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Chapel Hill Relocation
My family is relocating to the Triangle in the summer of 2010. We're starting to navigate the area in search of neighborhoods and schools for our children ages 5,3 an 1. We'll be working at UNC and plan to live in Chapel Hill. Any advice on neighborhoods and schools? Our on-line research suggests Southern Village may be a good fit, but the lots are so small. We're moving from a cold climate and want to make sure we can be outside enjoying the mild weather as much as possible! Wexford, The Highlands and Culbreth Ridge also look nice.
As far as schools are concerned, are there any elementary schools to avoid? Some of the neighborhoods we like are zoned for FP Graham but the school looks like it pales in comparison to most others in the district. Also, since we plan to be in this house for a good long time, I'd love to hear opinions about the CH-Carrboro High Schools -- specifically, is the new Carrboro High School as good as Chapel Hill and East (or do they expect it to be when my kids start High School in about 10 years?) .
Finally, any advice on Chapel Hill daycares? We're on waitlists at Chapel Hill Daycare, Victory Village, Children's Campus and The Little School in Hillsborough and are told by all that our chances of getting in are good given our long lead time.
Thanks!!
Comments
Welcome to the area. I have older teenagers so I can't speak to daycares or elementary schools, (it's been too long ago) but I can to neighborhoods and highschools. Basically, all the neighborhoods are great in Chapel Hill. I think you could like any of them, it is a matter of personal style and taste. old established vs new modern, country vs suburban, etc. all close to UNC. In general, stereotypically a well-educated, upscale, liberal population but diverse with other types as well. It's DEFINITELY too soon to think about highschools as their characters change with zoning, new principals, new alternatives, etc. Carborro High is still having growing pains from being new, so it's hard to say what it will become. No way to tell. EastCHHS is the best alternative right now, though there are reasons to choose Chapel Hill High (slightly less competitive,better at some sports, and in some depts.) East has a new principal this year for the first time in its history, so the school may change a lot after losing it's beloved principal. Parents are VERY picky in Chapel Hill, so whatever your needs, you can find support from other parents. FPG has some innovative programs, and great teachers, but they serve a needier population of kids. (My neighborhood, Stoneridge, has 1 acre lots.) I liked my daughter's middle school the best, Smith. Hope some of these random thoughts help.