Wake Forest?

aubreysmom1

DH just received a job offer in Raleigh...he will be working in north Raleigh. We are considering renting/buying in Wake Forest. Can anyone tell me a little more about the area? What they do (or don't) like about it? Lots of family things to do? What is the commute like to north Raleigh? Any areas of WF or neighborhoods to check out? ANY info would be appreciated. Thanks SO much, ladies.

raceyrae

We live in Wake Forest (outskirts) and love it.  We're in the Crescent Ridge subdivision between Purnell and New Light.  We moved here from Manhattan and have been very happy with living in this part of the Triangle.  My DH is only about 25 min. drive to Research Triangle Park.  We're further out than most Wake Forest folks so our drive to the malls (Triangle or Crabtree) is about 25 min but if you live further in Wake Forest, it shouldn't be that bad.  We have found lots of opportunities for the girls in Wake Forest and North Raleigh -- Little Gym, library story time, Wake Forest or North Raleigh park and rec classes (music, art classes), lots of parks.  I definitely recommend Wake Forest.  good luck!

MrsMountainGirl

I agree with pp.  Wake Forest is great and North Raleigh is really nice too.  It just really depends on what you are looking for.  Wake Forest has a little bit more of the "smaller" not small but smaller feel.  The nice thing about North Raleigh is the convience to everything!  Downtown Raleigh has the Marble Museum that is wonderful especially in the cold months.  

When are you looking to move?

aubreysmom1

raceyrae:

We live in Wake Forest (outskirts) and love it.  We're in the Crescent Ridge subdivision between Purnell and New Light.  We moved here from Manhattan and have been very happy with living in this part of the Triangle.  My DH is only about 25 min. drive to Research Triangle Park.  We're further out than most Wake Forest folks so our drive to the malls (Triangle or Crabtree) is about 25 min but if you live further in Wake Forest, it shouldn't be that bad.  We have found lots of opportunities for the girls in Wake Forest and North Raleigh -- Little Gym, library story time, Wake Forest or North Raleigh park and rec classes (music, art classes), lots of parks.  I definitely recommend Wake Forest.  good luck!

Thanks so much! Do you know anything about the schools? Good preschools? Ok, now the silly question- is there a Target, Harris Teeter, and YMCA in Wake Forest? Three things I don't know if I could do without, haha. We would love to live somewhere that has everything (I don't want to have to drive into Raleigh unless I have to)... it seems like a good combination of being out of the hustle & bustle but still has a lot to offer...any neighborhoods I should check out? We would like to stay under $175k...if possible!

aubreysmom1

MrsMountainGirl:

I agree with pp.  Wake Forest is great and North Raleigh is really nice too.  It just really depends on what you are looking for.  Wake Forest has a little bit more of the "smaller" not small but smaller feel.  The nice thing about North Raleigh is the convience to everything!  Downtown Raleigh has the Marble Museum that is wonderful especially in the cold months.  

When are you looking to move?

That is EXACTLY what we want, something with a "smaller" town feel...but nothing too small!! What zip codes are considered north Raleigh? So, I can look up houses?

dbertagni

I live in Wake Forest on the N. Raleigh line and we love it. I can walk to the Super Target from my house. There are actually 2 YMCA's central to WF. One is on the N.Raleigh line called Banks D. Kerr, and the other one is in The Factory in Wake Forest near the Super Wal-Mart. There are also 2 brand new Harris Teeters here, 2 Lowes Foods and pretty much every restaurant, store etc you could want. I love living here. There are some areas of WF that are older and probably not desirable (literally near the rail rd tracks) but mostly it is a very nice area. Search the zip code 27587 and that should give you housing ideas.

There are several preschool options, as for regular schools, it is hard to say since Wake County is always re-zoning. 

ETA: North Raleigh is very broad area. You are going to have a hard time finding something under $175,000 there unless you don't mind a much older, smaller home. I love N. Raleigh and would love to live there but we were priced out and our budget was well over $200,000. The zip codes I searched for N. Raleigh are 27615, 27614,27612,27613.

aubreysmom1

dbertagni:

I live in Wake Forest on the N. Raleigh line and we love it. I can walk to the Super Target from my house. There are actually 2 YMCA's central to WF. One is on the N.Raleigh line called Banks D. Kerr, and the other one is in The Factory in Wake Forest near the Super Wal-Mart. There are also 2 brand new Harris Teeters here, 2 Lowes Foods and pretty much every restaurant, store etc you could want. I love living here. There are some areas of WF that are older and probably not desirable (literally near the rail rd tracks) but mostly it is a very nice area. Search the zip code 27587 and that should give you housing ideas.

