New Bern for Retiree?? (Wilmington, Trent Woods: homes, neighborhoods, to buy) - Coastal North Carolina - North Carolina (NC) - City-Data Forum

pebblebeach · 10-26-2009, 05:43 PM

My husband and I are retiring soon and are considering relocating to the New Bern area. Can anyone give me really sound reasons for choosing New Bern over Wilmington?? Are there enough activities in and around the New Bern area as we have always been active and involved. How's the housing market??

melbern · 10-26-2009, 09:51 PM

Well, it seems 99% of the population here are retirees so you would be in good company.

Not really, but it is a popular retiree spot. There is lots to do in New Bern if you enjoy boating, golfing, tennis, not too far from the beach, etc. There are also volunteer activities to be involved, a small community theatre, lectures and films at Tryon Palace, etc.

I haven't spent much time in Wilmington so I can't give you a comparison, but my neighbors moved to New Bern from Wilmington and they love it in NB and are very happy they made the move. This was about 3 years ago. Housing is also cheaper in NB.

Steven McCurdy · 10-27-2009, 08:08 AM

Wilmington was at one time the No.1 place for people to retire in NC, with New Bern No.2....All said and done please check out places ALL up and down the NC coast....Need info, call me...

newbernian · 10-27-2009, 02:56 PM

There is quite a lot to do in New Bern. Golfing, boating, fishing, tennis. There are also tons and tons of volunteer activities, church related activities, historical society, preservation foundation, Tryon Palace, Shriners, Red Hats, Bunko, Bridge Clubs, Arts Guild, Coastal Women's Shelter, Book Clubs, dance clubs (swing, shag, etc.) and many social clubs. Eventually you have to learn how to say no to some of the activities when you need a little rest.

The big difference between New Bern and Wilmington is traffic. Wilmington has quite a bit. Between the summer tourists, UNC Wilmington and military personnel you can count on constant congestion.

New Bern has no traffic and depending on where you live everything is between 5-10 minutes away. Also, the shopping has improved tremendously with the renovation of the mall, new shops and restaurants downtown. Housing prices are also much less and the inventory is rather high right now due to the economy.

pebblebeach · 10-27-2009, 05:36 PM

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I was a bit concerned about the traffic in Wilmington as we will be moving from a very highly congested traffic city and really want to get away from "living thru traffic." We will consider New Bern and are very excited about the prospects. What are the desirabe areas (neighborhoods)? While I love the historic area, we are not interested in rehabing or spending all our time in renovations. I've heard about an area called Trent Woods....any comments?

LLN · 10-28-2009, 03:38 PM

Trent Woods has some huge homes on the water (Trent River) and near the water, but a lot of small homes, too. I would opine, without looking it is 4 or so miles from the center of New Bern. Probably homes from last 30 years or so. It is it's own little town, but is highly associated with New Bern. It is a desirable locale.

Other areas near, but not in New Bern are Taberna, Carolina Colours (not a typo, someone trying (and failing) to be creative), and Riverbend. There are, of course others.

If you are selling in Pebble Beach, you probably will have plenty of money to buy a very nice Historic Home. I can't imagine living in New Bern and not being in one of the historic districts, but of course, that is just me.