Thinking about a move to Advance but not sure what day-to-day life really looks like? You want space, a quieter pace, and still an easy path to Triad jobs and amenities. This guide gives you a clear, practical view of commuting, schools, shopping, utilities and a 60 to 90 day relocation plan so your move feels smooth and smart. Let’s dive in.
Why Advance appeals
Advance is an unincorporated community in northeastern Davie County. County agencies provide services instead of a town government. You’ll find a rural and agricultural setting with low-density neighborhoods and scattered farms. Many homes are single-family on larger lots, with older farmhouses and newer subdivisions in the mix.
Because Advance is not a separate municipality, expect small-town service levels with limited public transit. The upside is relatively simple highway access to Triad job centers. Inventory varies by price point and property type, and there are fewer multifamily options than in nearby cities.
Commuting and transportation
Commute targets in the Triad
Many residents work in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, High Point, Kernersville, or nearby towns like Mocksville and Bermuda Run. To estimate your actual commute, map your exact work address to each home you are considering. Run a few tests during peak hours and note typical and worst-case times.
Roads to know
Route access can vary by parcel in Advance. Review the state and county road network that serves your specific address. Use live navigation apps to understand peak congestion, school traffic, and alternate routes. Keep a backup route in mind for weather or incidents.
Transit and rideshare
Fixed-route public transportation is limited in rural Davie County, so most people rely on personal vehicles. Regional systems in the Triad offer some commuter resources and park-and-ride options in larger towns. Vanpools, carpools, and employer shuttles are common solutions, so check your employer’s commuter benefits.
Safety on rural roads
If your road includes school bus stops, farm equipment, or truck routes, plan for slower segments at certain times. Identify safe detours before you need them. For longer commutes, monitor state traffic maps for incidents and weather impacts during your first few weeks in town.
Everyday essentials
Schools and enrollment
Advance addresses are served by Davie County Schools. Attendance zones are address-based and can change over time. Before you sign on a property, call the district to verify your school zone and enrollment steps. Plan ahead for documentation such as proof of residency, immunizations, and previous school records.
For preschool and childcare, very rural areas may have fewer options. Expand your search to nearby Mocksville, Bermuda Run, and Winston-Salem if you need more choices.
Groceries and everyday shopping
Expect most full-service grocery, pharmacy, and big-box retail to be in nearby towns or Triad cities. During a site visit, build a quick shopping map. Identify your nearest grocery, pharmacy, and hardware store, plus a backup for each.
Healthcare and specialists
Davie County offers local clinics and primary care. For major hospitals, emergency rooms, and specialists, look to Winston-Salem and Greensboro. Before you move, find the closest urgent care, choose a primary-care provider, and start any medical record transfers.
Parks, recreation, and community
Davie County Parks & Recreation runs programs and facilities that serve Advance residents. You will also find parks in neighboring towns, along with regional hiking, boating, and equestrian opportunities. Check county and community calendars for farmers markets, festivals, and local events to get connected.
Utilities, waste, and broadband
Service availability depends on the exact address. Many properties in Advance use wells and septic systems, while some neighborhoods have public water or sewer. Natural gas may not reach every parcel, and propane is common for heating and cooking where lines are not available.
Internet access can range from cable or fiber in some areas to DSL, fixed wireless, or satellite in rural spots. Request written confirmation from providers for the specific street address before you close. For trash and recycling, confirm service days or convenience sites with county resources.
Safety and law enforcement
The Davie County Sheriff’s Office is the primary law enforcement agency. For questions on emergency response or neighborhood concerns, contact the Sheriff’s Office. Review county-level incident data if you want a snapshot of recent activity near your prospective address.
60 to 90 day relocation playbook
Use this as a template and adjust to your timeline.
8 to 12 weeks before move
- Research properties in Advance and surrounding towns. Visit at different times of day.
- If buying, get pre-approved and discuss well and septic contingencies for rural homes.
- Call Davie County Schools to verify your attendance zone and any deadlines.
