeans, Peas & Squash - June-July Mums & Pumpkins - September-October Christmas Trees - November 25-December 24. Mulch, Crop Compost, Wheat & Pine Straw.
Directions: Located 6.5 miles east of I-440 off Poole Road exit 15.

 

[chip 'n dale rule]

Thanks for all the replies. I agree, we would never buy a house until we both had jobs. We basically just wanted to see the types of homes available in different neighborhoods and the cost. But now on to my next question. We have to extend our weekend because I have an interview on Monday!! So my question is.... we will be staying at the Holiday Inn on Dillard Dr in Cary (indoor pool thanks for the tips) and my interview is at Bugg Elementary (Cooper Road in Raleigh). How long should I give myself to get there? I have absolutely no idea about the traffic in the area. I don't have a time for the interview yet, I will find that out tomorrow. I hope to have it first thing Monday morning. How much time should I give myself to be VERY safe??? Thanks so much for all the help!!

 

[Straitlover]

If you go there via I-40, you will be going against the rush hr traffic, so that's good! I lloked it up on Mapquest becasue I didn;t know whre that school was, and it looks like it's about 1.5 miles or so. I would think 30 minutes would be ample time. Will you have computer access? If so, you can check the traffic to see if there's a wreck or backup on wral.com (or on their TV channel 5).

Good luck!!!

 

[lecach]

That's a great hotel location - I used to work right next door at the office building.

There is a Target that is walking distance. And lots of great restaurants. I especially love Hibachi Express. It's japanese food like you'd get at a Benihana type place but it's fast and cheap. And the Sweet Tomatoes is good too. It's a salad, soup, etc. buffet. Oh and Cook Out is close too. They have great burgers and shakes. But it's drive thru only. Their banana/chocolate shake is yummy.

Good luck on your interview!!!!! Let us know how it goes.

Also, if you have any questions related to your kids (schools, etc.) you should sign up on www.trianglemommies.com. You have to register to post (they do a background check to make sure you're who you say you are and not a predator or something) but it's free. And they have message boards for everything kid related. We have Mom's nights out, family nights out, we have a fall retreat for Mom's and playgroups, etc.

 

[HM]

Good luck with your interview!

We live in SW Durham (with a Chapel Hill address). Durham schools get a bad rap, but there are a lot of great teachers and administrators in the school system. My kids have done very well and have had a boatload of good teachers (and a few bad ones) over the years. So, you can also look there. I know that they were doing hiring into the beginning of the school year and teachers do leave mid-year, so it may be something for you to look into. Plus there are a lot of nice places to live around us (lots of new!).

Hope you two guys find jobs and love the area!

 

[BoyLovesBuzz]

Who ever said teaching jobs are hard to get in Wake County I have to say: . DW is a teacher and they have several opening now at one of the best middle schools in the county.

What do you teach?

 

[sorul82?]

Thanks for all the replies. I agree, we would never buy a house until we both had jobs. We basically just wanted to see the types of homes available in different neighborhoods and the cost. But now on to my next question. We have to extend our weekend because I have an interview on Monday!! So my question is.... we will be staying at the Holiday Inn on Dillard Dr in Cary (indoor pool thanks for the tips) and my interview is at Bugg Elementary (Cooper Road in Raleigh). How long should I give myself to get there? I have absolutely no idea about the traffic in the area. I don't have a time for the interview yet, I will find that out tomorrow. I hope to have it first thing Monday morning. How much time should I give myself to be VERY safe??? Thanks so much for all the help!!

I would allow an hour.

 

[sorul82?]

If you go there via I-40, you will be going against the rush hr traffic, so that's good! I lloked it up on Mapquest becasue I didn;t know whre that school was, and it looks like it's about 1.5 miles or so. I would think 30 minutes would be ample time. Will you have computer access? If so, you can check the traffic to see if there's a wreck or backup on wral.com (or on their TV channel 5).

Good luck!!!

1.5 miles to where?

 

[BoyLovesBuzz]

If you go there via I-40, you will be going against the rush hr traffic, so that's good! I lloked it up on Mapquest becasue I didn;t know whre that school was, and it looks like it's about 1.5 miles or so. I would think 30 minutes would be ample time. Will you have computer access? If so, you can check the traffic to see if there's a wreck or backup on wral.com (or on their TV channel 5).

Good luck!!!

Bugg is on the otherside of town by Walnut Creek. Unless there are 2 Buggs.

 

[BoyLovesBuzz]

If you go there via I-40, you will be going against the rush hr traffic, so that's good! I lloked it up on Mapquest becasue I didn;t know whre that school was, and it looks like it's about 1.5 miles or so. I would think 30 minutes would be ample time. Will you have computer access? If so, you can check the traffic to see if there's a wreck or backup on wral.com (or on their TV channel 5).

Good luck!!!

Bugg is on the otherside of town by Walnut Creek. Unless there are 2 Buggs.

 

[lecach]

Please let us know how your trip and your interview went! Hope everything went great for you.

 

[chip 'n dale rule]

Well we made it back to Pennsylvania. Thanks so much to everyone that took the time to help me out! Well................... I got the job and they want me to be back down there this Friday to get things started. I really liked the school; small with a very friendly staff. I am headed back down tomorrow to find an apartment. We looked at some nice complexes while we were down there. I am extremely excited and scared to death at the same time!!!! Thanks again!

 

[lecach]

Congratulations!! I hope you'll be very happy down here. We sure love it.

Let us know if you have any questions about apartments, areas, etc.

 

[chip 'n dale rule]

I can't believe that my original post for this thread was less than three weeks ago. I started teaching this past week, I leased a townhouse at Beaver Creek Apartments in Apex and....... we just accepted an offer on our house in PA! It has only been on the market since Oct 1! This whole situation seems surreal. It must have been meant to be! I am down here by myself for a short while longer. My kids are coming down Nov 8 and my husband will live with his parents for a while to try and find a position down here. He had a phone interview last week and he needs to come down sometime in the next two weeks for a second interview. My kids can't wait to get down here. They will be going to Penny Road Elementary because we wanted them in a traditional calendar school. I'm flying home on Halloween for the weekend because I am missing them terribly. My husband asked if I got a 'broom discount'.