I was preoccupied a lot Thu into Fri with the impasse over where to move. We knew it was time, we agreed on points like mild climate and cultural appreciation and diversity. It was a very serious problem, in my eyes, one that potentially called into question the perceived value of rational decision-making in general, that I had a very rational primary target - and it was basically being treated as frivolous or disposable on the basis of a short and narrow view of a few neighborhoods and absurd objections like "there's not even any water views". One look at the area in Google Maps please, followed by one Zillow search for the keyword "waterfront". Bam, one rental at $950/mo with a porch view of a lake, plus a few more for less than what we pay at Compson. Also, houses under $200K, which might be a stretch to make a downpayment this coming year, but should be plenty do-able when the housing market turns more favorable.
I agree, we don't want to live in downtown or collegeville neighborhoods. But Raleigh would not be topping lists of "best places to live and work" year in and year out, if those neighborhoods were all there was to it.
They say a wise man taketh counsel, and after some counsel-taking this morning Miss Cupcake reported a breakthrough in feeling more open to giving Raleigh a chance. I feel very confident we can afford a range of apts with pretty views, maybe east along the Neuse River or feeder stream valleys. And longer-term, like after a trial year of getting settled in, careering into happy jobs, making friends - an honest-to-goodness homestead to spend the next 10-15 years, with a nice view. This zoomable topo map is more helpful than Google Maps for this purpose.
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NC state income tax: 5.75%
NC estate/inheritance tax: none
Open carry: yes (subject to municipal restrictions)
Wake Co. effective sales tax rate: 7.25%