Raleigh NC?

[MomOfABunch]

Tell me what you know about Raleigh! I'm looking to move in the not so distant future, and have been trying to figure out exactly where. Raleigh seems to fit most of my criteria:

 

- proximity to good higher education

- reasonable cost of living - looking at acreage properties

- good sized city, but not too big - will be moving from DC

- special needs private school - it looks like there is an ABA based school in Cory (DD gets private day through her IEP)

- DD can get a similar Medicaid waiver to what she has now

 

- what is the homeschooling scene like there?

- what else can you tell me about Raleigh?

 

TIA

[Corbster98]

We live just south of Raleigh. PM me for more information. I don't mind sharing what I know.

 

Allison

[73349]

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Edited March 7 by 73349

[MomOfABunch]

Raleigh has a thriving homeschooling scene, with about six thousand homeschooling households. There are several groups--some do park days, some co-op, etc., plus there's a homeschooling store that sells both new and consigned items. There are the free state museums (art, science, history), and a nice park system. Wake County is all one library system.

 

If you want to be near the school in Cary for your EDD, I know there are homeschooling groups there as well. Yahoo! Groups is one place to check them out.

 

I'd avoid a neighborhood choice that requires using I-40 or 440 (and perhaps 540) for a daily commute. They clog. That said, traffic is not going to bother you much compared to DC. On the other hand, public transportation is not so good here.

 

What else would you like to know?

That sounds like a great place to homeschool! I hadn't thought to ask about traffic patterns, that is helpful info. When you say clog, is that moving slowly or completely stopped? Coming from the DC area, I'm used to the latter.

Can you guide me a little on location? Or where to stay away from? I'd like to be no more than an hour from Cary, for DDs school. Whatever county we end up in will transport her, so I would not be driving her daily. But I don't want her too far. I can't find any other ABA schools, so pretty likely that's where she would be. She would attend until she ages out at 22.

I want to be close to one of the universities for dual enrollment and classes for myself also. I'm looking for acreage, hopefully on a lake or large pond, which there seem to be a lot of! I'd also like to be reasonably close to a secular homeschool group or co-op.

 

A couple more questions:

What are the state homeschooling regulations? Easy or hard?

Has anyone done dual enrollment at chapel hill or duke? It would be fantastic for that to work out

[MomOfABunch]

We live just south of Raleigh. PM me for more information. I don't mind sharing what I know.

 

Allison

Thank you! I will.

[73349]

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Edited March 7 by 73349

[momofkhm]

What WhiteHawk said.

 

I'm not sure what an ABA school, no special needs in this house, so I can't help you there.  But I live in Cary, so let me know the name of the school and I can tell you what I know.  General reputation of the school.  I have a friend who is an aide for special needs kids so I can ask her as well. ---  I looked up ABA.  Is what you are looking at a public school or a private school?  I can't tell from the website I found - The Mariposa School.  I know where it is based on address, but I know nothing about the school.

 

You might want to also look at New Hill and Moncure.  If you don't mind up to an hour drive, Holly Springs and  Fuquay-Varina are also options.  The further out you go, the bigger the land.  Where would the job be?  I can tell you where to look based on that as well.  OH, and hospitals.  Do you need to be close to Duke or UNC hospitals?  A friend lives in Durham to be close to Duke hospital.

 

My kids have dual enrolled through the community college -  live in Wake Co, but they dual enroll in Durham county.  Because we live equidistant from both and the classes are easier to get to Durham Tech.

 

Just ask if you have other questions.  I love Cary!

 

[wonderchica]

Just a word of caution- I wouldn't assume you can easily get the same Medicaid waiver. Remember, Medicaid is a run by the states and therefore varies. I believe there is a long wait list here for things like CAP/C and DD waivers.

[wonderchica]

On the plus side, I have always heard great things about that school!

[MomOfABunch]

Dp

[MomOfABunch]

That's good to hear! Yes, mariposa is the one I found. If there's another ABA school around there, I can't find it. As far as the waiver, of course you're right, it's not a guarantee. For her case though, I'm not terribly worried. In VA she bypassed the waiting list due to her need.

