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I posted on here once before and found the responses I received on this site to be of great help. I am relocating from San Diego to Camp Lejeune for work. I wasn't sure exactly what area I wanted to live in, but after visiting I've pretty much narrowed my choices down to Emerald Isle or Topsail/Surf City (not sure where one ends and starts - but near the 50 and Shore is where I am hoping for).
I am 30 years old, not much of a partier but like the option of going out to a restaurant every once in a while or a movie. If friends come visit, they'd probably want to go to a bar, but again, none of us are big partiers although I do like to be around people. I think during the summer, it will be a lot of fun to live in these beach areas.
For the people who live or frequent this area, which would you recommend someone to move to and why?
Also, is there a city comparable to Wilmington that is close (30 min) to Emerald Isle? Wilmington does sound like a lot of fun so it kind of draws me in to wanting to live in Surf City. However, the few posts I've seen in these forums make is sound like there is more to do in Emerald Isle possibly?
Also, out of curiosity, does one of these beach areas flood more often over the other when it rains/ or hurricane hits?
Thanks a ton in advance for any recommendations, thoughts, and help.
My brother in law lives in Emerald Isle and there really isn't anything there other than the beach. In neighboring Morehead City you will find a few chain restaurants, bars, etc. EI is far from Camp Lejeune. There is no city in coastal NC that compares to WILMINGTON as far as amenities, dining, shopping, etc. You could move to Wilmington and commute to CL in Jacksonville. It would be about 45 minutes (depending on where you live). This would probably make the most sense. Best of luck.
Emerald Isle is a classic tourist town, meaning barren in the winter and overran in the summer. EI bridge in the summer is and 58 just as bad. You may not want leave your house during the day. Bars/clubs stay active year round due to the military presence, though. Did you say you 'd be working at Stone Bay or Courthouse Bay? Either way they both tend toward living SE of Jackosnville. If you insisted on living toward Emearld Isle I'd look into Swansboro or Cedar Point. If looking for cheap housing, Stella or Hubert.
Regardless of the locationsyou listed, I think the best place that meets your desires is Hampstead. It's about 30 min or less from the Sneads Ferry gate and and about 30 min or less from downtown Wilmington, plus has enough there to not feel like you are away from civilization when at home.
Mac - I did go through Hampstead when driving to Surf City. It looked nice, I just love the look of the Topsail/Surf City area. And you're right - Courthouse Bay.
I looked at the commute and it looked the same distance from both sides, although I did not think about the bridge traffic, that was a good reminder.
I really appreciate all of your input. I think I am now leaning towards Hampstead/Surf City again.
Granted bridge traffic would really only affect your Friday commute homes. It can be avoided if you know the times to avoid the bridge/area, still the tourist season is somethimng to consider. Also places on Bogue Banks tend to close early in the off season, and that's if they don't outright close altogether.
Been going there all my life and love it. Wish I could move there. Love Emerald Isle too but it is probably boring in the winter, however, New Bern is only 40 mins from there. great people, great southern charm, small but everything you need.
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and 58 just as bad. You may not want leave your house during the day. Bars/clubs stay active year round due to the military presence, though. Did you say you 'd be working at Stone Bay or Courthouse Bay? Either way they both tend toward living SE of Jackosnville. If you insisted on living toward Emearld Isle I'd look into Swansboro or Cedar Point. If looking for cheap housing, Stella or Hubert.
New Bern
