Where to move to in NC (Wilmington, Morehead City: condo, townhouses, safe area)

[jersey2286]

Hello, my wife and I are from the "shore" in NJ and moved to Texas. We love it here but miss that ocean breeze. So we are thinking of moving to NC in the very near future. We hear you can be close to the ocean and not to far from the mountains at the same time. All for a good price. Here are a list of things we are looking for, maybe someone can help?

1- We are 30 so looking for not to much of a dead town, we like the small town feel with small town bars as well ( just making sure their are more than 2 places to eat in town lol)

2- Houses on or VERY close to the Ocean for under 200k if poss?

3- Very little crime!

4- Walking distance to stores

5- Nice beaches

6- Beach bars/vibes

We are visiting in Sept and want to go to a place we may move to. We are thinking Wilmington, We like southport but hear its a bit slower than what we want,but not set on anything would love some advice on the Wilmington area and others that would fit what we are looking for.

Thank you!

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by jersey2286

1- We are 30 so looking for not to much of a dead town, we like the small town feel with small town bars as well ( just making sure their are more than 2 places to eat in town lol)

2- Houses on or VERY close to the Ocean for under 200k if poss?

3- Very little crime!

4- Walking distance to stores

5- Nice beaches

6- Beach bars/vibes

.....

Your wish list is nearly impossible for your budget. However, you might look at townhouses off Eastwood Road. They are on the way to Wrightsville Beach.

Other options include Surf City and Topsail Beach where you would have settle for a condo. There are limited stores in walking distance. I live in a very safe area, Sneads Ferry, 2.5 miles to the ocean where you can easily find a SFH for under $200K. However, nothing is walkable from those houses. People like sprawl around here: "it's called room to breathe".

You might also look into Shallotte, Swansboro, Beaufort or Morehead City, but you are also unlikely to find a livable house in walking distance to stores.

You did not say anything about jobs, and that may drive your decision. You will also have to make some compromises.

[jersey2286]

I am willing to go up to 300k at most for home but rather live under my means.

I do not need a job at this point. I run an online business.

If there isnt anything walking distance to a house we would rather have beach area with cool little bars, restaurants and then downtown areas

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by jersey2286

I am willing to go up to 300k at most for home but rather live under my means.

I do not need a job at this point. I run an online business.

If there isnt anything walking distance to a house we would rather have beach area with cool little bars, restaurants and then downtown areas

That's a far more realistic price range. I'd still recommend the area near Wrightsville Beach, Beaufort or Morehead City, and maybe Carolina Beach.

[jersey2286]

Jut wondering why you would recommend that rather than Wilimgton?

[hey_guy]

one reason might be wilmington isn't at the beach

[jersey2286]

I thought there was a beach right by there? Maybe not in Wilimgton, but arent the other place you are saying may be good a few hours away from Wilmington area?

[hey_guy]

Originally Posted by jersey2286

I thought there was a beach right by there? Maybe not in Wilimgton, but arent the other place you are saying may be good a few hours away from Wilmington area?

wilmington is about 20 minutes from the beach on the end of the river and waterway

[hey_guy]

anyway i like wilmington it's not small morehead city and new bern are all good recs just decide if you want more or less developed

[jersey2286]

What are the big differences between Wilmington vs morehead vs new bern vs wrightsville beach

Thanks again guys!