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We are beginning to think about our plan to possibly retire near the coast or larger body of water (sound, large river). I just retired from teaching this past year and my husband has two more years until he retires from full time work. I want to do due diligence on this and have been researching articles about retirement, when to buy, what things to look for (i. e. near medical facilities, etc.) and will continue to learn as much as I can. I have gleaned quite a bit from the city-data forums. I really appreciate any advice and input from people who have actually gone this route, not just in terms of where to look, but also what is the best way to go about it.
We will not have our home quite paid off by the time my husband retires, but will have built up a generous equity in it. We would be looking at downsizing from our home now, looking for a single story detached, not necessarily in a 55+ community. I just want a place near the water where I can go take my dog and hopefully future grandbabies- walking/driving a short distance to get to the water is just fine with me. A place that when we have grandkids, we can make memories by enjoying nature and the beauty of where we live. We would be looking at around $200K so that we could put some money into probably updating and making our new place have a few age in place home amenities- a walk in shower for instance.
I would like your input on your feelings about these spots that I have read a lot about on this site: Beaufort, Morehead City, New Bern. My family is from New Bern; my mom grew up on Pollack Street and I adore my memories of crabbing with my grandfather on the Neuse River, going to church with my grandmother at Christ Episcopal. It is near and dear to my heart, but I wonder if we could find something closer to the ocean.
Thanks for all of the wonderful insight you all share on here already! I look forward to reading about your thoughts on these spots and also hearing about other options! I want to be able to rent a place for a few weeks/months and would love to know where you think we should start! Thanks!
Of your choices, I'd go with Beaufort. $200,000 won't get you in the historic district, but it will get in Beaufort. New Bern is just a little too scuzzy for me, and B'fort is much closer to the beach, and more charming than MC.
FYI, you won't find anything in Manteo for $200,000.
Thanks for everyone's thoughts thus far. I have used the search tool and have read quite a bit over the last couple of days; it has helped me to see some of the pros and cons of many of these little towns. I will check out Sneads Ferry goldenage, thanks for that suggestion. Newport was another place I was curious about. Actually I did find a few homes under 200K in Manteo, not many but a few. A couple were in a subdivision called Cedar Bay, one was a cute remodeled older home and there were a couple of condos. Not sure we want to go the condo route, though.
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