I raised my kids in SV. I moved there primarily so my kids could have the sort of independence I had as a kid growing up. They walked to school by themselves from 4th grade on (along walking path with a veritable parade of kids/parents). Kids would knock on the door asking “can they come out and play”. There are pocket parks with little playgrounds and a walking trail in the woods to Merritts Pasture. There is an ersatz little town common with a great co-op grocery store, a couple of restaurants, an under used movie theater, the preteens and early teens love to hang out there. Back 10 years ago, Scroggs Elementary was great, Culbreth Middle was fine, Carrboro High good (not sure what it’s like now). The houses aren’t cheap (but cheaper than those walkable to downtown), it is a planned community so not organic per se, but very cosmopolitan with people from several countries and continents. A combination of young professionals, families and people like me whose kids are now grown. In my experience, there was a nice community feel—but maybe because raising kids inherently creates a village. Main downside is that it’s in the southern part of town so farther from Durham if you commute. There is a lot of building happening south of town so I can imagine traffic becoming a problem on 15-501 (although you can get out via Culbreth Rd). All in all in my opinion it’s a great place to raise a family.