Relocating to north carolina!

[MarineVet]

I now live in South Carolina, but lived in Jacksonville and New Bern (coastal North Carolina) for 11 years until recently. New Bern is nice in some ways, but since both my kids went to schools in that county, well, unless you are willing to use a private school, I would pass on New Bern. Jacksonville has all the shopping and restaurants but is the home of Camp Lejeune and is a busy and crowded place.

If I were to move back there again, I would probably move to Carteret County, around Morehead City or Cape Carteret. I have a friend who has raised all her kids there in Cape Carteret and loves the schools. She is just over the bridge from Emerald Isle. The Bogue Banks island beaches are clean and only crowded about 4 months out of the year. Fresh seafood, good weather, and Morehead City has a bunch of grocery stores and has several chain stores.

 

[MarineVet]

Well I hope OP doesn't mind me asking this but since everyone is here already..

Is there a different beach we should consider for next summer other than Kure?We love how quiet it is and the aquarium, but it sounds like we might get cheaper lodging elsewhere?

Atlantic Beach. Its a slower pace there but usually cheaper and has another of the state aquariums there at Pine Knoll Shores. Its also a good jumping off point for a day trip to The Outer Banks.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Well I hope OP doesn't mind me asking this but since everyone is here already..

Is there a different beach we should consider for next summer other than Kure?We love how quiet it is and the aquarium, but it sounds like we might get cheaper lodging elsewhere?

Kure Beach is very nice. We pretty much only go to Wrightsville since it is close, or we go to OBX for vacation. We have friends who rent a house at Topsail every year and love it, other friends who enjoy Ocean Isle Beach, and family that likes Holden Beach. DH's family used to have a house at Atlantic Beach, and his sister's in-laws have a house at Morehead City. It's hard to go wrong with a week at any NC beach!

 

[pixiedustaholic]

We enjoy vacationing in Sunset Beach. It's away from the hustle and bustle of Myrtle Beach but an easy drive if you want. Also not too far from Wilmington. Would love to move there someday!

 

[kirrrby]

New Bern is nice in some ways, but since both my kids went to schools in that county, well, unless you are willing to use a private school, I would pass on New Bern. Jacksonville has all the shopping and restaurants but is the home of Camp Lejeune and is a busy and crowded place.

If I were to move back there again, I would probably move to Carteret County, around Morehead City or Cape Carteret.

OP said they were empty nesters. So I don't think education is a problem at the time. I was married to a Marine we're divorced now it's why I lived in New Bern and I loved it there. Especially the cost of living and how they handle their utility bills there (all consolidated on one bill made it easier to deal with) and I had friends who were stationed in Jacksonville too. I honestly don't think theres much to do there. It's more centered towards the younger, military crowd (e.g; bars, nightclubs, the mall with nothing in it). I could second Carteret County but like I mentioned earlier if you're not looking for a very busy town avoid the military towns unless it's something you'd like to deal with. You've got people around from different parts of the east coast and midwest with different driving habits. Morehead is a nice place, so is atlantic beach but if you're worried about hurricanes and whatnot being so close to the beach might be a problem. Just my opinion.

 

[MarineVet]

OP said they were empty nesters. So I don't think education is a problem at the time.

You are correct. However, they said they have a grandchild on the way so schools would become important in a few years. If they intend to settle in one spot when they move, it might be good to consider those schools now.

The coast is such a wonderful area, I would think most anyplace would have a lot to recommend it. As you pointed out, hurricanes are a consideration. And insurance rates are much higher if you actually live on one of the islands.