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Two small business owners (no kids) trying to decide where to move from ridiculously tax expensive Northeast where we live in a busy suburb on 5 1/2 acres of land and no trucks/rv's/boats in driveways----no clotheslines in yards (at least not visible from anywhere). Never a problem here. However, looking in Sarasota it looks like we have to pay to live in a gated community to get those same features.
Is there someplace in North Carolina Coastal Area that is a very active community-we boat--- do not golf), lots of good restaurants and varied shopping (Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Homegoods, at least a Loft, Bababa Republic) libraries, first run movie theatres, etc. We find we cannot take our dog to the beach in Sarasota---any ocean beach is dog accessible where we live. Taxes in NC seem to be half of what we pay here.
And of course, no rv's/trucks/boats, etc. in the driveways. Someone mentioned Leland. It looks nice but really new....we'd like to see a real town, lots with trees, and water views like we have here.
Yeah, I know why are we moving? Weather and taxes, Weather and Taxes. Weather and taxes. Oh yeah, our Governor and most of our dubiously elected officials are borderline morons..........just sayin.
Last edited by goin south; 12-02-2012 at 04:42 PM..
Reason: spelling errors
....we'd like to see a real town, lots with trees, and water views like we have here.
I'm not sure I understand your requirements. Do you have to get 5 1/2 acres in your new state? Do you want a community association that prohibits " rv's/trucks/boats, etc." or do you want to be allowed to park them in driveways?
Brunswick County has a number of towns where you will find large lots and no community associations. For example in Boiling Springs Lake, there are apparently no restricts on parking and few limits on what you build. I believe Oak Island is similar.
Much of Leland consists of large communities with HOA's. However, the town of Southport is a nice old town with large live-oak trees, historic buildings, and a small real downtown. It reminds me a lot of the Connecticut shore towns, but not as wealthy. I think you should look around Southport for a place with large acreage. You would find the property taxes are still reasonable, but expect the hurricane insurance to be expensive. You would have to drive into Wilmington to find the Trader Joes, Loft, better restaurants and cultural amenities. Many towns allow dogs on the beach, or allow them in off-season. It varies. by town, and I can't quote which ones.
Last edited by goldenage1; 12-02-2012 at 07:54 PM..
Also look at the towns of Winnabow and Belville. If you find a property with 1 or more acres, it probably will not be in an HOA. Avoid the communities like Magnolia Green, Brunswick Forest, etc, if you do not regulations on parking.
Just as an example of what is available, Realtor.com has a property with 3.5 acres in Leland directly on the river. The taxes are $2150/year. Of course, the value is mainly the land, as the house is old, small and needs renovation. The price is $630,000, but if you re-build the house, the property could be worth much more. There is no HOA in that area.
Thanks so much for your input. No I think 1 to 2 acres would be fine. Don't want to do another rehab--done 3 already! The trucks/rv's/boats in the yard restriction thing is absolutely non-negotiable.
We would never do it---don't want neighbors that do it. If we have to go into a restricted community,
I guess we have to........
I had read a bit about Southport....how far realistically is the drive into Wilmington for shopping, nightlife, culture? While we are waterfront, it's a pond--far enough from the ocean that we don't have higher rates...10 minute drive tops.
I had read a bit about Southport....how far realistically is the drive into Wilmington for shopping, nightlife, culture?
At 28 miles from the center of Southport to the downtown waterfront in Wilmington, I think it is a reasonable drive if you don't do it every day. It's a little further to shopping areas like Mayfaire Towne Center. But you could also have a Southport address and be much closer.
Southport has shopping like Home Depot and WalMart, but not much specialized shopping. It also has several decent restaurants, and doctors and dentists. As the population grows, the amenities are improving.
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Two small business owners (no kids) trying to decide where to move from ridiculously tax expensive Northeast where we live in a busy suburb on 5 1/2 acres of land and no trucks/rv's/boats in driveways----no clotheslines in yards (at least not visible from anywhere). Never a problem here. However, looking in Sarasota it looks like we have to pay to live in a gated community to get those same features.
Sarasota vs. North Carolina Coastal
