Relocation to Wilmington area from upstate NY (Wallace, Wrightsville Beach: middle-class, apartment)

[EdandLinda]

We are a retired white, middle-class couple, mid-60s, currently living in an diverse urban neighborhood in Rochester, NY. We're interested in relocating to Wilmington, NC and are looking for feedback to increase our understanding of the city.

Our current neighborhood is diverse. College students, young professionals and families as well as retirees. The homes were built in the early 1900s with lots of character. Many have been renovated as apartment rentals. It's a vibrant neighborhood with several small, really good restaurants within a 5 mile area. We are looking for a similar neighborhood in Wilmington.

The cost of living here is reasonable except for NYS property, school and income taxes. The winters are long, cold and snowy and we're looking for a change.

The inventory of homes looks plentiful with a wide range of prices.

We have questions about housing costs: taxes, utilities and homeowners insurance.
On a $200k, 1700 sf home here we pay over $6000 in taxes, but our insurance is less than $1200/yr. Anyone know the comparative costs in Wilmington?

Our utilities, averaged over the year to include winter, average $166/mo. Gas is plentiful here and we'll be moving our professional gas range with us. Will we have a problem finding suitable housing?

All feedback is appreciated!

[HP91]

There are neighborhoods like you are describing in Wilmington. Sunset Park was the first Suburb, it is a bit hit or miss in terms of housing. I prefer the Carolina Heights area near Wallace Park and the National Cemetary. Both sides of Market St and just west of the much more expensive Forest Hills. Lots of Bungalows, the neighborhood is some rental, some owners and pretty diverse. Good location too in that its close to downtown, hospital area and the mall.

Taxes will be significantly less, even in town...probably more like $1800 a year. Insurance may run about the same $1800 (so a little higher...as you would expect near the coast). I don't think there is natural gas, so you'd have to have bottled. Utilities will be a little higher because you have stormwater fees to account for as well. You will run about 150 or so a month in power and about 100 a month in water/sewer/trash/stormwater.

If you go into not quite so old housing, you can find 50's, 60's, 70's brick ranches in Long Leaf Hills, Pine Valley, Lincoln Forest that you can buy for around 200k.

[carolinadawg2]

Taxes in the city of Wilmington for a $200,000 house would be about $2,000/year.

The first area of Wilmington that came to mind when I read your description of your current neighborhood was downtown. But I don't think $200,000 will get you much there. Other nice neighborhoods in Wilmington will be much newer, more suburban and probably less diverse. Most of those can be found south of Oleander Drive and East of College Road, and also close to Wrightsville Beach, but again, the budget may be an issue.

Edit to add: There is natural gas in Wilmington.

[IADtoSYR]

Are you describing the Park Ave area? If so, Forest Hills would be a great fit. Lots of great bungalows with character. I also agree with Pine Valley area. Natural gas might be an issue. If so, you can easily get a propane tank. Good luck!