[MomOfABunch]

What WhiteHawk said.

 

I'm not sure what an ABA school, no special needs in this house, so I can't help you there. But I live in Cary, so let me know the name of the school and I can tell you what I know. General reputation of the school. I have a friend who is an aide for special needs kids so I can ask her as well. --- I looked up ABA. Is what you are looking at a public school or a private school? I can't tell from the website I found - The Mariposa School. I know where it is based on address, but I know nothing about the school.

 

YES, THAT'S THE SCHOOL. SHE NEEDS PRIVATE ABA SCHOOL (PRIVATE DAY PLACEMENT). JUDGING JUST FROM THEIR WEBSITE, THEY ARE SAYING ALL THE RIGHT THINGS.

 

You might want to also look at New Hill and Moncure. If you don't mind up to an hour drive, Holly Springs and Fuquay-Varina are also options. The further out you go, the bigger the land. Where would the job be? I can tell you where to look based on that as well.

 

I'M NOT SURE YET. I'M JUST GATHERING PRELIMINARY INFO AT THIS POINT TO SEE IF THIS AREA WOULD WORK FOR MY FAMILY. WE AGREE WE DON'T WANT TO LIVE IN THE DC AREA, BUT ARE UNDECIDED WHERE TO GO. THERE ARE A LOT OF FACTORS IN MAKING A DECISION.

I CAN WORK FROM HOME OR FOR A LOCAL SCHOOL SUSTEM. DH WOULD PROBABLY FIND WORK AT A UNIVERSITY OR FOR A COUNTY GOV'T. BEING CLOSE TO A GOOD UNIVERSITY FOR POST GRAD WORK IS IMPORTANT FOR ME AND DH. AS WELL AS THE BOYS HIGHER EDUCATION DOWN THE ROAD.

 

OH, and hospitals. Do you need to be close to Duke or UNC hospitals? A friend lives in Durham to be close to Duke hospital.

 

THAT IS A GOOD QUESTION. I WONDER IF THERE'S A CENTER FOR AUTISM AND RELATED DISORDERS OR A DR. WHO SPECIALIZES. BEING CLOSE TO A RESEARCH HOSPITAL WOULD BE A GOOD THING.

 

My kids have dual enrolled through the community college - live in Wake Co, but they dual enroll in Durham county. Because we live equidistant from both and the classes are easier to get to Durham Tech.

 

THAT'S INTERESTING. IT'S NOT TOTALLY BASED ON YOUR PHYSICAL ADDRESS? DOES THE PUBLIC SCHOOL COVER ANY OF THE TUITION?

 

Just ask if you have other questions. I love Cary! I WILL THINK OF SOME MORE. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT CARY?

 

[wonderchica]

Look into the TEACHH program for autism. It's not a school (and Mariposa is the only ABA that I'm aware of), but a highly respected program with a variety of services. Reading through your list, I think the Raleigh area fits most of your requirements!

[MomOfABunch]

Look into the TEACHH program for autism. It's not a school (and Mariposa is the only ABA that I'm aware of), but a highly respected program with a variety of services. Reading through your list, I think the Raleigh area fits most of your requirements!

TEACHH through a particular agency or University?

Raleigh is looking pretty good. The only thing that was on my original list it doesn't have is proximity to the beach. But I guess you can't have absolutely everything!!

[prim*rose]

Wow, some great info here. Dh is talking with a company in Raleigh & they want him/us to come down next week for an in-person interview. He's waiting to hear on benefits before we commit, but this thread has been very helpful.

 

Not to hijack, but if anyone has any feedback on teen activities/groups or numbers, we'd appreciate it. I have an almost 14 yr old dd. We'd love to know which areas would be good for having access to groups with teens, also.

[momofkhm]

Wow, some great info here. Dh is talking with a company in Raleigh & they want him/us to come down next week for an in-person interview. He's waiting to hear on benefits before we commit, but this thread has been very helpful.

