Help a Mom: New resident looking for schools, neighborhood advice in Triangle

Posted: October 30, 2012

I got this email the other week from a mom who will be moving her family from Minneapolis to the Triangle soon. She'll be in the area on a scouting trip this weekend and she's wondering where she should look for a home.

Here's what she wrote: I am looking for ... some advice on schools, neighborhoods, etc., in the area of Cary or surrounding areas. I will be arriving the first week of November to check the area out for just a few days.

In a follow-up email, she shared more information:

We are looking for [something] driving distance to the Research Triangle. I was looking online and tons of posts were saying the Cary area was nice. My most important aspect is the schools ... That is [how we will decide where to] start looking for neighborhoods. I have daughters in both middle school and elementary school.

Obviously, the Wake County schools assignment program is in a bit of a flux right now. But I'm sure Go Ask Mom readers could offer some helpful advice.

Can you help this mom? Please share your tips in the comments box below. (If you don't see the comments box below, you'll need to log in or sign up for a WRAL account. You can do that by going to the top of the page and clicking on either "log in" or "register").

Help a Mom features questions from readers every Wednesday. If you have a question that you'd like to ask Go Ask Mom readers, click here to email it to me.

27 Comments

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THIS IS THE NEW RESIDENT LOOKING FOR SCHOOLS/LOCATIONS: I JUST WANTED TO THANK ALL YOU WOMEN SO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR HELP....YOU GUYS ARE AMAZING..... I AM ON MY WAY TO APEX TO SHOP AROUND BEFORE HEADING BACK TO THE AIRPORT TONIGHT..... :) MELISSA

melissalknaus
November 3, 2012 11:43 a.m.

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From my inbox: You can not go wrong with Apex/Cary.....look around the subdivisions 2 miles either way of Cary Pkway/Old Apex Rd. Schools in area are great.....housing affordable and RTP fairly close....have lived here since 1984 and very happy that some things never change even though Apex and Cary have grown up over the years.....

Sarah

shall6
November 2, 2012 11:51 a.m.

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Mom in Search of New Home: There are SO many wonderful new neighborhoods that we offer throughout the Triangle. The entire Wake County Public School System all lend to excellent education. Our Ashton Woods Homes neighborhood of Pemberley located in Apex, would satisfy your requirement of a close proximity to RTP and an excellent school offering. And as an added bonus, this neighborhood features a private neighborhood pool and cabana, community park, sidewalks throughout... perfect for a family!

awhraleigh
November 1, 2012 10:18 a.m.

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Where ever you may want to live I would first drive the distance to your job during what would be your normal commute time. Then you can decide if you want to live closer to your job, family and your future children's school. RTP traffic can get very congested during rush hour and may cause many unwanted delays in picking up your children. I would also pick up a Carolina Parent family resource guide that has all the school options and you may find a school that fits your budget & close to where you want to live. Prices vary for private. If not give wake county schools a try. I have had my kids there for 5 yrs and we have been fortunate to never have a school change. Most all of the teachers I met are highly qualified and dedicated to teaching children.

momma6
November 1, 2012 5:40 a.m.

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Find an inexpensive house or apartment. Then use the extra money to send your kids to private schools, which are excellent. I wouldn't send my kids to any public school around her for anything...jedichick

maybe you should move

americaneel
October 31, 2012 8:59 p.m.

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If your children are extremely smart, look at homes in the Davis Drive elementary/middle school system. If they are less than exceptional, top of their grades, do yourself and your children and look anywhere else as it will be a most miserable experience for all.

jlr31933
October 31, 2012 5:02 p.m.

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busyb97...Which one, I posted twice

americaneel
October 31, 2012 4:52 p.m.

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Chapel Hill schools are great. It is reasonably close to RTP as well without the headache of dealing with the Wake Co School system.

Sweets01
October 31, 2012 4:29 p.m.

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americaneel- that's just plain rude.

I would seriously research the schools. Wake county has so many issues with parents getting kids in the schools that are close to their homes. Don't take it for granted based on your neighborhood school. Also, note that NC-540 from I-40 south towards Holly Springs, is a TOLL road, not a free road.

Go to an area and drive from there to the place of work. See what your routes are. Find out exactly where your kids would go to school based on your neighborhood. And from what I've seen, each year, it seems to change.

You can go to Wake County schools website to look at school calendars to see how the Year-round schedules look, too.

busyb97
October 31, 2012 4:20 p.m.

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Find an inexpensive house or apartment. Then use the extra money to send your kids to private schools, which are excellent. I wouldn't send my kids to any public school around her for anything.