wanting to relocate to North Carolina (Wilmington, Jacksonville: to rent, house, unemployment)

[ddwil]

I am from the midwest and would love to relocate to a town in NC somewhat close to the ocean but where housing is reasonable. My husband does carpentry and tree trimming. I can do housecleaning, waitressing, etc. Is there a town in NC that might work for us? Any suggestions and info appreciated. We have lived in middle america for WAY too many years! Thanks!

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by ddwil

I am from the midwest and would love to relocate to a town in NC somewhat close to the ocean but where housing is reasonable. My husband does carpentry and tree trimming. I can do housecleaning, waitressing, etc. Is there a town in NC that might work for us? Any suggestions and info appreciated. We have lived in middle america for WAY too many years! Thanks!

I suggest you read some of what our regular post dsobotta posts about living at the coast. You can get a sense of it on this thread:

moving to OBX for family? opinions

Maybe he can also give you more hope than I can about jobs - our umemployment is EXTREMELY high here - many people who would like to come can't get jobs. But good luck.

[Francois]

Don't say you haven't been warned about the unemployment situation here.

[ddwil]

Thank you for the info. Very helpful and eye-opening!

[ddwil]

Could anyone suggest a good time of the year to visit the coastal area? I would like to get a real feel for the area we will move to. Also which city has the most job prospects and reasonable housing? I have been looking at Wilmington, Jacksonville, and New Bern. I would also love to contact a good realtor although we will probably want to rent for the first year so we can be sure where we want to buy a house. I don't mind a short commute for work and would prefer a small town area or a house in the country. Thanks!

[sll3454]

Originally Posted by ddwil

Could anyone suggest a good time of the year to visit the coastal area? I would like to get a real feel for the area we will move to. Also which city has the most job prospects and reasonable housing? I have been looking at Wilmington, Jacksonville, and New Bern. I would also love to contact a good realtor although we will probably want to rent for the first year so we can be sure where we want to buy a house. I don't mind a short commute for work and would prefer a small town area or a house in the country. Thanks!

Do you want the nicest time of year, so you can enjoy it? Or do you want the most miserable time, to see if you can take it?

Also, if you are particularly interested in the coastal area, you may get better information on the coastal subforum.

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by ddwil

Could anyone suggest a good time of the year to visit the coastal area? I would like to get a real feel for the area we will move to. Also which city has the most job prospects and reasonable housing? I have been looking at Wilmington, Jacksonville, and New Bern. I would also love to contact a good realtor although we will probably want to rent for the first year so we can be sure where we want to buy a house. I don't mind a short commute for work and would prefer a small town area or a house in the country. Thanks!

Your best bet for jobs right now is probably going to be Jacksonville. With the military presence there are actual projects going on and it's not as dead as other areas of the state economically.

[ddwil]

Thank you for your replies. I will post in the coast forum. Thanks for the suggestion!