Raleigh, North Carolina: Some Important Facts and Figures
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
When you’re shopping for real estate for sale in Raleigh, NC, it’s important to get a feel for the region, its character and its residents. Here are a few illuminating and insightful facts and figures about this vibrant and growing region.
For those looking for a suburban lifestyle with big-city amenities, Raleigh NC real estate for sale can be a good choice. The population of about 350,000 is large enough to support a good base of upscale neighborhoods, stores, restaurants and entertainment venues but small enough avoid the indifference and anonymity of larger urban centers. In other words, Raleigh is a great place to enjoy both a latte and a homespun conversation.
Raleigh’s population has grown an amazing 24% in the period 2000 through 2005. With a stable economy, good schools (both public and private), and affordable housing prices, Raleigh is an attractive destination for both younger professional and older retirees. The median home cost in Raleigh is a reasonable $203,000, a fact which compensates for the fact that Raleigh’s cost of living is about 6% higher than the U.S. national average. Raleigh expends about $5,000 per year per student in public education. While this about $1000 below the national average, it’s mitigated by a positive student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1. The unemployment rate in the region is about 1% below the U.S. average while job growth has declined by about 3%.
Despite all this, Raleigh has an active real estate market where the median home age is about 21 years. Over 50% of the homes in the region are owner-occupied, while about 45% are rental properties. The property tax rate is about $8 per $1000 of assessed value, significantly lower than the national average of about $13.00.
For people looking for a steady economy with a wide tax base and good housing values and choices, Raleigh is worth a second look.
Raleigh NC Restaurants: Some Amazing Five-Star Choices
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
If you’re considering a move to the region and looking at Raleigh, North Carolina real estate for sale, you’re also probably interested in the amenities the region offers. Like any metropolitan area, Raleigh offers a great variety of restaurants. What’s particularly impressive, however, is the area’s abundance of five-star-rated establishments. Here’s some information on just 3 of the best.
For those who enjoy classic French Provencal cuisine, Saint Jacques is not to be missed. The wine list alone is a veritable tour through this classic region of France. While many diners prefer wines by the bottle, Saint Jacques offers about 10 excellent varieties by the glass. The menu is extensive, with a good selection of appetizers like baby spinach salad, Provencal crab salad and homemade country pate. Entrees include bouillabaisse, scallops “coquilles St. Jacques, filet of beef Normandie and duck a l’orange. Classic French desserts like creme brulee and mousse au chocolat.
Located in the historic Dodd-Hinsdale house, Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern offers a superior atmosphere that’s more than matched by its food. The cuisine is continental and diners can choose a seat in the restaurant proper or in the casual ambience of the relaxed and friendly tavern, a separate “restaurant within a restaurant.” The menu at the tavern includes appetizers like blue crab stuffed mushrooms and classic Caesar salad. Entrees range from grilled Angus beef filet to Empire seafood paella. For dessert choose classic creme brulee, key lime pie or any of 8 other choices.
No great city is complete without an equally great steak house and Angus Barn is Raleigh’s. The restaurant features 8 different cuts of steak along with a choice of 6 different sauces that compliment the meat perfectly. For those who enjoy other dishes, there’s a great selection that includes BBQ ribs, seafood and lamb. Surprisingly, the restaurant also offers a few vegetarian entrees. Chocolate chess pie and cheesecake top the dessert menu. There’s even a country store where patrons can purchase jars of the restaurant’s signature sauces.
So, after a day of house hunting in the vibrant market of real estate for sale in Raleigh, North Carolina, why not continue your “research” in one of the city’s many and varied top-rated restaurants?
Are You Ready to Buy a Raleigh, North Carolina Home?
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
Although just about everybody dreams about owning a home, they don’t always allow for a number of important factors that can have a dramatic effect on whether or not that dream will come true. Here’s some information about real estate in Raleigh North Carolina that first-time home buyers should seriously consider.
If you’re planning to borrow in order to finance your Raleigh North Carolina real estate, take an honest look at your income, debt and savings. Lenders like to see at least 2 years of steady employment. In addition, you should have a positive credit history. It’s a good idea to obtain your credit report before applying for a mortgage so there aren’t any surprises later. If you’re carrying any debt, such as a car loan, you need to be able to afford both your current debt and the new debt associated with a mortgage. Also, you’ll need to have cash, preferably from savings, on hand to cover the home’s down payment and closing costs. Other sources of this cash can be a tax refund, employment bonus, inheritance or assistance from a relative in the form of a monetary gift.