 

Not to hijack, but if anyone has any feedback on teen activities/groups or numbers, we'd appreciate it. I have an almost 14 yr old dd. We'd love to know which areas would be good for having access to groups with teens, also.

 

 

I have college age and 2 in high school.  The older 2, both girls have had no problem finding friends through homeschool outside classes and Bible study.  *IF* you are Christian and will be near Cary, check out http://homeschool.colonial.org/.  I emphasize Christian b/c for the co-op (SEEK) at least you have to sign a statement of faith.  And the high school classes (HARC) are taught from a Christian perspective.  My son (youngest) is a bit more reserved and hasn't made the friends the girls have.

 

There are a lot of homeschoolers n the area though so even if SEEK and HAR are not your cup of tea, there are other things available.

[momofkhm]

 

 

You might want to also look at New Hill and Moncure. If you don't mind up to an hour drive, Holly Springs and Fuquay-Varina are also options. The further out you go, the bigger the land. Where would the job be? I can tell you where to look based on that as well.

 

I'M NOT SURE YET. I'M JUST GATHERING PRELIMINARY INFO AT THIS POINT TO SEE IF THIS AREA WOULD WORK FOR MY FAMILY. WE AGREE WE DON'T WANT TO LIVE IN THE DC AREA, BUT ARE UNDECIDED WHERE TO GO. THERE ARE A LOT OF FACTORS IN MAKING A DECISION.

I CAN WORK FROM HOME OR FOR A LOCAL SCHOOL SUSTEM. DH WOULD PROBABLY FIND WORK AT A UNIVERSITY OR FOR A COUNTY GOV'T. BEING CLOSE TO A GOOD UNIVERSITY FOR POST GRAD WORK IS IMPORTANT FOR ME AND DH. AS WELL AS THE BOYS HIGHER EDUCATION DOWN THE ROAD.

 

OH, and hospitals. Do you need to be close to Duke or UNC hospitals? A friend lives in Durham to be close to Duke hospital.

 

THAT IS A GOOD QUESTION. I WONDER IF THERE'S A CENTER FOR AUTISM AND RELATED DISORDERS OR A DR. WHO SPECIALIZES. BEING CLOSE TO A RESEARCH HOSPITAL WOULD BE A GOOD THING.

 

My kids have dual enrolled through the community college - live in Wake Co, but they dual enroll in Durham county. Because we live equidistant from both and the classes are easier to get to Durham Tech.

 

THAT'S INTERESTING. IT'S NOT TOTALLY BASED ON YOUR PHYSICAL ADDRESS? DOES THE PUBLIC SCHOOL COVER ANY OF THE TUITION?

 

Just ask if you have other questions. I love Cary! I WILL THINK OF SOME MORE. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT CARY?

 

 

 

University work, government work and still big land while not being far from Mariposa - I would still say New Hill, Moncure, Pittsboro.  Holly Springs and Fuquay Varina may be too far for work depending on traffic and how willing you are to pay tolls each day.  Tolls= no traffic.

 

And your best bet for Autism specialist at hospitals is UNC or Duke.  Same places to live for that.

 

Dual enrollment - you can dual enroll at any community college in the state.  That means if I find an on-line class in a county hours from here that my kids want to take, I can enroll them in it.  And the state pays tuition.  We still have to pay for books and fees.  There are other hoops to jump through to dual enroll.  Durham Tech and Wake Tech both require that you attend an info session on dual enrollment.  Then the advising, at least first time is in person.  So that would be difficult, but possible.

 

Cary - it's centrally located.  4 hours to the beach.  4 hours to the mountains.  It's suburban.  Everything is close.  Everything I *need* is within 20 minutes from my house.  Except work and church are both 30 minutes.  I can get to a really nice mall in 30-45 minutes. (But I'm not a mall person anymore.)  Good concerts are 20-30 minutes.  Several good universities within an hour.  UNC and Duke hospitals, if I need them, are under an hour.  Not sure how much under as I haven't needed them.  It's pretty Cary is a city, but thinks of itself as a Town and tries to maintain the small town feel.

[TechWife]

TEACHH through a particular agency or University?

