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So my wife and I (and daughter) have been on a two year quest to find the coastal east coast town/city that would best suite us. Well... Its been a challenge and we've had to alter our search criteria. The only place left to consider is Wilmington (maybe Charleston, SC) as we've traveled and ruled out a bunch of places for various reason. But the sunshine and mild winters keep us in pursuit and alas we will be visiting Wilmington in a couple of weeks. I've research the housing and job market but was wondering what suggestions one might have for places to visit in order to truly get a sense of the place. Any suggestions? Also is Wilmington hip? Coffee shops, music, diversity? Does the University have its own neighborhood spots that draws in local artist, musicians and all that good stuff? Thank you for the feedback in advance.
Also is Wilmington hip? Coffee shops, music, diversity? Does the University have its own neighborhood spots that draws in local artist, musicians and all that good stuff?
It ain't Austin, if that's what you mean by hip. I see lots of retired people, and it looks very suburban. There are numerous live music spots, but I think they are downtown. Here's the link to the local newspaper's entertainment section: http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/ent06
You will have to judge for yourself.
Last edited by goldenage1; 05-02-2012 at 06:45 AM..
go to the Satelite bar and lounge, greenfield rd.very cool bar, lots of good restaurants and other bars downtown also.
lots of music venues around but the university does not create a hub for artist and music, this you will find downtown.
wrightsville beach has a great vibe [ well, if the city council will just leave well enough alone]
a few bars, lots of young people but for some reason not really any art galleries.
also check out the amphie theatre at greenfield lake , find their schedule online or check
the penguin radio station. IMO the best radio station in the world, we lived in a much bigger city and
had nothing like the penguin. there might be a concert the weekend you are visiting.
third friday nite of the month there is a gallery crawl.
yes, there are retirees in Wilmington but it is not only a retirement destination , it is a live, active
city.
check the new outdoor art installation at cameron art museum, hopefully it will still be there
when you visit.
a good amount of live theatre can also be found in Wilmington and starting this weekend the city and the penguin radio station puts a free outdoor concert on at the courthouse steps. mostly tribute bands but hey , they bring back memories.
Also is [/font][/color]Wilmington[color=black][font=Verdana] hip? Coffee shops, music, diversity?
Yes. Hip, but not necessarily well educated or employed.
Quote:
Does the University have its own neighborhood spots that draws in local artist, musicians and all that good stuff?
No, not really. Look downtown instead.
To get a feel for the place -- I don't know, hard to say. Wilmington is like 4 or 5 little towns, rolled into one. Downtown has its own scene, Wrightsville Beach is another , midtown/UNCW is another, Carolina Beach is another.
No one but you can tell if Wilmington is it. For some (like me), it's just right. Other people hate it here. I think a lot of it depends on what you're coming from/expecting/willing to change. No place is perfect.
Yes. Hip, but not necessarily well educated or employed.
This is spot on. And beyond downtown and a nice little stretch of Wrightsville Ave, it's not even that hip.
To the OP: check out Savannah...
I'm probably going to move back to Durham after the summer, only negative for me is the drive to the beach. But I don't want to buy a house here, really. I love Wilmington to visit.
Wow. Thank you for the feedback as it was quite helpful. We come from a rural town and over the years the charm of it all has faded to inconvenience and some isolation. Its near the Berkshires and is beautiful but I think we've out grown it. Not exactly sure what "it" is but know we will feel it when we see it. Thanks again.
Wow. Thank you for the feedback as it was quite helpful. We come from a rural town and over the years the charm of it all has faded to inconvenience and some isolation. Its near the Berkshires and is beautiful but I think we've out grown it. Not exactly sure what "it" is but know we will feel it when we see it. Thanks again.
Saw where you were interested in Hampstead and Topsail schools....based on your experience as stated above, not sure you would like Hampstead....even though everything I've heard about the schools is good....you might find it a bit too rural and inconvenient there, also.... It's a great place, but definitely not for anyone desiring a "hip" or pedestrian friendly lifestyle!
Good luck with your search!
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Wilmington
