Thinking about relocating to Kill Devil Hills, NC - input appreciated! (real estate, 2014)

[fostermassage]

Hi! We currently live in Chesapeake, Va - so not very far from KDH, NC. We have vacationed in the OBX many times and have visited at different times of the year. I am finishing up Occupational Therapy Assistant school in May 2014. I have seen numerous pediatric jobs in the OBX area and noticed that the First Flight Schools get excellent ratings. We like the Collington area and like that KDH is near enough to the bridge to drive back up to Chesapeake if we want to. We are mainly homebodies, but like the beach and hiking in the woods.....OBX offers both. We have two dogs, and we like to swim. My husband would like to have a boat someday and fish with our son. I have done real estate searches and the houses on the soundside (where we would prefer to live), are quite reasonable in comparison to Hampton Roads VA. But I am wondering if it is expensive tax wise or for homeowners insurance? We are only looking for modest living - we are kind of minimalist. We don't do the "keeping up with the joneses" type of living, but do take pride in our home (keeping it maintained and cute). I am just looking for any input from anyone who lives in the area, pron & cons, particularly if you have children. Our son will be starting middle school in 2 years, so this would be a good time to make a move while he can still adapt and make new friends. We really don't like Hampton Roads much at all and would like to find somewhere simpler to live. Thanks for any imput!

[runnerguy45]

We live in KDH. Great schools here but most jobs pay poorly. Homeowners with wind and floodi can be expensive. Lots of people want to live here so employers pay as little as possible and there is always someone new moving in to replace them. I know a few people that commute to Chesapeake Medical Center from KDH because of the low pay/poor morale at OBX hospital. Gas is more expensive. Plenty of drugs here. You have the party crowd and the church crowd. I love the winters and every summer I think of moving. Crowds get old. Having said all that it's a nice place to live.

[fostermassage]

Thanks! Not crazy about "plenty of drugs here". We aren't party people. I think Hampton Roads pays pretty crappy due to the huge turn over of labor with the Navy presence. That's the biggest thing I hate - how transient it is. Employers can always find someone to replace you. I rarely meet locals here anymore. I was hoping KDH would have a solid local community outside of the tourist season and a neutral ground between party crowd and church crowd. And if the hospital has low morale, that doesn't make for good healthcare. Sad to hear this, but thanks for the input! I would consider Currituck County instead, but the schools don't get as good ratings.

[runnerguy45]

I like Currituck and also take a strong look at Camden county whose schools are known to be very good.

[fostermassage]

Thanks! I will!