Raleigh, NC - Househunting Advice Needed?

I will be moving to Raleigh, NC in the next few months and need some advice on where the best places to live are. My job is well north of Raleigh so where I have to live has to be north of the city center. Any advice on what are the SAFEST (able to walk down the street at midnight on a Saturday), most affordable, nicest, best resale value, etc. places to live would be appreciated. The price range is $175K to $250K. If you know of specific homes or neighborhoods, even better. Thanks in advance!