Raleigh is looking pretty good. The only thing that was on my original list it doesn't have is proximity to the beach. But I guess you can't have absolutely everything!!

TEACCH is through UNC Chapel Hill. Duke University is also doing a lot with autism. Start with the Autism Society of North Carolina, though. They have a great handle on what is available in the area. With Mariposa's location, you would be better off living in Cary or Raleigh. You'll find that there are a lot of services available in the area - I don't think you'd have to drive to UNC or Duke unless you want to take part in a study. There is a great OT practice in Cary that works with ASD patients, Developmental Therapy Associates. Carolina Pediatric Dysphagia in Raleigh does wonders with feeding therapy.

 

Send a PM to me if you'd like to know about some docs.

 

So, if I were you, I'd call The Autism Society of North Carolina and they would be able to advise you on where the services you need would be located.

 

ETA: there is land available in Apex - easy commute to Cary and Raleigh.

 

ETAA: My son was hospitalized at WakeMed Children's for a serious medical issue, and they did a fantastic job with his ASD. As soon as they started interacting with him, my first thought was "They get it." They are affiliated with UNC Hospitals, as is one of the other hospitals in Raleigh. WakeMed has the trauma center, as does UNC and Duke. You will easily find medical services for your entire family in the area.

[prim*rose]

I have college age and 2 in high school.  The older 2, both girls have had no problem finding friends through homeschool outside classes and Bible study.  *IF* you are Christian and will be near Cary, check out http://homeschool.colonial.org/.  I emphasize Christian b/c for the co-op (SEEK) at least you have to sign a statement of faith.  And the high school classes (HARC) are taught from a Christian perspective.  My son (youngest) is a bit more reserved and hasn't made the friends the girls have.

 

There are a lot of homeschoolers n the area though so even if SEEK and HAR are not your cup of tea, there are other things available.

 

 

Thank you! 

[Pawz4me]

TEACHH through a particular agency or University?

Raleigh is looking pretty good. The only thing that was on my original list it doesn't have is proximity to the beach. But I guess you can't have absolutely everything!!

 

You're not right on the beach, but from Raleigh it's an easy, about two-hour drive to Wrightsville Beach.

[MomOfABunch]

Wow, some great info here. Dh is talking with a company in Raleigh & they want him/us to come down next week for an in-person interview. He's waiting to hear on benefits before we commit, but this thread has been very helpful.

 

Not to hijack, but if anyone has any feedback on teen activities/groups or numbers, we'd appreciate it. I have an almost 14 yr old dd. We'd love to know which areas would be good for having access to groups with teens, also.

Hijack away! That is a good question. By the time we move, I will have teens too.

[MomOfABunch]

TEACCH is through UNC Chapel Hill. Duke University is also doing a lot with autism. Start with the Autism Society of North Carolina, though. They have a great handle on what is available in the area. With Mariposa's location, you would be better off living in Cary or Raleigh. You'll find that there are a lot of services available in the area - I don't think you'd have to drive to UNC or Duke unless you want to take part in a study. There is a great OT practice in Cary that works with ASD patients, Developmental Therapy Associates. Carolina Pediatric Dysphagia in Raleigh does wonders with feeding therapy.

 

Send a PM to me if you'd like to know about some docs.

 

So, if I were you, I'd call The Autism Society of North Carolina and they would be able to advise you on where the services you need would be located.

 

ETA: there is land available in Apex - easy commute to Cary and Raleigh.

 

ETAA: My son was hospitalized at WakeMed Children's for a serious medical issue, and they did a fantastic job with his ASD. As soon as they started interacting with him, my first thought was "They get it." They are affiliated with UNC Hospitals, as is one of the other hospitals in Raleigh. WakeMed has the trauma center, as does UNC and Duke. You will easily find medical services for your entire family in the area.

This is fantastic info! Thank you! I'd love to get some additional info about drs.

[MomOfABunch]

You're not right on the beach, but from Raleigh it's an easy, about two-hour drive to Wrightsville Beach.

Only 2 hours? That's a doable day trip. Awesome!

