What are the best parts of New Bern?? (Wilmington, Jacksonville: rentals, high crime)

[Alexandriaxx]

So, I'm looking to move to New Bern by next summer with a couple other people, from Rhode Island. I will be 20.
I have found some great rentals. Cheap and attractive. However, I've been doing much research and have found that some areas are not the best to move to.
I found a place on Bern Street, Sycamore Street, Colonial Way, and York Ct.
Are these areas decent?
I'd like to avoid the high crime areas. I want an area that's pretty nice and near the parts that have a lot to do.
I'm looking for honest advice and information please (:
Any other extra information about the town is more than welcome.
I'm putting a lot into this move and don't plan on just "winging it", lol.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by Alexandriaxx

I found a place on Bern Street, Sycamore Street, Colonial Way, and York Ct. Are these areas decent? I'd like to avoid the high crime areas.

Just using Google streetviews, I'd say that York Court and Colonial Way are nicer-- modest, but well kept houses. Sycamore Street looks low-income and messy. Bern Street is too long to make generalizations about-- some parts look decent, but there is some public housing in the 180-190 block, and some train tracks on the north end.

I hope you are not really expecting urban excitement, when you write about wanting "a lot to do". New Bern is a small city!

[Alexandriaxx]

Okay so I'll avoid Sycamore... Thanks!
and well not so much urban excitement, just things to do in general. Places to eat, beaches, etc. I saw there were a couple active bars too??
Also, it's possible to travel not too far for things to do, yes?

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by Alexandriaxx

Okay so I'll avoid Sycamore... Thanks!
and well not so much urban excitement, just things to do in general. Places to eat, beaches, etc. I saw there were a couple active bars too??
Also, it's possible to travel not too far for things to do, yes?

BTW, I was in Westerly, Rhode Island last week, and Westerly has a lot more to do than New Bern, IMHO.

From New Bern, you have about a 45 minute drive to ocean beaches. Naturally there is boating and fishing. You can do stand-up paddle-boarding in the sound water near Beaufort and Morehead.

You could drive 30-40 minute to Greenville for college sports and some different bars, or you can drive 45 minutes to Jacksonville if you want to meet some Marines.

[Alexandriaxx]

I can never find anything to do around here, besides in the summer. The rest of the year is dead because the only fun activities are by the beaches.

Those aren't bad drives, really. Would you say New Bern is more of a place for older people??

[toot68]

If you like hunting, fishing, crabbing, boating or other waterspouts you will love New Bern. Otherwise, very small historic town with a seasonal tourist industry, with some surrounding sprawl areas.

[carolinadawg2]

And a large retiree population.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by Alexandriaxx

Would you say New Bern is more of a place for older people??

For sure. It's a good place to retire. I'm not sure why you picked New Bern.

BTW, the beach towns in North Carolina are also very quiet in the winter, otherwise I would have suggested Morehead City.

For more of a year-round economy, I'd suggest Wilmington. Also, look at Virginia Beach and Myrtle Beach and Charleston.

[Alexandriaxx]

I want to move in that area in North Carolina, and New Bern seemed to be the best when I started researching.
I saw a few suggest Wilmington, but the renting prices are quite pricey.

[Sue at the Rock]

Originally Posted by Alexandriaxx

I want to move in that area in North Carolina, and New Bern seemed to be the best when I started researching.
I saw a few suggest Wilmington, but the renting prices are quite pricey.

The closer you get to the ocean, the higher the cost of living.