- Start a utility checklist: electric, water/sewer or well/septic, gas/propane, trash, and internet.
6 weeks before move
- Order inspections tailored to rural properties: septic evaluation, well water test, and perc test if planning future building.
- Begin change-of-address steps and notify employers and banks.
- Schedule medical, dental, and veterinary record transfers.
4 weeks before move
- Book movers or a rental truck, and confirm truck access on rural driveways and roads.
- Contact county or local haulers to confirm trash and recycling schedules.
- Confirm internet and TV installation dates; rural installs may require extra lead time.
2 weeks before move
- Review North Carolina DMV requirements for new residents so you know deadlines and documents needed for licenses and registration.
- Finalize school enrollment, including immunization records.
- If on well and septic, locate system documents and plan routine maintenance if needed.
1 week before and move week
- Confirm truck route, driveway access, and parking.
- Plan pet and plant travel, and touch base with nearby neighbors about arrival timing.
- Create a 48-hour essentials list: groceries, toiletries, basic tools, and key contacts for utilities, Sheriff’s Office, urgent care, and pharmacy.
Move day and first 30 days
- Set up utilities and confirm any turn-on fees.
- Finish NCDMV tasks for your driver’s license and vehicle registration.
- Explore essential routes during off-peak hours: grocery, pharmacy, gas, and school drop-off.
- Register with Davie County Schools and confirm bus stop details.
Days 30 to 90
- Attend local events and farmers markets to meet neighbors and learn routines.
- Finalize ongoing services: trash/recycling contracts, lawn care, septic provider, primary-care and dental.
- If you plan to build or renovate, review county planning, permits, and well/septic requirements.
Address-by-address verifications
Because Advance is largely rural and unincorporated, many services are address specific. Before you go under contract, confirm:
- School attendance zone and enrollment steps for your exact address.
- Electric provider and whether the property has public water/sewer or private well/septic.
- Internet options with upload speeds if you work or learn from home.
- Natural gas availability or propane setup.
- Road access, easements, and seasonal conditions affecting your driveway or route.
Build your custom tour
A smart tour shows you homes and the essentials you will use every week. Share your move window, family size and ages, school needs, work locations, budget, desired lot size, must-have internet speeds, and preferred tour days. With that info, your tour can include:
- A driving loop of 6 to 8 properties that fit your criteria.
- Commute snapshots to each workplace and school.
- Stops at the nearest grocery, pharmacy, and hardware store.
- The closest urgent care and hospital, plus a local primary-care option.
- A visit to the school you plan to attend and a contact person for enrollment.
- Parks or playgrounds, and a map of utility and connectivity options by address.
For out-of-state buyers, request virtual walk-throughs and flexible time slots to mirror school drop-off or rush hours. You will get a pre-tour packet with disclosures and any available well and septic histories for faster decision making.
Ready to see how Advance fits your life? Connect with Karen Swicegood to build a customized tour and relocation plan that gives you clarity from day one.
FAQs
How does commuting from Advance usually work?
- Most residents drive to Triad job centers. Map your exact work address to each property and test drives at peak times to learn typical and worst-case travel.
What internet options exist in rural parts of Advance?
- Availability varies by address. Some areas have cable or fiber; others use DSL, fixed wireless, or satellite. Ask providers for written confirmation of speeds before you close.
Which schools serve my new Advance address?
- Davie County Schools assigns zones by address. Call the district to verify your school zone and learn enrollment documentation and timelines.
Will my new home have public water and sewer?
- Many Advance properties use private wells and septic systems. Some subdivisions offer public connections. Confirm the setup and arrange well and septic inspections.
What inspections are most important for rural homes?
- Prioritize septic system evaluation and pumping records, well water testing, driveway access and easements, and checks for floodplain or wetland concerns if relevant.
What paperwork do I need to handle after moving to North Carolina?
- New residents should complete driver’s license and vehicle registration with the NCDMV within the state’s required timeline, plus school registration, voter registration, and utility accounts.
