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Hi there! My family and I want to relocate south from upstate NY. Originally, we were looking in to Myrtle Beach, as my parents just relocated to the Carolina Forest area. We've visited there, and love it.. but are just concerned that it is too touristy and not very 'town like'. We have not ruled it out, however. We've looked at surrounding areas as well, such as Surfside. I've never been to Wilmington, NC, but have done research and it seems wonderful! Basically, we are looking for a town in North or South Carolina, preferably not too far from a beach (10-20min drive). It must have great schools and be very family oriented, as we have three small children. Myrtle Beach seems to be all highway, and you have to get on the main roads to get anywhere. Is Wilmington the same way? I'd like to be able to walk to a store, park, etc. Are there any other towns anyone can recommend? I also hear great things about Raleigh. Now I know that it isn't near a beach; but a beach location doesn't take priority over a family oriented town. I am a registered nurse so shouldn't have too hard of a time finding work. My husband does all types of construction. I'd appreciate any help! Thanks so much!
you have to get on the main roads to get anywhere. Is Wilmington the same way? I'd like to be able to walk to a store, park, etc. Are there any other towns anyone can recommend?
Please read this discussion from a week ago: //www.city-data.com/forum/coast...tle-beach.html It covers many of the points you are asking about MB vs. Wilmington. And yes, Wilmington is somewhat more walkable than MB, however the whole coast is very car-oriented.
Regarding RN jobs, there have also been many similar questions, and the net effect is, "please don't assume it will be easy to find a job". It might help if you had "Nurse Practitioner" certification, as they have taken over much the work of physicians in the family practice offices around here.
Regarding construction jobs, please look at the Jacksonville area which is in good shape because of the number of Marine Corps families moving into the area. Savvy Homes, H&H, Seventy West, and several other firms are actively building houses.
You might look at living in Hampstead which has very good schools, and would allow commuting to either Jacksonville or Wilmington.
Last edited by goldenage1; 03-15-2012 at 08:54 AM..
Thanks so much for your response! I will definately look into Jacksonville and Hampstead! I've actually been job hunting, and it looks like there are a ton of RN jobs available, and got an offer in Myrtle Beach, however we aren't ready to move just yet. I also hear a lot of contradicting things about North 'vs' South Carolina, and which is "better." I'm sure it is relative to what one considers "better", however. Thanks again for your reply!
Regarding construction jobs, I'm not sure your husband will find the pay he has been getting. Like many places, the lower end jobs here are done by Latinos. So, it helps to speak Spanish and have supervisory experience.
There's a development in our back yard in Sneads Ferry where they are building 3-BR ranches to sell about $172,000. The labor is Latino and the specialists like plumbers and electricians are local folks from Jacksonville or Wilmington.
I also hear a lot of contradicting things about North 'vs' South Carolina, and which is "better." I'm sure it is relative to what one considers "better", however.
Of course, in this forum, many of us have already decided North Carolina is better!
Myrtle Beach seems to be all highway, and you have to get on the main roads to get anywhere. Is Wilmington the same way? I'd like to be able to walk to a store, park, etc.
Some of the really old areas, and really new areas, are pedestrian friendly. A good bit of what was built from 1940 to 1980 was not. People will typically pay a small premium for anywhere that's pedestrian friendly, especially where kids can walk to school.
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Are there any other towns anyone can recommend? I also hear great things about Raleigh. Now I know that it isn't near a beach; but a beach location doesn't take priority over a family oriented town. I am a registered nurse so shouldn't have too hard of a time finding work. My husband does all types of construction. I'd appreciate any help! Thanks so much!
Hard to say. The areas with good schools, good neighborhoods, and good economies, are generally away from the beach.. places like Raleigh, or Greenville SC. Historically the coast never had the sort of economy to support many middle class families.
It's only in recent decades that the coast became the sort of place where middle class transplants moved to raise families. So, Wilmington and Myrtle Beach have a ton of "transplanted families" from the north or midwest, and they often cluster together in certain areas.
goldenage, we're aware that my husband would probably make less than half of what he makes up here, unfortunately. He does have supervisory experience, however. He will probably have to branch out and explore other options.
le roi, I've heard great things about Raleigh! How far from the coast is it? I've never heard of Greenville, but will definately look into it! Thanks for your help
I've heard great things about Raleigh! How far from the coast is it?
Raleigh is 3 hours or about 125-150 miles from the coast. Gernerally it has higher wages, higher prices and is a large urban area, but it is also "family friendly". Check the separate sub-forum for Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill/Cary.
coffeebean, I'm from the Albany area. Do you have children? Finding a family friendly community is very important to me!
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Are there any other towns anyone can recommend? I also hear great things about Raleigh. Now I know that it isn't near a beach; but a beach location doesn't take priority over a family oriented town. I am a registered nurse so shouldn't have too hard of a time finding work. My husband does all types of construction. I'd appreciate any help! Thanks so much! 
