RTP-area local music and culture

[ron thigpen <ron AT fuzzsonic.com>]

Michael,

Welcome.  I live in Raleigh and love it.  I'm in the Five Points 
district myself, and there are great neighborhoods all over the city 
that'd I'd be pleased to live in.

I don't know you, so it's hard to recommend on that basis, but if you 
prefer lively neighborhoods, art house theatres, indie coffeeshops and 
eclectic food choices to the rather more pale offerings of typical 
suburbia, stripmalls and chain restaurants, then I'd advise looking 
generally 'Inside the Beltline' or 'ITB'.  The N&O makes this 
distinction in their classifieds.  Most of their display ads are going 
to be from the bigger new developments.

North Raleigh tends to be more typically suburban, and Cary even more 
so.  Personally I'd avoid them.

ITB Raleigh is basically a low slung series of neighborhoods, mostly 
grown together, most with walkable streets, mostly decent parking and 
filled with good people.  Some of these grown-together areas border on 
some more problematic zones, but that's something you'll just need to 
ask about, be aware of and make your own peace with.  For the most part 
it's fine.  I've never had a single problem anything like this in the 
five plus years I've been here.

I'd advise getting with a realtor who specializes in the area.  I don't 
have anyone in particular to recommend but have heard good things about 
Don Moody.  Some neighbors of ours just listed with Paul Setliff.  His 
website has a very nice description of the various neighborhoods.  Don't 
be too put off by the prices, these homes grow in value while you live 
in them, and there are plenty of affordable options.

No offense to anyone on the list, but there tends to be a definite 
Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Durham leaning among the group, so the 
recommendations my pull in that direction. Those are great places too, 
each with a little different flavor and offerings. There does tend to be 
a little bit of local pride that folks have in their choice of borough. 
 Plenty of great options all around the area, but I'd avoid anything 
that puts you I-40 during the commuting hours.

good luck,

--rt

Don Moody, Owner
Cornerstone Properties
1600 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27608
Office Phone: 919-821-4500
E-mail: don21480 AT aol.com

Paul Setliff
http://www.paulsetliff.com/hoods/historichoods.htm



Michael Lang wrote:

> So I'm moving to Raleigh in mid-July from Pittsburgh.  I know no one
> in the city, and still have yet to find a place to live.  I was
> referred to this list by the only person I know in the triangle area.
> I was told it was filled with friendly people who are happy to
> answer.