What are the top factors to keep in mind when searching for a place to live in your city?

When searching for a place to live, some important factors to consider are safety, location preference and individual needs. Depending on your preferences, you might want to find a place close to work, school, shops, medical facilities and most importantly an area that is secure and safe. The most important thing to take into account is the lifestyle that you and your family would like to have.
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What are the most popular neighborhoods in your city for expats?

The areas expatriates gravitate toward are Cary, Chapel Hill and Apex. These neighborhoods offer good access to all areas of the Raleigh/Cary/Durham research triangle. Additionally, the University of North Carolina is very close and there is good access to the world famous Duke Medical center. Most homes in this area are single-family homes, but you can also find a large assortment of apartments and town homes.
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Do expats tend to buy or rent their homes?

Most expatriates tend to rent for the first year or two. Some will consider purchasing once they have established a credit history---this can take several months to years to develop. However, most expatriates to the area rent because they are on assignment for a short period of time (one to three years) with plans of returning to their home country.
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Typically, will I be required to pay additional money up front (such as a deposit) before moving into leased housing? If so, how much is common?

Most landlords ask that you pay first and last month's rent, plus a security deposit equivalent to one month's rent. Also, if you have pets, many require a pet deposit for each animal. Security deposits are generally returned when your lease is up and depending on the condition of the residence at the time you move out.
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Are utilities generally included in the price of rent, or are they extra?

This depends on where you live and on your landlord. In some cases, full or partial utilities are included and in some, they are totally excluded. It is recommended that you check with your local real estate agent or landlord prior to moving in.
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Are there special security concerns I should be aware of in regards to my home or choice of neighborhood?

As in most cities, it is important to take certain precautions to secure your place of residence. It is also recommended that you check out the local police reports before deciding on an area to live. These reports provide factual information on types of crimes and how often they occur. This will most likely be a determining factor on whether you choose to live in a certain neighborhood or not. We advise that you check with friends, colleagues or your real estate professional prior to deciding on a certain neighborhood.
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I’m not sure if I should bring my appliances. What is the electric current, Hz and plug shape in your city?

The electric current in the United States is 110 volts. The electrical Hertz (Hz) is 60.

We do not recommended that you bring appliances into the US from abroad, because they are unlikely to function properly despite the availability of converters.

Below are examples of the types of plugs that are used in the U.S.:

Type A - Flat blade attachment plug

Type B - Flat blades with round grounding pin


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Do you have any other accommodation information that might help me?

Crown Washington DC can provide assistance when looking for a home in the greater Raleigh/Durham, NC area. Please feel free to contact Crown Washington DC for further information on this service and our pricing structure.
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.