Moving to Morehead - nice, affordable condos and townhomes? (Greenville: low income, section 8) - Coastal North Carolina - North Carolina (NC) - City-Data Forum

Melissa2010 · 03-03-2010, 06:49 AM

Hi!

My husband and I have just accepted jobs in Morehead City, and we would like to find a 2-bedroom condo or townhome rental for @ $725 a month in a nice, safe area. We want to live within 15 minutes drive of Carteret Community College, but my understanding is that places like Beaufort, Atlantic Beach, and other area are within easy driving distance. Could anybody suggest some areas for us to look at or which property management/rental agencies to work with?

What is crime like in the Atlantic Beach area? Are there high-crime areas in and around Morehead we should avoid?

Thanks!

Bill Hitchcock · 03-03-2010, 06:54 AM

All of Morehead, Beaufort, Atlantic Beach and Newport are 15 minutes away from CCC. And crime? Well, if you come from a medium to large city just forget what you nare use to in terms of crime. That 'stuff" just doesn't happen here.
I would recommend you to visit the county newspaper the Carteret News Times. It is a tri-weekly publication. Your crime questions would be best answered by visiting the online paper and doing a search there.
Bill

Melissa2010 · 03-03-2010, 07:04 AM

Wow, thanks for the quick reply! We're coming from Greenville, where crime seems pretty high, but we've never been personally affected by crime and live in a safe area, on the safer side of town.

I should also add that we are in our 30s, young professionals, and have one cat. I see a lot of places saying "no pets," so I'm worried about our limited options.

I would love to be within walking distance of water, but I know that affordable places near water may be limited.

I saw some really affordable townhomes on Center Drive in Atlantic Beach close to the Sound and was wondering WHY they are so affordable...made me wonder if that area had a bit more property crime or something.

Here is the spot I am referring to

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&cl...ed=0CAcQ8gEwAA

(sorry I can't figure out how to add a hyperlink in my post)

Thanks so much for your help.

Bill Hitchcock · 03-03-2010, 10:51 AM

Melissa2010,
Not a crime issue-A real estate inventory glut and in the middle of winter issue. I've seen more properties for rent this winter than I ever have.
The one negative about where you picked in Atlantic Beach is that it is the Hub of Tourism during the summer.
And when it comes to walking distance to water-Most of carteret Co. is walking distance to one body of water or another.
Might I suggest you look at my profile here at CD for additional information that would be most helpful for your search.
Take Care,
Bill

macjr82 · 03-03-2010, 12:43 PM

In eastern NC, in general, apartments/townhouses tend to come in two varieties. Section 8 housing for low income, and overpriced preying on military/retirees with deep pockets. People have yards and land around here and apartments and townhouses are often viewed as being one step up from a trailer. In Greenville there's alot of good cheap apartment complexes due to the college. There are starting to be nicer townhomes being developed, as more transplants are moving to the area that have an affinity for them. Though as I said, you are likely to find cheaper rent on a home of similar size than a newer townhouse. Also, you are far more likely to find a house that allows pets than an apartment.

Melissa2010 · 03-03-2010, 01:20 PM

So you're saying that there would be decent homes to rent for $725 a month in the Morehead area?

Bill Hitchcock · 03-03-2010, 02:38 PM

So you're saying that there would be decent homes to rent for $725 a month in the Morehead area?
Yes. Keeping mind that "nice" is subjective. My advice to you would be first to check the classified section of the Carteret News Times. Home rentals have a high rate of the owner doing it alone. I'm a real estate broker and access rentals via the mls-But i would try the paper first.
Bill

Melissa2010 · 03-05-2010, 03:28 PM

Thank you Bill. I found 1-2 leads from the paper and Craigslist. And I called around 12 realtors today. I'm not finding a lot...we're willing to go as high as 800 a month. We have a cat, which knocks several places out of contention. If have any leads on rentals, I'd be most appreciative.