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Looking for the best family friendly areas in and around Wilmington. We are from Michigan and are looking to possibly relocate to the area to be closer to the Ocean (long time dream of mine).
I would like to be no more than 30 minutes from the ocean and great beaches. We have 6 children 2 of whom are adopted from Ethiopia so ideally we are looking for a more racially diverse area.
Also, of course, good schools are a priority, I don't necessarily need or want the BEST schools.
We live in a smaller town now and would love to be in an area that has more to offer. My husband is a lineman (works on the power lines) and will be looking for work either with the power company or a contractor.
Looking for the best family friendly areas in and around Wilmington......My husband is a lineman (works on the power lines) and will be looking for work either with the power company or a contractor.
Wilmington would be fine for you if your husband can find a job. However, you don't have to restrict your search to Wilmington, as North Carolina has 300 miles of coastline. There are 6-10 local electric power companies such as Jones-Onslow, Craven-Carteret, etc. I suggest also looking in Edenton, Elizabeth City, Manteo, New Bern, Havelock, Newport, Morehead City, Jacksonville, Surf City, Hampstead, etc.
They are all "family-friendly", and I would say the best ares is where the husband finds the best-paying job.
The multi-racial family should not be a big issue. Most of the coastal towns have a small or large African-American population. Jacksonville is a good location for acceptance as the military people have been all over the world.
Since the OP lives in a small town now, and expresses a desire for a larger city, I don't think Edenton, Newport, Elizabeth City, Manteo would necessarily be good options.
If there are any more companies that you know of please pass them on.
There is River City Construction, which currently has openings for linemen. It is based in Washington, NC. Washington is a small town, but you could live in Greenville, Winterville or New Bern if you really want to live in a larger burb.
I noticed that you have also been posting about Virginia Beach. I think that might be a better area for you if you are seeking a diverse are with many options.
I'd skip the smaller towns if you are looking for diverse. As suggested, Jacksonville is a great option...very military-heavy. Wilmington would probably be good too, since it's a bigger place. The small, country towns in eastern NC are kind of backwards.
Thank you for your help. We are very much in the weighing our options stage.
There is a wealth of info here. And it is nice to hear different perspectives.
Golden Age 1 apparently my family will attract "looks" in the Virginia Beach area. At least according to one poster. Of course we currently live in an almost completely white community currently and we are used to that but mostly people are kind.
I do understand large diverse ocean town can be a challenge which is why we are trying to do our research. I welcome all suggestions as I want to make a great choice!
Golden Age 1 apparently my family will attract "looks" in the Virginia Beach area. At least according to one poster.
Frankly, I think that poster is speaking of a very few individuals. Virginia Beach is diverse, and the military folks have been everywhere in the world.
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