Morehead City as a retirement destination? (Wilmington, Jacksonville: transplants, real estate, 2009)

[Rtom45]

Wife and I will make NC our home when we retire in a couple years. We've been researching Morehead City and would like some input from the group. I especially like fishing, she especially likes the beach. We're both doing pretty well physically and certainly don't want a location that caters to "old" people. Morehead City seems a little touristy to me. And When I see all the boats / yachts I wonder if its pricey. Feel free to comment or ask more questions. Thanks.

[Steven McCurdy]

When you see all those boats, that is an indication that some areas can be pricey....But the good news is, you can buy a residence from Newport to Hubert, NC and still be close to the beach to fish and enjoy the water...Prices have fallen significantly in some locals here...So affordability has become better...

Now this area is very diverse, probably this area is not as profilic a 'retiree' area as New Bern or Wilmington....So come and visit, and I believe you will be surprised...But dont expect a Wilmington here....Morehead to Swansboro, are rural and smaller....Jacksonville is the 'big city' here....Beaufort also may be your flair...But dont rule out Hampstead, Sneads Ferry, and Holly Ridge.....Visit all of them...

So just check my profile if you want some more info...

[Rtom45]

Steven
thanks for the reply. We've spent some vacation time during a couple summers at Topsail. We 've been to Wilminton, Greenville, New Bern on the east coast. We intend to spend some time in Hickory and maybe Waynesville, in the western part of the state.

[Steven McCurdy]

Waynesville is nice, you may want to take a peek at Maggy Valley...

[CrimsonDregs]

You might check out Southport, not too touristy. Oak Island is still very nice. Come on down! St. James is a bargain at the moment. Halfway between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach with private beach access and 81 holes of golf plus one of the most beautiful marinas in the coastal Carolinas.

[Bill Hitchcock]

I have never thought of Morehead City as a "touristy" place. I wouldn't live here if it was. Don't get me wrong-There are touristy events that happen all of the time. But when I think of touristy-I think of places like Myrtle Beach.
The backbone to the Carteret Co. economy has always been fishing-Both commercial and recreational and it's pristine, often uninhabitted beachs, islands and coastline.
It has not been built upon skee ball, putt-putts and floor shows.
Bill

[LLN]

I am sure there are those that are on this forum that will disagree (especially those with business interestes), but I would be concerned about the health care system in MHC. Not much of a hospital, and when you get older, if you are not thinking about that aspect of your retired life, you should be. Just be sure that health care in MHC is what you will need.

lln

[macjr82]

Originally Posted by LLN

I am sure there are those that are on this forum that will disagree (especially those with business interestes), but I would be concerned about the health care system in MHC. Not much of a hospital, and when you get older, if you are not thinking about that aspect of your retired life, you should be. Just be sure that health care in MHC is what you will need.

lln

Yeah peopel have been known to travel all the way to New bern to Craven regional, rather than go to the hospital in Morehead in the past, but from what i've heard (in-laws live in morehead) it's improved over the last few years.

[Bill Hitchcock]

Check out the services of Carteret General Hospital: Services of Carteret General Hospital
Craven Regional Hospitaail has just gone through a massive expansion/identity change:
News - Craven Regional Enhances Identity Now CarolinaEast Health System on 5/10/2009 - CarolinaEast Health System

And when it comes to the "best" health care/hospitals-Greenville is probably tops (Home of East Carolina University) Greenville Hospital System | Welcome

Now as far as LLN's snarky comment about business interest. I am a licensed NC real estate broker and I live in Morehead City. My real estate business covers the entire inner banks of NC-Not just the Crystal Coast.
There's a wonderful thing about real estate-The buyer either likes the property and the area or not. There is nothing you can do to "make" someone think otherwise.
Bill

[macjr82]

My hope is that MHC, and carteret county in general doesn't turn into Myrtle Beach, which though it hasn't happened. I feel like the beginning of it here...with the closing oof the circle and all the new stores. It seems the area is starting to cater more to tourists and transplants than locals.