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Indeed the days of "it's so much more affordable down there" with relation to most of the northeast (exceptions being NYC and Boston metro areas)....are behind us.
ETA: Dang! I just did a little looksee on the inter webs and I'm going to amend my recommendation and say you might want to look harder at Durham. So many contingent properties in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough in your price range. Just not a lot to chose from.
Durham is a bit of a rebel and black sheep in the Triangle family. It has a bit of an edge, but it's very cool. That edge and the lower performing schools are what keep some people from buying there but that might give you a little more opportunity. Check it out, but run the neighborhoods by us. https://www.discoverdurham.com and https://durhamnc.gov/35/Things-to-Do-in-Durham might get you started. I really like Durham.
I so appreciate the time you, and others, are taking to be helpful! I'm eager to get down there and start scoping places out. We're planning a week in April and I'll be using the info here to plan an itinerary.
Indeed the days of "it's so much more affordable down there" with relation to most of the northeast (exceptions being NYC and Boston metro areas)....are behind us.
Yes, that's definitely how it's looking. Things have been changing a lot. The one thing that's still a key element is the lower taxes. I love NY and I don't begrudge paying taxes when they go to things that I think are important, and I have to say Ithaca has a ton of resources to help vulnerable populations so I'm okay with spending that money. But, having said that, my monthly escrow payment is currently about a year's worth of property taxes at some places we've looked. And with wanting to ease into retirement that's a huge consideration.
I'll give Wilmington another look- that does sound pretty ideal.
Worried a bit about hurricane risk, which is why I wanted to be a little more inland- my husband would like to live closer, he's not as concerned about that.
Regarding Wilmington, just stay away from creeks and rivers and flood zones. Also check for large vulnerable trees which could be blown down.
The areas more than 30 minutes inland from the coast are definitely rural and red state country. You would not want to live in a place like Clinton or Wallace.
You appear to be priced out of the Trangle, except for Durham and Orange County. Good luck with you future visit
I'll give Wilmington another look- that does sound pretty ideal.
Worried a bit about hurricane risk, which is why I wanted to be a little more inland- my husband would like to live closer, he's not as concerned about that.
Regarding Wilmington, just stay away from creeks and rivers and flood zones. Also check for large vulnerable trees which could be blown down.
The areas more than 30 minutes inland from the coast are definitely rural and red state country. You would not want to live in a place like Clinton or Wallace although they are cheaper.
You appear to be priced out of the Triangle, except for Durham and Orange County. Good luck with you future visit
Regarding Wilmington, just stay away from creeks and rivers and flood zones. Also check for large vulnerable trees which could be blown down.
The areas more than 30 minutes inland from the coast are definitely rural and red state country. You would not want to live in a place like Clinton or Wallace although they are cheaper.
You appear to be priced out of the Triangle, except for Durham and Orange County. Good luck with you future visit
I’d also suggest looking into Greenville SC or Charlottesville VA for upscale small town charm. I’m familiar with the Ithaca and Finger Lakes areas, you won’t find anything like that here so you’ll need to figure out what you’re will to give up to live here. Lakes are really man made reservoirs. If you want water, NC beaches are beautiful but then you’re giving up city amenities. NC has it all, just not all in one place. You might also look into Charleston SC.
Last edited by loveautumn; 02-07-2022 at 01:21 PM..
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I think Greenville, SC is super conservative, though, at least that's my understanding from the people I know who live there. It seemed that the OP wasn't looking for that.
I think Greenville, SC is super conservative, though, at least that's my understanding from the people I know who live there. It seemed that the OP wasn't looking for that.
Yes, for the most part. If you are not, you can find your peeps, but on the whole that is the flavor of the area. The downtown is a shining gem, and exciting projects are in the works. It is a great place to live if you like to hike, as mountains and waterfalls are 1-1.5 hours away. Outside of downtown many of the roads are sad and unattractive, and there is a lot of litter. There is also a lack of museums. You can drive to Columbia for a nice natural history museum, art museum, and a fantastic zoo, but nothing much in town.
If I were single and/or had a lot of money, I think I could be very happy living downtown, but that is not the OP's situation.
Yes, for the most part. If you are not, you can find your peeps, but on the whole that is the flavor of the area. The downtown is a shining gem, and exciting projects are in the works. It is a great place to live if you like to hike, as mountains and waterfalls are 1-1.5 hours away. Outside of downtown many of the roads are sad and unattractive, and there is a lot of litter. There is also a lack of museums. You can drive to Columbia for a nice natural history museum, art museum, and a fantastic zoo, but nothing much in town.
If I were single and/or had a lot of money, I think I could be very happy living downtown, but that is not the OP's situation.
Thanks- we are looking for something a little different than what you describe.
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