There are several preschool options, as for regular schools, it is hard to say since Wake County is always re-zoning. 

ETA: North Raleigh is very broad area. You are going to have a hard time finding something under $175,000 there unless you don't mind a much older, smaller home. I love N. Raleigh and would love to live there but we were priced out and our budget was well over $200,000. The zip codes I searched for N. Raleigh are 27615, 27614,27612,27613.

I found quite a few houses in Wake Forest in our price range actually! I was surprised. We will definitely be visiting soon - we have only driven through it once or twice. Thanks so much! 

MrsMountainGirl

aubreysmom1:

MrsMountainGirl:

I agree with pp.  Wake Forest is great and North Raleigh is really nice too.  It just really depends on what you are looking for.  Wake Forest has a little bit more of the "smaller" not small but smaller feel.  The nice thing about North Raleigh is the convience to everything!  Downtown Raleigh has the Marble Museum that is wonderful especially in the cold months.  

When are you looking to move?

That is EXACTLY what we want, something with a "smaller" town feel...but nothing too small!! What zip codes are considered north Raleigh? So, I can look up houses?

If you are looking for a house under $200k, I would look in the 27616 and 27615 area.  The neighborhood I'm renting in is Landings at Neuse Crossing but there are several neighborhoods within this area.  Also, make sure you look at www.wakegov.com under "search real estate data".  This will give you lots of information about the houses you look at.

The schools are up in the air right now.  The county is working on a new plan which IMO gives the parents better options.  So it's not really going to help with your house hunt right now.  You can look at this site https://www.wcpss.net/ but things look like they are going to change for next year.  You can google the "blue plan for Wake County" to get the FYI.

Are you looking for a "church" preschool or something else?

MrsMountainGirl

aubreysmom1:

raceyrae:

We live in Wake Forest (outskirts) and love it.  We're in the Crescent Ridge subdivision between Purnell and New Light.  We moved here from Manhattan and have been very happy with living in this part of the Triangle.  My DH is only about 25 min. drive to Research Triangle Park.  We're further out than most Wake Forest folks so our drive to the malls (Triangle or Crabtree) is about 25 min but if you live further in Wake Forest, it shouldn't be that bad.  We have found lots of opportunities for the girls in Wake Forest and North Raleigh -- Little Gym, library story time, Wake Forest or North Raleigh park and rec classes (music, art classes), lots of parks.  I definitely recommend Wake Forest.  good luck!

Thanks so much! Do you know anything about the schools? Good preschools? Ok, now the silly question- is there a Target, Harris Teeter, and YMCA in Wake Forest? Three things I don't know if I could do without, haha. We would love to live somewhere that has everything (I don't want to have to drive into Raleigh unless I have to)... it seems like a good combination of being out of the hustle & bustle but still has a lot to offer...any neighborhoods I should check out? We would like to stay under $175k...if possible!

Yes...Wake Forest just got a Harris Teeter.  They also have YMCA in Wakefield (which is almost Wake Forest).  And yes to the Target too!

aubreysmom1

MrsMountainGirl:

aubreysmom1:

MrsMountainGirl:

I agree with pp.  Wake Forest is great and North Raleigh is really nice too.  It just really depends on what you are looking for.  Wake Forest has a little bit more of the "smaller" not small but smaller feel.  The nice thing about North Raleigh is the convience to everything!  Downtown Raleigh has the Marble Museum that is wonderful especially in the cold months.  

When are you looking to move?

That is EXACTLY what we want, something with a "smaller" town feel...but nothing too small!! What zip codes are considered north Raleigh? So, I can look up houses?

If you are looking for a house under $200k, I would look in the 27616 and 27615 area.  The neighborhood I'm renting in is Landings at Neuse Crossing but there are several neighborhoods within this area.  Also, make sure you look at www.wakegov.com under "search real estate data".  This will give you lots of information about the houses you look at.

