Luxurious amenities are a lure for homebuyers in new communities. New construction neighborhoods are developing all over the Triangle region, delivering dozens of new communities throughout the Raleigh-Durham area. You can find everything from lush green spaces to fun mini water parks for adults and kids alike. The journey to homeownership will force you to weigh the long-term value of not only the household, but the community amenities as well. It's important to consider that homes with nearby amenities make living there more enjoyable, which is great while you're living there and also a terrific asset when it's time to sell.
As you start narrowing down your list of “must-haves," here are a few neighborhood amenities you may want to consider.
Popular Community Amenities
Swimming Pools
According to a 2016 US News article, resort-style pools are at the top of many must-have amenity lists. Cary is a popular place for indoor facilities. Open club memberships are available at UNC Wellness Center and the Triangle Aquatic Center. They offer year-round swimming facilities. Residents interested in the outside (open membership) swimming pool can take a look at:
- Cary Swim Club
- Cary YMCA
- Lifetime Fitness, which offers indoor and outdoor pools with slides for the kids.
Home buyers looking for a club pool a little more exclusivity might consider the Amberly Residents Club. These exclusive residents' club pools are only open to neighborhood residents.
Pool-goers in the Briar Chapel neighborhood love their mini-water park in the summer months. Located in Chapel Hill, this amenity is the center for summer activities for the residents.
Parks and Green Spaces
Parks often play an important role in resurrecting the spirit and economy of a city. Neighborhood green spaces are open, community-planned amenities. They feature playgrounds, grassy areas to run and play sports. You may also spot some exercise equipment, community gardens, and a fenced dog park.
Durham’s revival story started in the 90s and it included a vision of a park which finally came to life a few years ago. Durham Central Park hosts the Durham Farmer's market and a gathering of Food Trucks on Saturdays. The park features a natural playscape for children to romp and slide on. You will also find a skate park and eclectic indie scene concerts every Friday during the summer.
Outdoor Recreation
Paved trails for biking and walking
The Triangle area's most popular trail is the American Tobacco Trail (ATT). This is a historic trail and is part of the Rails to Trails initiative. ATT covers more than 20 miles through Durham, Chatham, and Wake County. So, hop on your bike at Jordan Lake, and finish up at Durham Bulls Athletic Park for a game of Baseball!
The Mountains to Sea Trails project will soon tie into Hillsborough's River Walk. This is a shorter paved trail that runs alongside the beautiful Eno River. As you walk the path you'll notice one of Patrick Dougherty's Stickwork Sculptures.
Natural trails for hiking
With 20 miles of hiking trails for horses, bikers, and hikers alike, you are going to find a path you love. Umstead State Park is in the heart of the Triangle area, with two entrances for convenient commuting. Besides nature trails, this park has an area for camping and a lake for boaters and fishing. The edge of the park connects to other parks; Black Creek Greenway and the Lake Crabtree County Park expand the terrain for you to explore.
The Village Center
Cary stepped up the village center concept with Waverly Place. This village can serve your needs from fitness to food. Your children have the option to play at the splash ground in the summer months while you enjoy a Wine Down Wednesday alongside a concert. This village offers convenience for all walks of life.
Summer is busy around Southern Village in Chapel Hill. You will find a Farmer's Market every Thursday, and movies on the lawn on Saturday nights. Wine Down Wednesdays are also a treat with a concert to get past your mid-week hump. Southern Village has a movie theater, hotel, and a co-op grocery store called Weaver Street Market.
In the heart of downtown Durham, you will find the historic village center of Brightleaf Square. Home to notable restaurants, boutique shops, breweries, and workspaces such as the Duke University Press. Built around 1900, these twin tobacco warehouses are now a cornerstone in the middle of downtown’s hip scene.
Other Amenities
There are interests that cross demographic borders as we find common ground. Here are a few other amenities to consider as you browse for a new home in the Triangle.
Neighborhood club or private clubhouses
Many neighborhoods that include an HOA fee may feature a clubhouse for neighborhood use. These vary in size, shape, and feature. Pay close attention to what amenities are included in the cost of the HOA fees. Make sure you don’t have your eye on a neighboring clubhouse thinking that it belongs to the neighborhood you’re considering.
Private clubs such as Woodcroft Club are available to non-residents when they pay a fee. These type of facilities are not exclusive to members of the neighborhood.
Golf
Golfers love and recognize North Carolina as one of the best states for courses. Residents and tourists enjoy and play all year throughout the state. Home buyers can find the convenience of nearby urban areas while living in a golf community. Communities around private clubs like Hope Valley, Govorners Club, or Brier Creek provide these offerings. You can also find membership at golf courses that do not sit in neighborhoods like the Tom Fazio’s Finley or the elite Old Chatham.
More grounds for play
Kids are not the only play-seekers out there. Households with dogs delight to find many parks and facilities that are welcoming to pups. The Triangle area is dog-friendly with many restaurants, cafes and shops catering to our furry little friends. Barley Labs has compiled a list of dog-friendly places in the Triangle area. You can also find a list of things and places to go in Durham here.
When you’re looking for a new home, the amenities inside are important. Consider the outside and local amenities when selecting an area of the Triangle. We are here to help you find your home in the Cary, Durham, Chapel Hill area. My NC Homes will guide you as you navigate the list of amenities, both inside the home and outside in the community. Let's work together to make an informed decision about your next move into one of North Carolina’s great communities.
Co-Authored by: Larry Tollen and 3 Bossy Bees
Posted by Larry Tollen on
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