Desperate for input on family friendly communities (Charlotte, Wilmington: to rent, townhouse)

[defarrelly]

We will be in the area March 22-28th in search of a new place to call home. We are driving from Charleston, SC up to Wrightsville Beach where we will be staying for the week. We have 8-year old twins so schools are very important to us. Jobs and commute are not an issue. Can anyone recommend some great communities for us to look at on our trip? We are looking to rent first but want to select the area we would potentially buy in as far as schools go so the girls will not have to change schools again. We are interested in coastal communities (big beach lovers); we LOVE to golf; would like a community pool or possibly a swim and tennis club to join; price point for buying would be in $200-$250k range. I have been looking on line at everything from Sunset beach up to Hampstead (like the Topsail school marks). We are open to exploring other areas, too. We would like a new-ish community (within 10 years old max) and we do not need a lot of land - even a family friendly (ie lots of kids) townhouse community would be great for us. Hopefully this is enough info to start! Thank you so much for your input!

[CrystalCoastHost]

Star Hill in Cape Carteret NC has everything you mentioned...

[UNCWCraig]

Check out Marsh Oaks on the northside of Wilmington, actually New Hanover County. We moved here from Wilmington for families, kids, schools, neighborhood and location. Check it out, we love it here and would be nowhere else!

[defarrelly]

Thank you both for the replies - I will definitely check those out!

[nortrae]

We are in the same situation. We move to Wilmington from Charlotte May 1st. We spent all of last weekend looking at homes/communities. Our max price is $350K. We loved Marsh Oaks but I am just scared of one thing. I heard the elementary school (Ogden) was fine but the middle and high schools were not so good and this makes me nrevous for resale. Your thoughts?