Finally, you need to consider whether you’re willing to make the lifestyle changes that home ownership usually requires. You’ll need to be willing to spend time maintaining your home and yard and should have some money put aside for any unexpected repairs that might be needed. Remember that you’re likely to be less able to afford lavish vacations and expensive nights out when you own a home. Finally, if you have or plan to have children, be sure to recognize that there are ongoing expenses associated with children that may last up to 2 decades, especially if you’re planning a college education for them.
Buying a home is usually the largest single financial transaction most people make. Make sure you understand both the positives and negatives before making this long-term commitment.
NC Real Estate: Some Insider Tips For Buying a Home in Raleigh
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If you’re looking for Raleigh NC real estate, you should know that the market in this area is very active and vibrant. At any given time there are nearly 6000 homes for sale in the greater Raleigh region. So, you’re probably wondering if there’s a way to trim that number down to a manageable list of properties that are within both your budget and your basic requirements such as location, specific features of the home and, most importantly, price.
Price is an all-important factor for home buyers. But many people fail to budget adequately when looking for real estate in Raleigh NC. Besides taxes, buyers should also consider any applicable costs such as homeowners association fees, refuse collection costs, insurance, utilities such as electric and gas service, water and sewer costs, repairs and upkeep, landscaping, cable TV service and telephone service. Buyers who fail to budget sufficiently are certain to find themselves in a financial bind soon after they close on the home.
Once you’ve set a realistic budget, you’re ready to determine how much house you can afford. Again, it’s important to have practical goals regarding the size of the house and lot and any amenities, perks or special features you’d like the house to have. Using common sense and creating a workable buying scenario will help make sure that the Raleigh real estate that you buy fits both your preferences and budget.
Town of Cary, North Carolina Facts and Figures – Part 2
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In addition to having a sound fiscal basis and strong, progressive government, the town of Cary, North Carolina offers plenty of leisure and sports-related activities. Here’s just a partial list. For full information, click here.
Cary’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department was the first parks department in the region to receive national accreditation.
Cary’s Thomas Brooks Park is the site of USA Baseball’s National Olympic Training Center.
Cary’s WakeMed Soccer Park is home to the Carolina RailHawks, a professional soccer team in the United Soccer League. Cary also has hosted the ACC an NCAA soccer championship tournaments.
Located in the center of town, the Fred G. Bond Metro Park hosts annual community events like Easter egg hunts, kite festivals and the July 4th Olde Time Celebration.
Not forgetting its canine friends, Cary has a dog park adjacent to Godbold Park, where dogs and their owners can play and interact in a safe environment.
For the towns “crafty” residents, there’s the Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival which draws an estimated 60,000 people annually, making it one of the biggest one-day events of its type in the Southeast U.S.
Cary has hosted the PONY National Fast Pitch Softball Tournament, which includes teams from as far away as Alaska.
Summer home of the North Carolina Symphony’s Summerfest concert series, Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheater, located in Regency Park, blends well with it’s location on 14 scenic, wooded acres.
This rich and varied range of attractions and activities in Cary make it one of the most desired places to live in North Carolina. Click here to learn more about this vibrant town.
Town of Cary, North Carolina Facts and Figures – Part 1
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
If you’re looking for a great place to live in the Raleigh-Durham “Triangle” region, the town of Cary should be at the top of your list. Here’s a collection of interesting facts and figures about this vibrant and well-managed town. To find our more, click here.
Cary consistently ranks in the top 20 safest towns (out of nearly 400 in the U.S.) in Morgan Quitno’s Safest (And Most Dangerous) Cities report.
Cary’s fire department and police department have national accreditation, meaning that they adhere to a strict code of professional standards. The police department is one of only 4 accredited departments in the Triangle region.
A statewide leader in emergency medical care, Cary was the first municipality in the state to have an ambulance service with federal certification.
Cary is one of only 7 municipalities in North Carolina that hold the the highest possible credit rating from firms like Standard & Poor, Moody’s and Fitch.
