Relocating to a coast (Wilmington, Jacksonville: apartments, for rent, houses)

[CarolinaMom2007]

Hi, thanks in advance, all info in appreciated. My family wants something new. There are no jobs, bad schools, and many other problems where we currently live in N.C. My husband likes the idea of moving to N.C. Coast while I prefer trying out the Georgia coast. So we are in great debate right now. If we did come to N.C. Coast we are looking in either Brunswick or New Hanover counties. We have two small elementary age children. He has done construction for the last 30 years and I have a paralegal degree. We want something that's not expensive, prefer $800 or less monthly rent range and prefer homes over apartments. Prefer something that is NOT within a big city but isn't to far to drive to go to city, a family community. I guess my questions are: how does everyone like this area? How are the school systems? Are there many jobs or would it be hard to find work? Also where do you look for work at? I've tried ncesc website, and star news online. Like I said, ALL information provided would be greatly appreciated.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by CarolinaMom2007

I guess my questions are: how does everyone like this area? How are the school systems? Are there many jobs or would it be hard to find work? Also where do you look for work at? I've tried ncesc website, and star news online.

I can't be totally positive about the employment picture, but unemployment has been going down. The April figure for Brunswick County 8.9% unemployment and for New Hanover it was 8.4%. There seems to be plenty of construction activity, but I think your husband would have to be a supervisor or have a skilled trade to make decent money. There are many Latino laborers here doing the heavy and unskilled work. Other places to look for work are indeed.con Craigslist and JDnews.com . The JDNews is the Jacksonville newspaper.

Regarding rent, your limit of $800/month on a house would be a little tight. If you could increase to $1000 for a house, you would find more. There are plenty of apartments in the $800 price range.

If you search the forum you will find plenty of comments on the school systems-- they are decent, some better than others.

I like the area, but I am retired. I miss many of the big-city amenities like nearby medical specialists. You will find plenty of family practice doctors, however.

[macjr82]

One of my friends husband moved to Jacksonville from Georgia because he's a brick mason and couldn't find any construction work in Georgia. He got a job hear in construction in like a week on the Marien base. One of my co-workers father just moved in with him, hasn't been here long, already got a construction job, I think that's on the base as well. My wife's cousin's husband used to work road construction with enough money to support his family, though he now works for his church full time, I believe. If you look at Pender county it would give you good skills and better prospects at employment, opening up jobs in both Onslow and New Hanover. You are also more likely to find homes in your price range. Onslow county has one of the lowest unemployment rates on the coast at 7.8%, along with the surrounding areas that are primarily employed by the bases in Jacksonville and Havelock.

N.C. county-by-county unemployment rates :: WRAL.com

[HP91]

Have used this website a lot for reference in terms of renting houses...

Rental Search - Wilmington for Rent

Don't be afraid to live in the residential areas of Wilmington, even though they are in the city...for the most part they are quiet suburban areas. Just stay away from renting in the college area around UNCW.

The Topsail area may be a good area (schools are good) or maybe even Shallotte...I would definitely add Pender Co to your list because it can be more affordable than New Hanover County.