Just got a job in Goldsboro... (Kinston, Smithfield: appointed, rental, crime rate)

[zoobie]

...and I'll be moving to NC in about a month. I'd love to buy a home someday, but in the meantime I'll be renting. I'm looking to find a place with all the same things everybody else is: safe part of town, reasonable rent, pet-friendly, and pretty close to work (I might could commute 20 or 30 minutes, if necessary).

I have family in western and central Carolina, but I know almost nothing about the eastern part of the state. Do any of you who already live in eastern NC (or have lived there before) have any suggestions for where someone with a fairly modest income might want to look (either a town or even a specific rental community)? I've heard north Goldsboro is nice. I've also heard Princeton and Clayton are good. I've also heard of a few places to avoid (like Kinston, Smithfield, and Selma).

Thanks!

[NorthmeetsSouth]

My son used to live in Goldsboro when he was at Seymour Johnson AFB. He said that the crime rate was fairly high there in Goldsboro, and you might be best off to contact the Goldsboro police and ask them which areas have the lowest crime. Since they don't have any agenda and aren't trying to sell or rent you a place they can tell you what you need to know and steer you toward someplace suitable to your needs.

[zoobie]

That's a really good idea--thanks. Looks like I'll have to do a lot of research...

Did your son like Goldsboro OK generally?

[NorthmeetsSouth]

He generally worked 12 hour shifts on the base and lived off-base but was into computer stuff. He said that there was nothing to do in Goldsboro so he was lucky that he wasn't a partier anyway. If you like a night life I think you will be disappointed.