Relo from CO Springs (Wilmington, Asheville: to live, safer, moving)

[duke1946]

hi everyone..my first time in the forum....my wife and i have spent most of our lives in az desert or CO front range....have spent time in Asheville and one trip to wilmington...would like to retire to WIL within 18 mos...am a little anxious about attitude of some people (seem little harsh on newcombers)...people are pretty mellow in CO...but understand resentment to exploding population....40 years ago co springs had 30,000 people...now more than 1/2 million...have always loved beaches...but now would like to live there rather than vacation...any other "cowboys" there?

are there areas of WIL that are "safer" from hurricane damage than others? appreciate any info or websites

[SeattlitefromNC]

Originally Posted by duke1946

hi everyone..my first time in the forum....my wife and i have spent most of our lives in az desert or CO front range....have spent time in Asheville and one trip to wilmington...would like to retire to WIL within 18 mos...am a little anxious about attitude of some people (seem little harsh on newcombers)...people are pretty mellow in CO...but understand resentment to exploding population....40 years ago co springs had 30,000 people...now more than 1/2 million...have always loved beaches...but now would like to live there rather than vacation...any other "cowboys" there?

are there areas of WIL that are "safer" from hurricane damage than others? appreciate any info or websites

Hi Duke!

The nature of hurricanes are such that they are geographically large storms that can affect large areas at one time.

Also, due to the fact that hurricanes can bring storm surges, and Wilmington is located right at sea level, I think it is safer to think of evacuation when hurricanes come calling. After Katrina (which was only a category 3), I think most cities by the sea are taking evacuation plans more seriously and it would be wise to see hurricanes in that light.

With that having been said, Wilmington has been the "port of entry" for many a hurricane, and much of the older housing has withstood the storms time and time again. Wilmington's infrastructure is such that it has always been designed with hurricanes in mind (unlike New Orleans, where hurricanes were relatively rare), and as such, there are procedures in place and the housing is built to withstand the wind and rain and people tend to know what to do in those emergencies (turn off everything electric ... get all of the food out of the fridge and cook it so it doesn't spoil ... have a hurricane party ... hide from windows and pray for the storm to stop ...).

[friendnc]

Originally Posted by duke1946

hi everyone..my first time in the forum....my wife and i have spent most of our lives in az desert or CO front range....have spent time in Asheville and one trip to wilmington...would like to retire to WIL within 18 mos...am a little anxious about attitude of some people (seem little harsh on newcombers)...people are pretty mellow in CO...but understand resentment to exploding population....40 years ago co springs had 30,000 people...now more than 1/2 million...have always loved beaches...but now would like to live there rather than vacation...any other "cowboys" there?

are there areas of WIL that are "safer" from hurricane damage than others? appreciate any info or websites

According to the NC forum and its subforums, newcomers generally have been VERY welcomed.

Normally as a rule, the farther inland you live (even just several miles), the lower the damage from a hurricane. Most damage is from storm surge.

Good luck!

[PLS3775]

We've visited Colorado Springs a few times in the past year - considered moving there (too expensive, too far).....are you sure you're ready for this humidity out here? BIG difference from what you're used to!!!

[hapaleeretired]

PLS beat me to it. Visit there in summer's heat and traffic before making up you mind. It can be brutal.

[duke1946]

thanks for the info and advice....having spent many years in tucson and phoenix where it could be 118 degrees in the shade, i will handle the heat & humidity in wilmington...i am more concerned with the storms and the bugs....but love the ocean so i will be moving there as a retiree in 18 mos..God willing..