Cities/Communities 30-45 Mins From The Coast (Cary, Wilmington: rent, low crime)
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We are a middle class family of 4 currently residing in AL. We are looking to relocate to NC or SC. Originally, Summerville was the plan (strictly for work) but I don't think we will enjoy the humidity. I have read tons of mixed reviews about Wilmington, NC and don't feel it will suit our needs either. Can anyone give me some leads on communities/cities that will fit the following criteria:
Low Crime
Nearby Ford Dealerships
Non Denominational Church
Elementary Schools with Positive Rating
Nearby doctors/pediatrician
30 mins to hour from the beach
Outside city limits.. (I want a garden and to raise chickens)
Don't want to travel more than 5 or so miles to a grocery store or supermarket
We will be renting for the time being. I am willing to compromise on some things. I have searched these forums for ideas and haven't had much luck. Just need suggestions on areas to research prior to visiting.
I have read tons of mixed reviews about Wilmington, NC and don't feel it will suit our needs either.
What, specifically, do you not like about Wilmington? I am puzzled, because it is genuinely one of the best places to live on the coast. And, everywhere near water will have similar humidity.
If you are concerned about crime, I could suggest Winterville. It is a suburb of Greenville, which will have many great doctors. However, it is more like an hour and a half from the beach.
Nothing other than the mixed reviews on this site. Specifically, mentions of overpopulation, crime, and my assumption that its majority "city limits." Someone also mentioned in another thread about a drug epidemic. There's so much of that in Alabama now. I realize its everywhere just maybe not as prominent in some areas. I want to raise my children in a better environment than here. The city I live in now has a population less than 13k and its just too much. I want the convienence of the city with a small town feel... If any of that makes sense!
The humidity issue is due to allergies. I can't imagine it being any worse than AL. I certainly could be wrong wanting to be near the coast. And I wasn't bashing Wilmington. It seems so picturesque. Its just my lack of knowledge and the reviews.
The humidity issue is due to allergies. I can't imagine it being any worse than AL. I certainly could be wrong wanting to be near the coast. And I wasn't bashing Wilmington. It seems so picturesque. Its just my lack of knowledge and the reviews.
Well, if you could drop the requirement for raising chickens, you would have more options. For example, Hampstead is a suburb of Wilmington which has excellent schools. The housing is mostly in HOA's which won't allow chickens, although you may find a few non-HOA houses.
Another area with excellent schools is Newport, near Morehead City. There are a couple of nearby Ford dealerships, but I don't know whether they are hiring. You can probably find a house where you can raise chickens.
You might also look at Manteo on the Outer Banks. The county has excellent schools, and one Ford dealership.
If you are willing to be more like 2.5 hours from the coast, you could look at Cary in the Triangle. It has excellent schools (and correspondingly expensive housing). However, you can raise chickens within the city limits, and it is probably less humid.
Regarding the "drug epidemic", you will find drug usage here also. There are plenty of meth labs out in the country, and local users are turning to heroin. All you can do is raise your kids with good values.
Elementary Schools with Positive Rating
Nearby doctors/pediatrician
30 mins to hour from the beach
Outside city limits.. (I want a garden and to raise chickens)
While I understand your desire to be in the country, the general problem with eastern NC is that the rural schools are not very good. The better schools are in the affluent suburbs. I will stick with recommending Winterville, Hampstead or Newport.
There are Ford dealerships in Wallace, Kinston, Goldsboro, etc. and those cities or towns would meet many of your criteria. However, the schools are below average and/or the crime rates are high.
We are a middle class family of 4 currently residing in AL. We are looking to relocate to NC or SC. Originally, Summerville was the plan (strictly for work) but I don't think we will enjoy the humidity. I have read tons of mixed reviews about Wilmington, NC and don't feel it will suit our needs either. Can anyone give me some leads on communities/cities that will fit the following criteria:
Low Crime
Nearby Ford Dealerships
Non Denominational Church
Elementary Schools with Positive Rating
Nearby doctors/pediatrician
30 mins to hour from the beach Outside city limits.. (I want a garden and to raise chickens)
Don't want to travel more than 5 or so miles to a grocery store or supermarket
We will be renting for the time being. I am willing to compromise on some things. I have searched these forums for ideas and haven't had much luck. Just need suggestions on areas to research prior to visiting.
Thanks in advance for suggestions. Be blessed.
I have to laugh a bit...my area meets all of these requirements, even exceeds them (less than a mile to grocery/15 mins to beach)....and my neighbor has chickens and I have a garden, 16 blueberry plants and a scuppernong grape vine...
Except I am in the City Limits. Of Wilmington.
BTW, how much in rent are you willing to pay?
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