Bluhdow 18 Posted October 12, 2015 I'm currently exploring a move to NC for a variety of reasons. Probably the Raleigh-Durham area, and likely a suburb south of the triangle. Apex, NC is high up the list. Just wondering if anyone has any knowledge of the area. Specifically it would be nice to know how the riding (and state riding laws) is...but any general knowledge about lifestyle, weather, economy, etc. would be appreciated. I'm 30 years old and my lady and I are looking to relocate somewhere with more space, a lower cost of living, and less congestion (read: traffic). Also, somewhere with a little charm would be nice. Something about the big housing developments sprawling across this county leaves something to be desired. I work in finance so proximity to a city (30 mins commuting) is important in case I still need to wear a tie every day. Thanks! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TdubLady 1 Posted October 12, 2015 I'm from Greensboro, which is an hour and a half NW of the area you're considering. Apex is a quaint area. I think you'll like it, especially if you're gonna raise a family. It's a slower pace. You'll have to deal with mosquitos, and people wanting to "save" you. But there's some awesome back country riding. Helmet law, cheaper insurance. Lots of weekend exploration possible: coast, mountain, lakes. I think you'll find drivers more courteous, but you will need patience when stuck behind the occasional tractor. Anything I can share with ya, just ask. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bluhdow 18 Posted October 12, 2015 Ugh...mosquitoes! That's something I'm going to have to learn to live with. Growing up in CA has afforded me few bites so I'm pretty sensitive to them. Though a summer or two in NC might help my body build up more of a tolerance. Until then...Deet. Slower pace is what I'm after. The more time we spend working in order to live, the less time we spend living (and riding). Any other suburbs in that area worth checking out? A few caveats: 1. I'd like to be within 5-10 minutes of a downtown-ish area. Not a city, but a "Main Street" with a handful of bars and restaurants is all I need. Apex, on paper, looks like it has a nice downtown area. 2. I don't want to stray more than 1.5 hours from Raeford. My primary hobby (skydiving) is a driving factor in the NC search. There is a fantastic dropzone and wind tunnel in Raeford which I will likely drive to most weekends. 3. Traffic? No idea what it looks like out there...but has to be better than the I-5. I'd likely commute into Raleigh or Durham. Looking for 30 mins or less of commuting time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bluhdow 18 Posted October 12, 2015 Also any insight into the plated dirt bike laws would be helpful. I know some states would let you throw a plate on a YZ250 2-stroke. Others (read: CA) are terrible in just about every way possible. How's NC in that regard? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TdubLady 1 Posted October 12, 2015 I haven't lived there in awhile, but confident you won't have the emission issues. As long as it'll pass inspection(lights,horn,etc) you should have no problem. Quads can be plated there too, I'm pretty certain. I know you don't have to register off road only stuff at all. And I know you can register a golf cart. They aren't as likely to bust you for crossing/using a street to get from point A to B on your dirt bike there as long as you behave as they are here. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TrophyHunter 15 Posted October 12, 2015 Maybe pop a question in on ADV Regional Forums, too. My daughter and family moved to Sneads Ferry, so more coastal, a year ago. Much slower pace, critters, humidity, real weather. But they're 5 minutes from the beach, 2700 sq ft house on an acre, with a stream in their back yard they use to paddle out to the bay - which cost less then they sold their cracker box in San Marcos for. Force move as my S-I-L is in the Marines, but they love it so far. Grandkids get picked up by the bus at their driveway, that sort of stuff. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bluhdow 18 Posted October 12, 2015 2700 sq ft house on an acre, with a stream in their back yard they use to paddle out to the bay - which cost less then they sold their cracker box in San Marcos for. Exactly. I sold my 2 bed, 1 bath condo in PB (780 square feet) for $315k a couple years ago. It was nothing special. That's a mansion in NC. For two of us with pretty modest taste I think we'll have way more fun money out there. Any other similar towns to Apex in that area? Maybe they are all similar to one another. I'm just trying to put together a little road map of places to hit when we visit. I'm going out for a week or so to learn the area, run through some practice commutes, and get a feel for the local vibes. On a totally unimportant note...how's the southern drawl in that area? The easiest way to "have an accent" is to move. =) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TrophyHunter 15 Posted October 12, 2015 They are closest to Wilmington - quaint - 115 population and Jacksonville - 70K (more of a Marine base town) So not as big as the Raleigh/Durham area - including everything around - 2M...? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dan Diego 53 Posted October 12, 2015 I moved here from Cary. Apex was right down the road. Sending you a PM. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