A regular recipient of the Distinguished Budget Presentation award given by the Government Finance Officers Association, Cary has demonstrated the highest principles of government budgeting. The association also recognizes the town for excellence in comprehensive financial reporting.
Cary has received the Governmental Award from the North Carolina State Treasurer’s Office.
Cary is consistently named a “Best Place to Live” or “Hottest Town” in the U.S. by entities like Money magazine and Relocate-America.com.
The town’s Open Space & Historic Resources Plan has been honored with the Outstanding Planning Award from the North Carolina chapter of the American Planning Association.
Cary is the largest municipality with a traffic signal system that is totally self-funded. The system includes state-of-the-art closed circuit TV cameras that allow for proactive management of traffic flow.
Cary is a progressive town with an enlightened government. This makes Cary a great place to work and live. Click here for more information.
Morrisville NC Homes
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Morrisville, North Carolina is located in the state’s popular Triangle region. The town has a youthful profile, with a median age of about 30 years that’s over 5 years younger than the state average. Morrisville is a prosperous town and has a rapidly increasing median household income that’s almost $20,000 higher than the state median, an increase of nearly 15% in the 7-year period between the years 2000 and 2007.
Home prices in Morrisville North Carolina neighborhoods have a median value of about $220,000, significantly higher than the state average of about $146,000. A recent Internet “snapshot” of Morrisville reported in June 2009 that there were over 180 homes for sale in the area with a median price of about $229,000. A home in the upscale neighborhoods in Morrisville NC typically has 3 to 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 1 half bath and about 2300 to 2500 square feet. Open floor plans are available, along with more traditional designs. Some homes feature high or vaulted ceilings and custom architectural touches like posts. Fireplaces are the rule with gas logs being preferred. Kitchens are thoroughly modern, with center islands, hardwood cabinetry and state-of-the-art appliances. Most kitchens have eating areas. Some homes in neighborhoods in Morrisville NC feature lofts and master suites with trey ceilings and walk-in closets.
If the home has a formal dining room, it’s likely to feature crown molding and chair rail. Bay windows are also popular and living rooms have fireplaces with hardwood mantles. Some living rooms open via French doors to spacious screened porches. Master suites include dual vanities in the bath, vaulted ceilings and skylights. There’s amply closet space throughout homes in this price range.
Morrisville is a great choice for discriminating buyers looking for homes with a good array of amenities.
Holly Springs, NC Homes
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Holly Springs North Carolina is a premier suburban town in the popular Raleigh-Durham region. In 2007, Holly Springs ranked #22 out of 100 towns on Money Magazine’s “100 Best Places to Live” in the U.S. Housing in Holly Springs neighborhoods is very affordable, with the average home price coming in at about $243,000. For comparison, the average home price on the “Best Places” list is nearly $360,000. When considering taxes, Holly Springs’ average is an affordable $1700 per year, while the “Best Places” average is nearly $3600.
A typical home in many of the neighborhoods in Holly Springs NC has 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Square footage ranges from a cozy 1500 square feet to a spacious 2500 square feet or larger. Many of the homes are newer and most are full of amenities. Laminate wood floors are common, along with elegant foyers with wainscoting. Ceiling fans are the rule and living rooms typically have fireplaces, either wood-burning or with decorative and maintenance-free gas logs. It’s common for living rooms to open via French doors to formal dining rooms with chair rail accents. Kitchens are spacious and have plenty of designer touches, including solid wood cabinets, granite counter tops and ceramic tile. Kitchen appliances are finished with everything from classic stainless steel to dramatic black enamel and glass. Many kitchens have breakfast areas and sliding glass doors that open to large patios and fenced yards.
Master bedrooms are expansive and often feature vaulted ceilings and walk-in closets. Other bedrooms have generous closets as well. Many of these homes have desirable 2nd floor laundry rooms. Master baths feature dual vanities and garden tubs with separate showers. Bathroom skylights are common. Other amenities include hardwired Internet access and blinds throughout. Garages are often fitted with convenient shelves.
Housing in Holly Springs is an excellent value for those who want a newer home with plenty of extras and amenities that’s just minutes from shopping, entertainment venues and employment centers.