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So here are the town I am looking at right now, I want to be no more than 20 min from the beach, my wife & I like to do shopping, dinning love drinks on the water, we do not mind being about 20 min or so from all the excitement, we have no kids, just her & I, we are not sure if we want a condo, town home or single, we are only spending $400k, if anyone knows about Wildwood NJ we like that whole vibe & seen, so if any one has suggestions to help us for our move for this summer, If you do not like the towns I added please tell me what town you like. Also is there any website to see what the different town have. We really would like the help, thanks. Beufont
..... Also is there any website to see what the different town have. We really would like the help, thanks.
......
Most North Carolina beach towns are quiet and family-oriented. People would like to keep them quiet, so there is no central web site advertising them. Each of the incorporated towns have web sites describing the rules, dog policy, parking fees, etc.
Things to know: there are no lifeguards. There is only one boardwalk, an abbreviated one in Carolina Beach. Your budget would get you a townhouse or condo near the beach. Or you could get a small single-family house on the mainland side.
Personally, I like Surf City which has a good mix of beach houses, rental places and commercial development on the mainland side. You might check out the DR Horton developments in Surf City. Surf City is located between Topsail Beach and North Topsail Beach. They are close enough to Wilmington where you can go for different restaurants and major shopping.
I do not want it to be like Wildwood NJ, I was talking about how the beach and bay are close and all shop, bars, and dining are in the same area, so I need more ideas for towns.
I want to be no more than 20 min from the beach,
my wife & I like to do shopping, dining love drinks on the water,
we do not mind being about 20 min or so from all the excitement,
we have no kids, just her & I,
We really would like the help, thanks.
Best help? Don't expect to find your exact best spot right out of the gate.
Don't BUY on a guess or hope that an early choice might be.
For most that translates to a RENTAL of some sort, maybe more than one ...
somewhere convenient & practical to visit and spend time in the various location choices.
Ride it out for a year. Get to the point where YOU can answer the Q's you have.
Where would you and the wife look for work? The main employment centers are Wilmington, Jacksonville and Morehead City. That should be the first driving factor.
Other points: Topsail school district is excellent if you ever have children. Holly Ridge is the least developed, with no grocery store. But it has good employment options if you are a welder or warehouse worker. Hampstead is also a good living and working option. Southport/Oak Island are retirement destinations so many neighbors would be older people. The beaches nearest Jacksonville will have many Marine and Navy families and they are younger adults.
Another point about Wildwood. Its Island is very wide so many businesses can be consolidated on the island. North Carolina barrier islands are much narrower so they are mainly housing. Surf City has a few bars and restaurants on the island, but most other businesses and services are on the mainland.
Another factor that others may mention: the Crystal Coast beaches near Morehead have very clear water. Ones south of Wilmington have water clouded by sand.
Last edited by goldenage1; 04-19-2023 at 10:12 AM..
If you are interested in being in the largest city, look at Ogden and Myrtle Grove which are neighborhoods of Wilmington. You would be near good health care, hundreds of restaurants and other attractions. Wrightsville and Carolina Beach are your closest beaches. You might like the Sea Breeze area if you can find anything available. Carolina Beach itself is a good option if you can find anything affordable. I do not recommend the Silver Lake area.
Come and visit and see what feels best to you.
Last edited by goldenage1; 04-19-2023 at 10:24 AM..
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