i live in raleigh and fish every lake around. i was just at gaston this past weekend and it took me about an hour and 15 minutes to drive there from downtown. As far as what your wife is looking for, North Raleigh is probably your best bet. puts you within minutes of falls and saves you a little bit of time when going to hyco, mayo, kerr, and gaston. puts you a little further from jordan and harris but not by much. I live near ncsu and i am equal distance from harris, falls, and jordan; about 25 minutes from each. whatever you do, do not move to henderson. thats all i am saying.