In Raleigh (Wake County Public Schools) we do have excellent schools - #3 for our size nationally the last time I saw ratings. Here's a great link to the official scores and info for every public shool in Wake County.
http://www.ncreportcards.com/src/search.jsp?pYear=2006-2007&
WIth the school question out of the way, you really can find the type of home you seek all over Wake County, not just Raleigh. The next question would be what location (job, downtown, etc) you are looking for? Also, coming from Chicago, what is "newer" to you? I've helped clients from large cities for whom something built in a transitional style since 1990 is newer. Of course, it might vey well be since 2005 - but you'll have choices either way!
- Sun Aug 31 2008, 09:08