Raleigh/Durham NC

[Smittie61984]

I mentioned in another thread that my GF and I are interested in moving and are really wanting to go to the Raleigh/Durham area. I'm still in college but can work part time as an EMT. She is in basically healthcare administration and can do stuff in that field.

One reason we really like the Raleigh area is a good number of schools. You have I think NC State, UNC Chapel Hill, Duke, and a few others. I'd really like to get into UNC Chapel Hill becuase they have an awesome Chemistry program (my major).

What are some good areas to look at in Raleigh? Even if I make it into UNC Chapel Hill I'm not worried about a 30mile drive from Raleigh. What are some areas to avoid (does raleigh have a hood)? We'll mainly be looking at 1-2 bedroom apartments and not really wanting to spend over $1000 a month.

We also plan to visit Raleigh probably sometime in November. What are some cool places to hang out and go out at? Do they have a downtown district that has various bars to go to? Any good 4 year or community colleges up there I didn't mention? And when it comes to getting in-state tuition could I do say a year of community college then apply to UNC Chapel Hill and get their in-state tuition?

Thanks in advance