[MomOfABunch]

University work, government work and still big land while not being far from Mariposa - I would still say New Hill, Moncure, Pittsboro. Holly Springs and Fuquay Varina may be too far for work depending on traffic and how willing you are to pay tolls each day. Tolls= no traffic.

 

EVEN IN THE WORST TRAFFIC HOW LONG WOULD IT TAKE TO GO FROM, SAY, DUKE TO DOWNTOWN RALEIGH?

 

And your best bet for Autism specialist at hospitals is UNC or Duke. Same places to live for that.

 

GREAT.

 

Dual enrollment - you can dual enroll at any community college in the state. That means if I find an on-line class in a county hours from here that my kids want to take, I can enroll them in it. And the state pays tuition. We still have to pay for books and fees. There are other hoops to jump through to dual enroll. Durham Tech and Wake Tech both require that you attend an info session on dual enrollment. Then the advising, at least first time is in person. So that would be difficult, but possible.

 

THAT'S GOOD NEWS. DOES THAT VARY BY COUNTY AT ALL OR IS THAT STATEWIDE? ALSO, HOW STRICT ARE THEY ABOUT AGE? AT THE RATE HE IS GOING, DS WILL FINISH CALC BY MID 9TH GRADE AND WILL NEED MORE MATH. WOULD A 10TH GRADEE BE ABLE TO DUAL ENROLL?

 

Cary - it's centrally located. 4 hours to the beach. 4 hours to the mountains. It's suburban. Everything is close. Everything I *need* is within 20 minutes from my house. Except work and church are both 30 minutes. I can get to a really nice mall in 30-45 minutes. (But I'm not a mall person anymore.) Good concerts are 20-30 minutes. Several good universities within an hour. UNC and Duke hospitals, if I need them, are under an hour. Not sure how much under as I haven't needed them. It's pretty Cary is a city, but thinks of itself as a Town and tries to maintain the small town feel.

 

THAT DOES SOUND LIKE IT HAS EVERYTHING!

 

 

[momofkhm]

 

EVEN IN THE WORST TRAFFIC HOW LONG WOULD IT TAKE TO GO FROM, SAY, DUKE TO DOWNTOWN RALEIGH?

 

 

 

THAT'S GOOD NEWS. DOES THAT VARY BY COUNTY AT ALL OR IS THAT STATEWIDE? ALSO, HOW STRICT ARE THEY ABOUT AGE? AT THE RATE HE IS GOING, DS WILL FINISH CALC BY MID 9TH GRADE AND WILL NEED MORE MATH. WOULD A 10TH GRADEE BE ABLE TO DUAL ENROLL?

 

Cary - it's centrally located. 4 hours to the beach. 4 hours to the mountains. It's suburban. Everything is close. Everything I *need* is within 20 minutes from my house. Except work and church are both 30 minutes. I can get to a really nice mall in 30-45 minutes. (But I'm not a mall person anymore.) Good concerts are 20-30 minutes. Several good universities within an hour. UNC and Duke hospitals, if I need them, are under an hour. Not sure how much under as I haven't needed them. It's pretty Cary is a city, but thinks of itself as a Town and tries to maintain the small town feel.

 

THAT DOES SOUND LIKE IT HAS EVERYTHING!

 

 

Duke to Raleigh - I had to map it with google maps.  It says there are enough buses you can take between Duke and Raleigh Convention center and that takes 98 minutes.  The worst traffic would mean they close the road.  So I have no idea.  (Lately when there is a bad accident, they close the road to do the investigation into who caused it and how.  I guess it makes sense, but boy does it tie up traffic.)

 

Dual enrollment - I think that's pretty much statewide.  Age is that you have to be a junior, I think.

 

One thing I forgot about Cary - I *feel* safe.  DH goes out of town a few times a year.  I never feel weirded out by strange noises and such.  Of course, I'm in the middle of the neighborhood too.  I can run from the house, lots of parks.  I don't have to drive to have a place to run.  And someone else was right, it can be 2 hours to the beach.  It depends on what beach you go to. 

[TechWife]

oops, wrong place.