Downtown Apex has been going through a major transformation in the past few years with the intent of developing businesses in the area and also creating a great destination point for residents. One area the Town of Apex focused on was the development of a world class cultural arts center. We now have that in the heart of Apex - the Halle Cultural Arts Center.
The recently renovated Halle Cultural Arts Center in Apex is gorgeous. If you haven't stopped by make sure you do the next time you are in downtown Apex. I'm not the only one that recognizes the success of the recent updates. This month the Arts Center received the 2008 Anthemion Award from Capital Area Preservation.
I asked myself, what is an Anthemion Award?
The Anthemion Award recognizes outstanding dedication and committment to excellence in historic preservation in Wake County. An "anthemion" is a classical design element dating from Ancient Greece that is inspired by the fan-shaped leaves of a palm tree. "Anthemion" is the Greek word for "flower." Aww!
Way to go Apex! Just another reason to call Apex, NC home.
I've recently been writing about "Why I love Cary, NC" and Cary NC Relocation. I've lived in the Triangle since 1991 and have watched the area blossom into a thriving metropolis. One of the things that is spurring the growth are the jobs that have been created and sustained over the years. In 2007 the Raleigh-Cary area was 2nd in the country in job growth as noted by the Milliken Institute in their recent Best Cities Rankings. That said, our relocation group recently posted a video on youtube describing the Research Triangle Region. They have always said a picture is worth a thousand words - I guess a video is worth even more? Enjoy the video and if you are thinking of relocating to Raleigh-Cary I'd love to help you find the perfect home!
Relocating to a new town can be scary for just about anyone. New friends, new Doctors, new grocery stores, new schools, a new routine all together. I know that if I was thinking of moving to a new town I would get on the internet and do research on the different areas. Many of my clients have done just that and found out about Cary, North Carolinaon the web. They heard it was a great town and decided to check it out online before taking the big plunge to make the move.
Here are some important questions that buyers ask me on a regular basis that I thought I'd share with you on relocating to Cary, North Carolina.
What are the schools like?
Cary schools are a part of the Wake County Public School System and continue to rank as some of the highest rated schools in Wake County. Many are still on the traditional school calendar also. The Triangle area is also home to several major universities and colleges.
What's the weather like?
I grew up in Dallas, TX and I always talk about the Four Seasons here in North Carolina. I love the outdoors and, year round there's always something blooming in Cary. Our temperatures are seasonal, but moderate. We are lucky enough to escape the extreme cold winters characteristic of the North, and does avoid the drastic heat in places like Texas and Florida.
Winters are short and mild, arriving in mid-December and ending by early March. Snow and sleet are recorded once or twice a year, but seldom to the extent that it accumulates. Children are known to get very excited when snow is in the forecast, anticipating a day off from school.
Because I love to garden, Spring is one of my favorite times of year. The weather is moderate and all of the flowers begin to bloom. Some of my favorites include dogwoods, redbuds, azaleas, daffodils, and tulips to name a few. Spring continues through April with temperatures in the high 60's and low 70's.
July can get a bit hot and sticky. As a result many residents flock to the beaches of the mountains. There are days where temperatures reach well into the high 90's.
Fallis my favorite time of year. The leaves change, the weather cools off, and it really gives families time to enjoy the great outdoors.
What is the job growth like in the area?
The National economy is currently in a state of turmoil, and, although job growth has slowed, the Raleigh-Cary area is No. 2 on a new list of metropolitan areas that are creating and sustaining jobs and economic growth. Raleigh-Cary came in No. 1 for job growth between March 2007 and March 2008. In the past five years the Research Triangle Regional Partnershipset a five year goal to create 100,000 jobs in the area and they are on track to succeed. Their next project to sustain growth is being touted at "Staying on Top 2" with the intent of continuing the success achieved in the past five years. Although corporate growth has slowed since April there are 44 new potential businesses that would generate $1.6 Billion in revenue and another 15,000 jobs.
What is the cost of living like and how much can I expect to earn?
Many clients that visit the area expect to get a lot more for their money than where they are coming from. In most cases this is true, however, the popularity, national exposure, and Cary, NC's proximity to RTP home prices in Cary, NChave continued to steadily appreciate even with the current real estate market conditions. Most of my clients also want to know about taxes and insurance. Real estate taxes are reasonable right at 1% of the assessed tax value. In Cary real estate assessments are done every eight years. North Carolina Income Tax varies based on income with the maximum rate for incomes over $120,000 at 8%. North Carolina Sales Tax is currently 4.5%. CNN Money has a great calculator that compares one cities cost of living to another. It's a great way to compare where you're living today vs. Cary, NC. Cary, NC has the highest median household income in Wake County ($89,623) and more than two-thirds of Cary residents hold a college degree.
