Wilmington area

[southernlady5464]

as I lived in Leland, NC (5 mi outside wilmington or so) for half a year, and it was a Nightmare! I was harrassed and treated badly by the citizens and the police force alike. The corrupt cops OVERpatrol the smaller areas, sometimes inside wilmington as well, even unlawfully detaining, searching and arresting innocent people. The small town people and cops seem to be mostly bigots and harrass and terrorize people that are of different nationalities, religions and even seem to be anti-female! I went through hell in that small town of Leland and wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.
<snip>Don't venture into Leland,

I'm sorry your experience was so negative. But from what I have seen here in Leland, it isn't that way now. Maybe things HAVE changed since you lived here. Liz

[aemorgan]

I have lived in Hampstead for eight years. The school system is great qnd Pender county taxes are lower than New Hanover. We are about 15 miles from Wilmington, but I seldom have to go there. We have everything we need here in Hampstead.

[southernlady5464]

We are about 15 miles from Wilmington, but I seldom have to go there. We have everything we need here in Hampstead.

I'm 5 mins from Wilmington but it's to the point that I seldom have to go there now too. Give this area another 2-3 years and I might not have to cross the bridge at all. Liz

[RuralCoastalGuy]

Originally Posted by waterbug111

Hello, folks

This is my first post. I am a 50ish widow who has been an RN for 25 years. I have lived in CT my entire life.
I am considering moving south near the ocean (15 min. drive or less, a must). I am, like many "boomers" up here finding the long, harsh winters no longer fun.

I have eyed (not in person)the Wilmington area, possibly Norfolk, Myrtle Beach, but am open to any suggestions. Obviously, I will have no difficulty finding a Nursing job - hospital nursing home, school, etc, etc... I understand the pay will not be what it is here, BUT the housing looks very inexpensive compared to here.

Unfortunately, I have heard a few unpleasant stories from northerners who received a less than friendly welcome. One guy was told by a NC barber, "You know we don't like Yankees down here" and left after 5 months. I suspect this attitude is found in more remote,inland areas (?)

I am a friendly, kind soul who likes people in general and accepts anyone who shows basic respect, etc....

Can a Yankee (I am actually a Red Sox fan) live happily ever after, south of the Mason-Dixon??

Any and all suggestions for a nice coastal town/city are welcome. No children are involved. Thanks!!

Cindy

My Wife and I moved here from New England 10 years ago. She retired early from her job as a geriatric nurse and owner of a part time nursing clothing store. We also found the long, harsh winters were no longer fun and we were just miserable there...so I found a good position and we moved to eastern NC.

We are about 85 miles inland from the beaches (nope, not just a 15 minute ride) but if we could offer our views that Wilmington on the coast is your best bet we think you will agree after doing your research. Southport is a half hour ride from there and reminds us of Cape Cod, MA.

The pay won't be the same as what you are probably getting up there but nurses are IN DEMAND and the wages are rising steadily. The lower cost of living across the board makes that a good trade-off.

You will be pleasantly surprised at the affordable homes here, and currently it is a buyers' market.

Don't believe all that crap about southerners not accepting "Yankees"! We live inland and previously lived in Raleigh for a year and we NEVER encountered that sort of ignorant behavior. Maybe the "Yankee" was obnoxious and the "barber" was merely suggesting he go back to where he came from. We built our home in rural Sampson County where our neighbors whose ancestors date back for many generations treat us like we are "natives".

Yes, you can live south of the Mason-Dixon happily ever after...especially here in progressive North Carolina. Here is a link for Wilmington:
http://www.ci.wilmington.nc.us/
and one for Southport/Oak Island:
http://www.southport-oakisland.com/