I have the opportunity to move- my husband is now working out of the house and so do I. WHERE is the best place to live and have horses - who absolutley loves where they live?

I am thinking of the Chapel Hill area---my best friend lives there and i have visited many times over the years...trying to find the highest elevation -NE of that area-does anyone live in that area now??  Want to be 1 hour or less from her...ideas? Thanks !