Moving to Laurinburg, Pinehurst, or Lumberton

[buzz2007]

Is it really true that living in Lumberton is very dangerous? Some people say that you can't even go to a grocery store without feeling scared. I've accepted a job offer in Lumberton near the hospital. I'm looking into St. Pauls or Hope Mills for a good place to stay. Is Lumberton not a safe place even to just work there? I'd really appreciate any reply.

[racmat]

Did you get any reply? if you did could you share it with us?

[jlbour]

Hi there-

Just thought I'd put my two cents in since everyone else seems to be. I moved down to NC as a result of a new job back in September. Mind you, I'd spent all 23 years of my life living up North in MA and went to college in NH. Needless to say this was the biggest move of my life to date and I did it alone - all of my family and friends are still up North. I started out renting a room in Raeford - the job acceptance/offer came rather quickly and being unfamiliar with the area I just picked a place within 30 minutes of work. After I got my bearings I started house hunting - most of the people I work with live in Laurinburg, so I checked the area out along with Fayetteville, Raeford, and surrounding areas. I found a house that I loved in a nice neighborhood in Laurinburg. I moved in in January. It's been great - I couldn't ask for better neighbors - on move in day the neighbors were raking my yard since the house had been vacant for several months. That was so nice to see. I'd never expect that from my neighbors up North. Within the first week or so of moving in - all of the neighbors had come by to introduce themselves and ask if there was anything I needed. This was really nice especially since I was 800 miles from friends and family. It's the kind of place where people look out for one another.

Now, Laurinburg itself - sure it's no metropolis - but it has what you need. A Walmart - every fast food restaurant on the planet, an Italian restaurant, several grocery stores, gas stations, Belk and Lowes. The basics are covered. Sure if you want to do the mall experience you have to drive up to Fayetteville, but so what, it's 40 miles north on 401 - a straight shot and a nice drive. They're also building an Applebees and some other restaurants. The stuff about the Scotland Inn is true - but what town or city doesn't have a sketchy motel?? There are several other nice options - I stayed in the Holiday Inn when I flew in to interview and the service was great, the people were friendly I had no complaints. I have yet to see a cockroach anywhere - granted it's only been 6 months - but still. It is not infested by bugs!
The downtown area of Laurinburg is very quaint, large older buildings, but very charming. There are also several unique stores and shops. Again, no bugs seen down there either.
The only downside to the area is that there isn't much to do for the younger crowd - I say younger as I'm 24 and single - but I hear the same thing from the highschool kids I've spoken with. There is a movie theatre but it's old, and the floors are dirty - if the owners were willing to renovate it'd do a great business. There are enough people in town to support it. The bar (Champs) is not someplace I'd be comfortable walking into by myself. I haven't met many people my age either. But I bought a house and that's been keeping me busy.
Adjusting to the Southern way of life has been challenging, as it's like night and day from what I've grown up with, but it's nice. It's nice to walk down the street and have someone make eye contact and say hello, or goodmorning. It's nice to have neighbors who know you exsist and seem to care. The weather is amazing - they think 40 degrees is cold - that's like a New England spring! I love it.
All in all, I'm happy I made the move and I have come to embrace Laurinburg and feel at home here. As with everything, you shouldn't jump to conclusions or believe everything you read. Come spend a day or two and see what Laurinburg has to offer. It may not be your speed or it may be just right. )

[ellis81]

jlbour - I am 26 and single, moving to Laurinburg, and also plan to buy a house. I noticed you said it is slow for the younger crowd like ourselves. Have you found anyplace outside Laurinburg but not too far with a good night life? Do you ever run into the St Andrew's students? Not sure if they are the type to party with the townies!

Any advice on neighborhoods/realtors in the area?

[spaceman]

If you want to find a safe place to live in Pembroke, North Carolina, the area surrounding UNC-Pembroke campus will be good. Other places, especially in the downtown area is very dangerous. I heard from my colleague that, his apartment was broken in when he went out during a holiday season, and very valuable belongings were stolen. And the people in Pembroke told me that this kind of bad things have been existing for long time. I heard a story that in one week, three apartments in a small neighborhood area in Pembroke were broken in and the residents lost a lot of stuff.

There are some good places nearby, like Pinehurst, but you need to commute every day.

[pms12]

tax rate is high! That does NOT mean the taxes are higher necessarily! The reassessment of property has not been done in years