Fearrington (Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Carolina Beach: trip , health, home)

[macdebbie]

My husband and I are thinking of retiring to Fearrington in a couple of years. We have been once and fell in love with it and the area. Going back for a 2nd time this May.

Would love to hear pros and cons from people who live there. One of my requirements in retirement is to be in a place I don't feel isolated, with lots to do, with good healthcare nearby and better weather than where we are now (North of Boston).

We live near the coast now (15 minutes away) so would be eager to hear how long the drive is to the nearest beach, and what that beach is.

Our main 2 reasons for leaving where we now live are cost of living (MUCH higher than Chapel Hill area) and weather (we want to be able to be outside more). How bad are the Summers anyway?? (heat and humidity).

[rieboots]

bump.

My parents have just recently been interested in this community from reading online. Online, it seems to have everything they are looking for in a retirement home (they *don't* want to be on a golf course!). Would love to hear more feedback about Fearrington.

[southward bound]

I've visited ther. It's absolutely charming! Don't know how it would be to live there, though, as it felt prtty rural to me. But, then, I don't know the area.

[tigerlily]

Originally Posted by macdebbie

How bad are the Summers anyway?? (heat and humidity).

Here's some opinions on summer temperatures:

Is it really soooo hot...

[willbo1]

Originally Posted by macdebbie

My husband and I are thinking of retiring to Fearrington in a couple of years. We have been once and fell in love with it and the area. Going back for a 2nd time this May.

Would love to hear pros and cons from people who live there. One of my requirements in retirement is to be in a place I don't feel isolated, with lots to do, with good healthcare nearby and better weather than where we are now (North of Boston).

We live near the coast now (15 minutes away) so would be eager to hear how long the drive is to the nearest beach, and what that beach is.

Our main 2 reasons for leaving where we now live are cost of living (MUCH higher than Chapel Hill area) and weather (we want to be able to be outside more). How bad are the Summers anyway?? (heat and humidity).

My parents retired to Fearrington from New York in the early 90s and have loved it ever since. Good healthcare was a priority for them as my Dad has a heart condition and they have not been disappointed. With UNC so close by, he has received top-notch care and to be quite blunt, lasted much longer than anyone gave him.

Fearrington itself has it's own village center and my parents have found clubs and activities to be a part of there as well as in Pittsboro, Carrboro or Chapel Hill. They often have a Farmer's Market, readings by local authors and craft shows that come right to Fearrington.

Fearrington is a bit isolated from any type of real downtown or shopping mall (15-20 minute drive) but other conveniences are not too far (grocery store, movie theaters, restaurants). And it seems more are coming.

The beach is an hour plus away. Carolina Beach I believe is the closest/most convenient. Easy drive for an overnight trip and if you are real ambitious, a day trip. Fearrington does have it's own pool club, (very reasonable for a yearly family membership) which is nice for cooling off and getting to know people, although that is not hard as everyone is very open and friendly there.

There seems to be a good mix of people that have made the move from a variety of places around the country to Fearrington, so everyone brings their own stories and experiences. Aside from it being a bit far out, I don't see any negatives.

Let me know if you have any specific questions that I can answer or can find out from my parents. Hope this was helpful and good luck.

[Snowpea]

Not sure about living there but I like to visit. The shopping area is quaint. They also have the 'oreo' cows. I saw them in a very heavy rainstorm and they are legit.

http://www.fearrington.com/village/cows.asp

[rieboots]

I was wondering if anyone could tell me if families with young children would be welcomed to live in this community? My parents are seriously thinking about this community, and was wondering if there are any age restrictions?

[willbo1]

Originally Posted by rieboots

I was wondering if anyone could tell me if families with young children would be welcomed to live in this community? My parents are seriously thinking about this community, and was wondering if there are any age restrictions?

There are no age restrictions. I think it was originally geared toward retirees but there are a decent amount of younger families w/children too.

[NCN]

Originally Posted by Snowpea

Not sure about living there but I like to visit. The shopping area is quaint. They also have the 'oreo' cows. I saw them in a very heavy rainstorm and they are legit.

Fearrington Belted Galloways | Belted Galloway cows | Oreo cows

Those cows are a hoot! I had never heard of an "oreo cow" before, so I had to click in and see what you were talking about.

[Marzen]

Originally Posted by North Carolina Native

Those cows are a hoot! I had never heard of an "oreo cow" before, so I had to click in and see what you were talking about.

They paint the cows that way! Really they use a blend of acrylic and oil based paint on the cow so it doesn't run when they get wet in the rain. They put the paint on the cows while they are standing with a roller type brush. Its really neat to see the process unfold.