Triangle vs. Coast (Wilmington, Chapel Hill, Carrboro: chapel, to live, restaurants)

[lizm416]

Hello all,

We're researching cities in NC to move to. We're eyeing the coast and the triangle. Was hoping some of you might have some suggestions for cities based on our situation/likes.

Looking for an area that:
- Is relatively quiet, suburban or suburban-feeling.
- Has open outdoor spaces (for hiking, biking, swimming, etc) and/or beach. I live to take my dog on long, off-leash hikes.
- Is within an easy drive to a populated area.
- Has healthy (whole fruits, veg, fish) grocery stores, farmer's markets, etc.
- Is "earthy-crunchy"; bike accessible, tight-knit community feel, recyle-friendly, etc.

We are in our late 20's, enjoy lots of outdoor activities, keeping fit, studying, video games, and a good pint. We're animal trainers/behaviorists and will absolutely want to live somewhere dog friendly.

Would a suburb of Wilmington fit the bill? Chapel Hill? Read great things about Carteret County, too. If you've any recommendations, they'd be very much appreciated!

Many thanks,
Liz

[goldenage1]

[quote=lizm416;34621624 Is "earthy-crunchy"; bike accessible, tight-knit community feel, recyle-friendly, etc....
Chapel Hill? Read great things about Carteret County, too. [/QUOTE]

You are basically describing Chapel Hill and Carrboro. In my opinion, Carteret County has a few features, but does not overall fit your requirement. The suburbs of Wilmington a just bland suburbs with long distances between things. It would not be easy to bike to do your shopping, as you might get run down by a car. They do have recycling centers and a farmer's market at Poplar Grove Plantation.

[HP91]

I agree with GA...Wilmington can meet your needs, but not suburban Wilmington...unless you consider Masonboro Loop Rd suburban (which it kind of is). Wrightsville Beach could be considered a "suburb" of Wilmington, so take that fwiw.

I usually use this analogy when comparing the Triangle and Wilmington....in the Triangle, you have nice restaurants with nice pictures on the walls of boats and sunsets....in Wilmington you have nice restaurants with actual boats and sunsets.

[capt chill]

Wilmington

Way to transient for me. Weekends the area from Wilmington up and down the coast gets filled with day and weekend trippers. Yes it is the beach and off season a nice place but from now until November ... Not for me to over spend on a house.

[LLN]

Why not look at a small town in Mountains. North Mountains you can get to Winston Salem, south mountains you can get to Ashevlle.

You will find more community in mountains.

[MJs2016]

Lizm416-

Researching the same now. Did you ever find your place?
Thanks!

Originally Posted by lizm416

Hello all,

We're researching cities in NC to move to. We're eyeing the coast and the triangle. Was hoping some of you might have some suggestions for cities based on our situation/likes.

Looking for an area that:
- Is relatively quiet, suburban or suburban-feeling.
- Has open outdoor spaces (for hiking, biking, swimming, etc) and/or beach. I live to take my dog on long, off-leash hikes.
- Is within an easy drive to a populated area.
- Has healthy (whole fruits, veg, fish) grocery stores, farmer's markets, etc.
- Is "earthy-crunchy"; bike accessible, tight-knit community feel, recyle-friendly, etc.

We are in our late 20's, enjoy lots of outdoor activities, keeping fit, studying, video games, and a good pint. We're animal trainers/behaviorists and will absolutely want to live somewhere dog friendly.

Would a suburb of Wilmington fit the bill? Chapel Hill? Read great things about Carteret County, too. If you've any recommendations, they'd be very much appreciated!

Many thanks,
Liz

[Royal James]

Originally Posted by MJs2016

Lizm416-

Researching the same now. Did you ever find your place?
Thanks!

As an FYI that poster apparently hasn't been active on this site in over 6 years, so you might be better off creating a new thread and asking your own specific questions.