Hi everyone,

I have some more basic-ish questions for any of you mamas who are familiar with the area and might be kind enough to respond. Just to recap, I am a mama to two young ladies living in Madison, WI preparing for a move to the Durham/Chapel Hill area for my husband to begin law school in Durham.  Feels a bit like jumping off a cliff, and I can use all the help I can get!

1) I am looking into part-time preschools for my 2 year old daughter.  Right now, I am focusing most of my energy on Family Preschool (within the Unitarian Church) and Morning Glory (Pelham Rd., Durham.)  Anybody have any experience and/or opinions about either of these? Any thoughts would be so very, very appreciated! :) 

2) Also, with regard to neighborhoods, I am mainly scouting out the areas in the southwest to downtown Durham vicinity--Duke Park, Duke Forest, Forest Hills, and Trinity Park (these are internet searches only, and I am NOT familiar with the area, but we are planning a real 'scouting' trip in Feb.)  We are going to be renting for at least the first year, to get a 'feel' for the area, etc.  What do people think about these areas?  Anything you could say about public schools in these neighborhoods?  Am I crazy to think we can rent a decent house for less than 1100/month?  Is renting a townhouse/condo the way to go? 

Hmmm...I think that's it for now.  Thank you SO much for anytime you could spend offering some advice.  Its invaluable to me.  Hope to hear from you soon!

Warmly, Brooke (madtownmama)