JakeMate

I'm considering relocating from Southern California and I'm considering Raleigh, NC as a destination. I've never been there but I'm hoping it meets my criteria for a great place to live. I was hoping that some of you could advise on a few things:

1) Are there any nearby tracks that have regular open track days?
2) How's the weather?
3) How is the insect situation? A lot of mosquitos?
4) I'm a mechanical Engineer....any idea how the job situation is?
5) Home prices......What can I get for $400,000-$500,000? How are property taxes?
6) Driving roads....are there good roads for weekend drives? How's the cop situation?
7) How are the schools?
8) How's the night life? Restaurants? Weekend activities for families?

I was born and raised in Buffalo, NY and have been in SoCal for the last 9 years. The housing prices are through the roof here and I was considering cashing out. I'd also like to find a better place to raise my son and someplace with less traffic. Thanks in advance!

Jake

privates8

See if you can track down "stedge". He mostly shows up on the 993/993tt boards, but see if you can PM or email him. He grew up in the northeast and has been at Duke for a number of years.