Actually there are some stunning neighborhoods in charlotte that would make you think you are in the mountains. I see no problem with him researching two places.

If you live on LI, Jon, sounds like you're looking for somewhere like Cold Spring Harbor for instance, right? Also, it sounds like Jon is looking to make a move and is weighing different options. Try to pin down a place (city or state) and we'll all try to help.

I always wonder when I read these posts how one can a) make a decision to move to a particular STATE without any idea of a locality; and b) pose this question on a travel board.

Why NC? Did it come to you in a dream? Have you ever been there? How do you know that what the very helpful responders like is what fits you and your family? There are so many variables here.

Can anyone who has posed a question such as this answer? I really truly want to know.

I think most of them have been watching too many hollywood movies and think these perfect little towns really exist out there. Made to order.

A Wilmington or Asheville or Charleston, perhaps...but not on an acre lot. CT. & NC are worlds apart.

Chapel Hill is a great area. My husband grew up there, and we both went to college at UNC. There are many towns in the surrounding area that would be nice and include some acreage.

You'll find a great variety of things to do in the Triangle area, especially with all of the various universities around. The Streets at Southpoint mall is huge and will have many of the stores you'll look for. There are also lots of small stores and coffee shops. You're also an easy weekend drive from both the mountains and the beach.

In addition, RDU has a number of direct flights to the NYC area, particularly on Continental and American.

I think you should look at Wakefield Plantation in Raleigh and Bedford at Falls River. Both offer "estate homes" with more acreage, and you'll have plenty of quaint places to shop. Meadowmont in Chapel Hill will also fit the bill, and downtowns don't get much better than Franklin Street in Chapel Hill. The schools are better in Orange County, and then Wake County is the first runner up.

First, I'm a real estate agent if you are looking for one.

I live in North Raleigh. Chapel Hill is a college town, very quaint and not far from Southpoint mall (Nordstoms is the best store there). Wake Forest is very town like but no boutique store. Boutique stores are going to be in downtown Raleigh, Cameron Village area. Our downtown is Overpriced as a trendy area to live walking distance to little stores and fun restaraunts. You cold live in the North Raleigh which as many new neighborhoods in your price range. We have alot of people relocate to Raleigh from NY. Also, Southwest Airlines offers great flights from Raleigh to ISLIP. My brother lives in Holbrook and we will be visiting him for Christmas. Our airfare was only $200 each. There is one stop in Baltimore but at least it is on the way.

Hope that helps.

topping

voiceofreason: Like Paducah?