Nice places to live in North Carolina near Raleigh?

My fiance and I are thinking about moving down south to North Carolina. He wants to be in or near Raleigh because that's where both of our job prospects are. I was wondering if Raleigh is a nice place to live or if its a nice place to work but should live outside in like Knightdale, Garner, Clayton? How are those cities? I'm wondering if they are safe and are good places to raise a family not too concerned with clubs, nightlife etc. More concerned with good people, good schools, etc. Thanks for any info