Advice Please: New Bern, NC (Charlotte, Jacksonville: real estate, house, good schools)

[Packer Fan]

Thank you for reading this.

I have been browsing the forum here looking for information reading the New Bern area.

I have the opportunity to take a nice paying job based in New Bern, but would need to cover a wide area in Eastern NC. I do not have a problem driving 45+ minutes to get to New Bern. We would prefer a quiet area, WITH GOOD SCHOOLS.

We took a visit a few weeks ago, and found areas such as Newport, Beufort, Bogue and Swansboro to be attractive. We found most people to be quite engaging and friendly. My wife walked away with a few friends (ALREADY!) and has stayed in contact with them.

I noticed that there is a new 4 lane highway going out of New Bern into Pamlico county. Is that an area of growth? Does if have potential for decent real estate?

We are thinking of a house in the $200 - $250k range. Would prefer 4 bedrooms, but realize that may not be possible. Broadband internet access is a must for us!

We would prefer to stay away from the Military air bases (due to noise). So that eliminates Havelock and Jacksonville.

Are there any reas that I may have missed? Would you have suggestions and input into the whole area?

I have been to NC a number of times. My wife has a sister that lives in Franklin, have been to Charlotte and Raliegh on business a number times, and have vacationed on Emerald Isle. So a newbie to NC I am not.

Thank you once again, and I look forward to hearing positive responses.

[Bethanytedder]

Well, there is Kinston, NC which is about 30 miles inland from New Bern. The money you have earmarked for your home should be obtainable in Kinston to meet your needs. Check out Hardee Road in Kinston and also Carey Road there. But Kinston is not really that big although they seem to have what the most of us want. I know there is several options for the internet connection. You can get DSL through the phone company and there is satellite DSL, dial up of course, cable DSL. Good luck.

[NYman11217]

You will find the area you described quite different from each other. Toward Kinston is more Old South Tobacco country, while places like Swansboro and Beaufort have almost a New Englandish feel.
I lived in the Coastal Plane 7 years. I have a niece who lives in Beaufort. She seems to be happy with the schools there. Although she has a special needs child and has to struggle to get exactly what he needs.
Greenville is the economic engine of Eastern NC. The economy in Kinston is pretty stagnant.