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I read the reply from Coastal Planner, why Gated? And thought to myself, yes why? From the Northeast, we have very very few of these, but when searching NC coastal plantations, seems like the norm. Not sure if an hourly worker at a gate is something I need, especially since I'm sure I'd have to contribute to the salary via HOA fees, my point is with all due respect to the plantations, if I need a "Gate" do I really want to live there???
but when searching NC coastal plantations, seems like the norm. Not sure if an hourly worker at a gate is something I need, especially since I'm sure I'd have to contribute to the salary via HOA fees, my point is with all due respect to the plantations, if I need a "Gate" do I really want to live there???
Gated communities are not really the norm in Brunswick County. St James Plantation has gates, and Compass Pointe has a manned gate. Other large ones like Brunswick Forest are not gated.
There is not really a lot of crime in Brunswick County, and I would guess that theft from empty houses is the largest amount.
The biggest advantage to gates is that they keep out unwanted sales-people and solicitors. I do live in a gated place, but I realize a true crook could simply walk through the woods to break in. Or, the numerous construction people can use their status to take advantage of unlocked cars.
I read the reply from Coastal Planner, why Gated? And thought to myself, yes why? From the Northeast, we have very very few of these, but when searching NC coastal plantations, seems like the norm. Not sure if an hourly worker at a gate is something I need, especially since I'm sure I'd have to contribute to the salary via HOA fees, my point is with all due respect to the plantations, if I need a "Gate" do I really want to live there???
Not the norm at all. And those that exist aren't there to prevent crime, they exist as a selling point for fearful people whose worldview is warped by watching too much tv news.
Bald Head Island is your best bet, have vacationed there for the past eight years. I am also building two investment homes out there and can give you the best outlook of what is involved to live there. But, if I were retiring and wanted the kind of community you speak of, that's exactly where I would end up. You have to take a trip there to appreciate it, even during peak travel season the area is unspoiled with that tourist feel.
Yes you do, and that trip has to taken on either a very expensive Bald Head ferry, or your own boat. I really can't imagine a worse place to live on a year-around basis, especially in retirement.
A golf cart accessible town center is the killer. The only place I know of is Bald Head Island near Southport. Its only accessible by boat, no motor vehicles allowed except security and one full time EMS person. Town center consists of boat docks, a small grocery store that also makes sandwiches and not much else. There is a golf course and country club with a restaurant at the other end of the island.
There are plenty of gated, retirement communities with all grades of amenities but few allow you to drive golf carts on the public streets.
" but few allow you to drive golf carts on the public streets"
You can but street legal golf carts in N.C. which CAN be driven on ANY street with a speed limit of 35 MPH or less.
My parents moved to a gated community in Florida when they retired, something I couldn't understand at the time. But as I approach my 70's the security of a gated village is appealing, go figure.
" but few allow you to drive golf carts on the public streets"
You can but street legal golf carts in N.C. which CAN be driven on ANY street with a speed limit of 35 MPH or less.
Not true. "Street legal" golf carts can be driven on public streets, but in gated communities, streets are private, and the HOA has the authority to prohibit golf carts on them.
Also, making a golf cart "street legal" isn't cheap.
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