The schools are up in the air right now.  The county is working on a new plan which IMO gives the parents better options.  So it's not really going to help with your house hunt right now.  You can look at this site https://www.wcpss.net/ but things look like they are going to change for next year.  You can google the "blue plan for Wake County" to get the FYI.

Are you looking for a "church" preschool or something else?

Probably - something that offers a 2-3 day a week program. My DD will be almost 2 when we move there... 

dbertagni

In WF you will have no problem finding a home under $175, in the really desirable areas of N. Raleigh, under $175 will be hard.

We live in Crenshaw Hall Plantation and really love the neighborhood.

aubreysmom1

dbertagni:

In WF you will have no problem finding a home under $175, in the really desirable areas of N. Raleigh, under $175 will be hard.

We live in Crenshaw Hall Plantation and really love the neighborhood.

Ohhh ok, yeah I meant under $175k in WF. We're really leaning towards there.

aubreysmom1

Does anyone have any recommendations on finding rental homes? Incase we decide to rent first...

MrsMountainGirl

I'm renting through Trademark.  But here is a list to start you out...

https://www.trademarkresidential.com/

https://nchomerentals.com/

https://hotpads.com/

https://www.goldenrealtync.com/

https://www.realtor.com/ (rental section)

 

MrsMountainGirl

aubreysmom1:

MrsMountainGirl:

aubreysmom1:

MrsMountainGirl:

I agree with pp.  Wake Forest is great and North Raleigh is really nice too.  It just really depends on what you are looking for.  Wake Forest has a little bit more of the "smaller" not small but smaller feel.  The nice thing about North Raleigh is the convience to everything!  Downtown Raleigh has the Marble Museum that is wonderful especially in the cold months.  

When are you looking to move?

That is EXACTLY what we want, something with a "smaller" town feel...but nothing too small!! What zip codes are considered north Raleigh? So, I can look up houses?

If you are looking for a house under $200k, I would look in the 27616 and 27615 area.  The neighborhood I'm renting in is Landings at Neuse Crossing but there are several neighborhoods within this area.  Also, make sure you look at www.wakegov.com under "search real estate data".  This will give you lots of information about the houses you look at.

The schools are up in the air right now.  The county is working on a new plan which IMO gives the parents better options.  So it's not really going to help with your house hunt right now.  You can look at this site https://www.wcpss.net/ but things look like they are going to change for next year.  You can google the "blue plan for Wake County" to get the FYI.

Are you looking for a "church" preschool or something else?

Probably - something that offers a 2-3 day a week program. My DD will be almost 2 when we move there... 

My son's goes to Wake Crossroads Preschool (I love love love it...my son has a severe peanut allergy (with other mild allergies) and they have really worked with us to make us feel comfortable).  In Wake Forest, I have a friend that's son goes to Richland Creek Preschool and another that goes to Hope Lutheran Preschool...they both loves these preschools.  My church also has a great preschool but it's in North Raleigh...Open Door Preschool.  Hope this helps!!!

Sorry for the multilple post!!! I was put on bed rest and just can't help myself!

allisons1014

I live in Raleigh but I worked for a number of years at the Kerr YMCA in Wakefield (N.Raleigh) and the YMCA at the Factory in Wake Forest.  When you join you get a membership to both.  They are both great and a really good place to meet other moms in the area.  There is also a great resident/day camp that the Y runs called Camp Kanata that is in Wake Forest as well.  Also the Heritage area in Wake Forest is wonderful and the schools over there are really great.  I worked with children at the Y and parents always seemed very pleased with Heritage, Wake Forest Elem. and Franklin Academy is a really great charter school.  Wake Forest really has great small town appeal and would be great to raise a family.  North Raleigh is also a very desirable location but you may get a little more house for your money in Wake Forest or even venturing out to Youngsville or Rolesville which are a little further out but worth looking at if you don't mind being in the country!

Good luck with your move and welcome to NC!

aubreysmom1

THANKS everyone!!! Any neighborhoods to check out??

AKH307

Highland Creek (27616), Neuse Crossings (27616), StoneGate (27587), Thornrose (27587), Caddell Woods (27587), Moss Creek (27587), Mitchell Mill (27616), Massy Preserve (27616)...those are some of the subdivisions I would recommend and their zip codes.

aubreysmom1

thank you!!!!