where is the best place to raise a family in NC or Virginia? (Raleigh: real estate)

[kcullom]

Currently living in Woodstock, Ga. with my husband and twin 5yr. old boys. Looking to relocate to a place in N.C. or Virginia with a small town feel, great climate, 1-2 hrs. from the coast, Great Schools, conservative living and not too much above the average cost of living. Basically, looking for the "perfect" spot to live. Need help.

[jmusmc85]

Try Wrightsville Beach near Wilmington.

[surv1234]

Wrightsville Beach real estate is extremely high cost. I would look for something inland, maybe Rocky Point, Ogden, or Leland. Further inland = cheaper land.

[RuralCoastalGuy]

Originally Posted by kcullom

Currently living in Woodstock, Ga. with my husband and twin 5yr. old boys. Looking to relocate to a place in N.C. or Virginia with a small town feel, great climate, 1-2 hrs. from the coast, Great Schools, conservative living and not too much above the average cost of living. Basically, looking for the "perfect" spot to live. Need help.

South and east of Raleigh might be a good place for you. Dunn (Harnett County) is about 1-1/2 hours from the coast at Wilmington and Clinton (Sampson County) is about an hour. We live almost half way between both cities and can shop at either location. Both Cities have large surrounding areas out in the country yet close to both cities where you will access to these cities but only pay the county taxes and local fire dept taxes.

Most of us who live here think it is as close to the "perfect place" as you can get.

Hope this will help you get started.

[Petunia393]

Hi Kcullom, Clayton is a nice town to raise a family. We are about 1.5 to 2 hrs to the coast. Clayton schools are good. Moderator cut: tos violation

[Stephen J. Robb]

Edgecombe County is low rent and there is many rural areas. Tarboro is medium sized and rustic. Pinetops is miniscule and friendly. Depends on what you are looking for. Employment situation is not so hot but nearby Nash Co. offers more opportunities. Greenville is only 20-30 miles away.

[dsobotta]

Originally Posted by kcullom

Currently living in Woodstock, Ga. with my husband and twin 5yr. old boys. Looking to relocate to a place in N.C. or Virginia with a small town feel, great climate, 1-2 hrs. from the coast, Great Schools, conservative living and not too much above the average cost of living. Basically, looking for the "perfect" spot to live. Need help.

One if you can live a few hours farther inland, I can recommend the Roanoke, Virginia area not necessarily the city as great place to raise a family. (5.5 hours from the beach.)

You might want to check the Virginia forum for it.

I also like Mount Airy, NC but I don't know how the schools are these days. My wife and I grew up there, and it is a very nice town, probably 4 hours from the coast

We live a few miles back from the coast. If you can find a job or have the resources, it is a great place.

Emerald Isle, NC has wonderful beaches. It's a great area, family oriented and with good school. Jobs are the challenge.