Is the area around UNC Wilmington decent?

[LLN]

I think Jacksonville may be getting a bad rap. I am 100% certain you can find a better life in Jacksonville than long commutes to avoid it. Keep an open and intelligent mind. Sure there are some negs and some bad spots, but you are dumb if you don't give it a look first. Good luck.

Lln

[wrestlingterp]

Originally Posted by LLN

I think Jacksonville may be getting a bad rap. I am 100% certain you can find a better life in Jacksonville than long commutes to avoid it. Keep an open and intelligent mind. Sure there are some negs and some bad spots, but you are dumb if you don't give it a look first. Good luck.

Lln

You may have overlooked her desire to complete her degree at UNCW while they are assigned to Camp LeJeune, thus their interest in finding somewhere in between.

[glamatomic]

Originally Posted by LLN

I think Jacksonville may be getting a bad rap. I am 100% certain you can find a better life in Jacksonville than long commutes to avoid it. Keep an open and intelligent mind. Sure there are some negs and some bad spots, but you are dumb if you don't give it a look first. Good luck.

Lln

Coming from somebody who has lived in Jville 4+ years I can guarantee that it's not getting a bad rap! Yes, the commute is painful, but I know a lot of people who do the commute every day for a better quality of life in Wilmington. My husband and I considered it numerous times- but we couldn't warrant the cost of gas for the commute because we were saving up to buy a house for when he got out of the Marine Corps (my job was in Jacksonville also).

However, if I did it all again- I would plan to settle in Wilmington in the first place and get a job there. Just one person commuting to Jacksonville each day wouldn't make much of a dent in your wallet (on gas). Plus, the OP said she plans to go to UNCW so Wilmington will clearly be the better option for her.

There is SO much more to do in Wilmington than there is in Jacksonville, and it just feels a lot nicer.

To me, Jacksonville has had no redeeming qualities except for a really good Thai Restaurant (The Old Siam on Hway 17). My husband and I escape this place every chance we get!

I think the OP is doing the right thing by opting for Wilmington over Jacksonville.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by eesarahee

He wants a place where he could come home and not be surrounded by military life and I need a place close to a school so I can finish up my bachelors.

I understand your wanting to be away from Lejeune.

However, were you aware of options for attending college other than a brick-and-morter school? I believe military spouse have education benefits. Two of my neighbors in Sneads Ferry are taking online degree courses from Kansas State. There are other colleges with extension programs near Camp Lejeune. Campbell University is one, and UNCW. Here's a link to ones on-base: Education Assistance Colleges & Universities - MCCS Camp Lejeune
Also, Miller-Motte and Mt Olive colleges do career-oriented programs nearby.

[citi girl]

You may want to consider Leland, which has some condos that are very quiet and safe appearing, and is just as close if you take the freeway north of town. Ogden Park is also good, but right near the university is not a great area. Downtown Wilmington near the river is also not too good. Avoid living where your husband will have to commute through downtown (college St) , it can be really congested during rush hour.