Suggestions on full-time NC beach living w/ children (Wilmington, Oak Island: rent, HOA fees)

[chsmom4]

Hi everyone,

I am currently living in the Charleston, SC area (for the past 3 years). I am about to purchase a home up to $300k. I work remotely from my company so I can actually live anywhere I want but my preference being close to the beach. I am a native of Virginia and don't want to go quite that far back up North.

I have 2 boys at home ages 10 & 12 and it's just the 3 of us and our German shepherd girl.. I got to thinking as I looked around the area - though I love Charleston and it is truly wonderful, I wish we lived closer to the beach - ideally, walking distance or within 5 minutes drive or so. Also, an area liked enough in the summer that I could rent the house should I ever - say ...lose my job or something unexpected happen.

Schools - obviously important - I don't need award winning schools, I need them to have safe, fun, effective schools at the very least and award winning is bonus

Really want to stay away from high HOA fees as I expect insurances will already be premium in these areas (any thoughts you all might have on this would be greatly appreciated as well).

Do any of you have a beach in mind that would be nice for year-round living? I am going to make the trip up soon and wanted to narrow the areas down.

Thanks -

A mom and kids

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by chsmom4

Do any of you have a beach in mind that would be nice for year-round living? I am going to make the trip up soon and wanted to narrow the areas down.

I'll suggest that the best choice for you would be Carolina Beach south of Wilmington. It has decent schools and enough people living year-round that it will be lively.

Also worth considering are the Oak Island and Southport areas, Surf City and Hampstead, and the Crystal Coast from Emerald Isle to Atlantic Beach.

Dare County (the Outer Banks) also has decent schools, but it would be too quiet and too cold in the winter for me.

[BC1960]

Some parts of Wilmington meet your criteria, although you'd probably be more like 20 minutes to the beach. You might find something at Carolina Beach or Oak Island thats much closer to the beach, but the schools won't be as good. Most beach communities get pretty empty in the winter. CB and Oak Island have some year around residents.

[ditchoc]

I hear Charleston is nice.

[mlhm5]

Manteo, NC

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by BC1960

Most beach communities get pretty empty in the winter. CB and Oak Island have some year around residents.

I hope the OP has seen message #10 in this thread for some alternative views of year-round residents in a beach town:
http://www.city-data.com/forum/coast...c-looking.html