Newport, NC (New Bern, Havelock, Morehead City: real estate, insurance, home)

[Danute]

There isn't much info on this town. On the quick drive north from Moorehead City, it didn't seem to have much character, restaurants or charm, but of course we didn't stop. Have looked at New Bern and would like something like that on a smaller scale.

As a New Englander looking to relocate permanently and knowing that I hate FL, NC seems like a good compromise since I'm used to being close to the beach. Can a local North Carolinan enlighten me as to the feel and positive things about Newport. There seems to be a good amount of land there with what's shown to be a 21' elevation since I fear flooding in storms.

Any overall info geared to a single senior lady would be welcome even the social scene. Thanks and looking forward to a new adventure

[melbern]

I know a couple of people who live in Newport and love living there. But they like it because it is close to their work and to the beach. Newport doesn't have too much of a town center to speak of. If you're looking for a community that is like New Bern but smaller I'd recommend Beaufort. Very quaint, a solid year-round residential community, lots of folks in your age range, close to more normal "city" amenities, and of course fantastic water access. Downside can be cost of housing depending on where you want to live.

Flooding can be an issue anywhere in eastern NC (look at what happened to Havelock last week!), so I really wouldn't let that put you off. You can get data on whether there has been a flood in your potential neighborhood, whether you are in a flood plain, etc.

My perspective is this: if you want to live near the coast, you just accept that there is a potential risk with storm damage (wind and/or flooding). Your homeowner's insurance will make sure you pay for coverage ($$!)!

I would rather choose my community based on those 355 non-risk days, rather than basing where I live on the few days out of the year where something could maybe go wrong.

Hope you find what you're looking for.

[luv2goboating]

Newport is somewhat deceiving because of the way it is laid out. If you look at a map Newport starts below Havelock on the inter coastal waterway but then dips down between Morehead City and Swansboro. If you are using a real estate search engine and you want the beach area search Cape Carteret. If you are looking for land, farm or small home use Newport when you search. On some sites they come up a little bit of everything.

At your age you need to consider medical. A large majority of retirees choose New Bern because of the reputation of our doctors and medical facilities. Also, the churches in New Bern do an excellent job of keeping an eye on the elderly population in the area. Many churches have bus trips to events, shopping and dining options open to seniors as well as in home visits. We have many "Red Hat" clubs and the retirees are almost entirely responsible for all of the planning, events and preservation in our historic downtown.

If you still want something smaller than NB you may consider Bridgeton (across the bay from NB), Pollacksville (west of NB, but limited views of the water).

[macjr82]

US 70 goes past newport, while it goes right through the heart of MHC and Havelock. You have to go down Chatham, down 70 bus, or turn down Howard St to see newport proper. Newport is home to the NC Pig Pickin. newport's motto is "the town with old fashion courtesy".

I'm not sure how it is elsewhere in the country, but I notice people often enquire about info on very specific areas or ask about comparisons between places like MHC vs Beaufort vs New Bern. The truth is everything from New bern through Beaufort has a similar feel and all have excellent and active communities. There is a ton overlap w/ the communities as well, in fact Craven and Carteret (as well as Pamlico) County share the same library system. You should expand your search to include the whole area.

[Steven McCurdy]

Newport is a nice area, rather large by zipcode...As it has been pointed out Newport extends in a lot of different ways...Instead of me telling you what you need to be concerned with, I want to hear what you are looking for, then I can recommend or not if Newport will meet your needs...So fire away...