Trying to decide Southport, Wilmington, Beaufort (NC), or Edenton (Albemarle: rental, crime)
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If you want to live in a city, Wilmington is your only choice. The other three are small towns and I would only consider them if I was sure I could handle small town life. I know a young family that moved to Beaufort from Charlotte area and they did not like it, it was too small, they ended up moving back. Being on the water is great but there are many other considerations.
My wife and I are currently making a decision on one of these towns. One thing I have noticed on the real estate websites is the difference in property taxes in the different areas. They can differ greatly. For a home in the 250 to 300,000 range, Morehead City $750/yr, Beaufort $1200/yr, Wilmington $2500/yr. These figures are averages since the taxes vary from house to house, but the range is accurate. Morehead City is just across a bridge from Beaufort, so you have access to both, and I believe close shopping is better in Morehead City. We are going on a fact finding trip this week, but both areas look good so far. Housing is somewhat more abundant in Morehead City, and taxes somewhat lower. Wilmington is seemingly afflicted with higher taxes. I will try to report after our trip.
Wilmington is seemingly afflicted with higher taxes. I will try to report after our trip.
The city of Wilmington also has a higher number of poor people, it has a city police force and more services like trash collection. Whether you think they are worth paying for is your choice.
Morehead city has a population of around 8,000. Wilmington is over 100,000. Carteret County/Crystal Coast has an over-abundance of housing inventory. Currently it has a 20 month supply (6 months is considered "normal").
The bridge between Morehead and Atlantic Beach changes the home price by about times 2 (The beach of course being more expensive). But if you just drive about 10-15 minutes west towards Newport the cost of a home will divide by about 2again. A $600K AB home will cost about $300-350K in Morehead and about $150-200K in Newport.
Carteret county is going through a tax assessment with new rates coming out next year. We are revenue neutral which means if land values go up, tax rates go down and vice versa.
Morehead city has a population of around 8,000. Wilmington is over 100,000. Carteret County/Crystal Coast has an over-abundance of housing inventory. Currently it has a 20 month supply (6 months is considered "normal").
The bridge between Morehead and Atlantic Beach changes the home price by about times 2 (The beach of course being more expensive). But if you just drive about 10-15 minutes west towards Newport the cost of a home will divide by about 2again. A $600K AB home will cost about $300-350K in Morehead and about $150-200K in Newport.
Carteret county is going through a tax assessment with new rates coming out next year. We are revenue neutral which means if land values go up, tax rates go down and vice versa.
Hope you are paying attention. This might be the best, most succinct real estate analysis ever offered.
Thank you to HP91 & LLN. My husband & I are trying to relocate to SouthPort....Loved it there. We are having a hard time finding Long Term Rental property. We have been working with a Local realtor...any ideas.
Thank you to HP91 & LLN. My husband & I are trying to relocate to SouthPort....Loved it there. We are having a hard time finding Long Term Rental property. We have been working with a Local realtor...any ideas.
Have you tried Realtor.com? There are 11 rental listings. They are either single family houses or condos. Some are in St James and some are in other developments. The prices range from $1375 to $1800. If that is too much money, then extend your search a bit beyond Southport. Let us know if we can help further.
Want to be pretty close to the beach and really want a downtown that has a sense of charm to it.
Beaufort and Southport ... though other towns also fit the bill including New Bern, Manteo and Swansboro
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Originally Posted by NCtherapist
can spend around $300-$350k.
No doubt you can find a nice home in any of these areas at that price range. Just dont expect water front or water view. I recommend Zillow to look for homes.
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Originally Posted by NCtherapist
I am trying to avoid the tourist feel and am hoping to find an area where one would enjoy walking around the downtown area and possibly have some type of board walk (walkway) along with water itself.
All of these areas attract tourist. All are on the water. The least touristy is probably Swansboro and Edenton. The most touristy: Wilmington and Beaufort.
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Originally Posted by NCtherapist
Also love it if there are docks near by where one could possibly eat at a restaurant by the water.
Beaufort and Southport top the list in good food on the water in my opinion though Wilmington has some nice waterfront restaurants it does not have a small town feel because it's not a small town.
Personally, I love Beaufort. Lots of activities and in the summer .... lots of tourists and it is one of the most popular stop overs for some very nice yachts traversing the ICW. Housing can be pricey depending on what you want.
I also love Southport. Again, lots of activities and the the 4th of July celebration is amazing, but LOTS of people come for that ... I'm talking 40 to 50 thousand people. But its fun. Over all I do not think it is quiet as touristy as Beaufort.
Both these places are busy and vibrant in the summer, are close to many stores and restaurants, have a small town feel and enough population to remain active during the winter as well not be mention being absolutely beautiful, quaint etc.
Have you tried Realtor.com? There are 11 rental listings. They are either single family houses or condos. Some are in St James and some are in other developments. The prices range from $1375 to $1800. If that is too much money, then extend your search a bit beyond Southport. Let us know if we can help further.
thanks so much! have tried Realtor..Zillow..Craigs list. I'm also working with a great realtor. problem is not a lot of rentals long term...pet friendly. Have not given up hope. Thanks again
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Southport