What will my commute be like?
In most cities if you live in the suburbs you will commute from your hometown into the "big city". In my area that would be Raleigh. In the Triangle area residents commute into the RTP (Research Triangle Park) area rather than downtown Raleigh. Now that the widening of two major alternative routes to I-540 (HWY 55 and Davis Drive) has been completed the commute into RTP is a quick 10-15 minute drive to the major employers in the area. Cary is also a quick commute to the RDU Airport and the 3 Major Universities in the area.
There are a number of other considerations to think about when moving to new town. Thank you for stopping by and taking a look at Why I love Cary, NC! If you would like more information on the area view a longer video on the triangle here produced by Fonville Morisey or visit my websitefor more information.
I had an Endotontist appointment today with a Dr. recommended by my current Dentist. They think I need a root canal! Yuck! I went to the appointment today and as I walked through the lobby I noticed an LSU Medical School diploma on the wall! Hot diggity! I like him already. He's an LSU alumni too.
I anxiously waited in the patient chair! We all love being told the grim news about root canals. The Dr. walks in and says I heard we have something in common and I think you might understand my language and he says, "Hot boudin, cold coush coush, come on Tigers, poosh, poosh ..."
Aww memories of my college days gone bye. I can't tell you how much fun I had at football games in "Death Valley" in college. You'll have to send me a private message to find out when I went there. The LSU/Auburn rivalry dates back to the early 1900's and will continue on for generations. I just find it's amazing that when I run into alumni we have so much in common. Here's to my Alma Mater - The LSU Tigers! May they beat the Tar out of Auburn this weekend!
I mentioned earlier this year I moved from Apex to a great new location in Cary NC. One of the things I love about where I live now is the proximity to great restaurants, shops, and other local businesses.
One of my favorite treats on Friday night after a movie or just for fun is located right here in Cary NC off of Cary Parkway in the Preston Walk shopping center called Henry's Gelato. I featured Henry's Gelato in my newsletter last month and had a chance to sit down for a quick visit and talk with Henry about his business. Henry traveled to over 50 countries sampling the different flavors of Gelato before perfecting his technique and purchasing his Gelato machinery in Florence, Italy. Henry's success has helped him expand his business to two new locations - the first in Southern Pines and the 2nd in North Raleigh opening later this year.
Every single gelato I've had from Henry's just melts in my mouth! Henry has over 85 flavors are available and up to 24 of your favorite flavors offered in at any one time. The gelato is handmade fresh every day with the purest ingredients. Flavors like pistachio, coconut, limoncello along with traditional Choc/Van favorites await you. Henry also mentioned that gelato has 1/3 the calories of regular ice cream and custard. It sure doesn't taste like it though!
So, if you're out and about and want a real treat choose Henry's Gelato!
Henry has a saying inside his restaurant that says, "Mundi Gelato E Corri Nudo". Do you know what that means? If not you'll have to drop by Henry's and ask him yourself!
I was out last week with some friends of mine that want to build a Lake House near Jordan lake(the Army Corps of Engineers won't allow anyone to actually build on the Lake) and I stumbled upon an event that is coming up that I thought I'd share with you.
If you're looking for inexpensive entertainment the Jordan Lake Music Festival, on October 4th and 5th in Apex, may just fit the bill. The event is being held to raise funds to clean up Jordan Lake and costs only $20 for a one day pass and $40 for a 2 day pass.
There will be 5 stages and 18 performers, not to mention an art show, children's activities, and plenty of food and dance. The music will be varied including Bluegrass, Ragae, Folk, Jazz, Latin, and more.
For directions to Jordan Lake Farm in Apex click here
The recently renovated Halle Cultural Arts Center in Apex is gorgeous. If you haven't stopped by make sure you do the next time you are in downtown Apex. I'm not the only one that recognizes the success of the recent updates. This month the Arts Center received the 2008 Anthemion Award from Capital Area Preservation. 
need a root canal! Yuck! I went to the appointment today and as I walked through the lobby I noticed an LSU Medical School diploma on the wall! Hot diggity! I like him already. He's an 
Henry has a saying inside his restaurant that says, "Mundi Gelato E Corri Nudo". Do you know what that means? If not you'll have to drop by Henry's and ask him yourself!
