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Another thread has inspired me, but I've narrowed my search down somewhat. Requirements include something akin to four seasons, walkable/bikable distance to beach and basic necessities (grocery, restaurants, etc.), an easy commute to additional amenities like a university, gym, Meetup groups, dance opportunities, kayaking, hospital, culture, natural areas, etc. This must also must be a popular vacation destination so I can rent out my property during peak tourist season. If it were also tax-friendly to retirees, with a relatively low COL, all the better.
Hope I get half the feedback the other poster got!
A number of my friends have retired to coastal So. Carolina, it doesn't appeal to me for a number of reasons but I can see the appeal for others so worth checking out.
I lived in Havelock, NC for 9 years (1980s), 4years USMC at Cherry Point then stayed and went back to school at East Carolina in Greenville which was a 60 mile commute (long but easy light traffic). Joined the Army in 1992 somehow ended up retired in Alaska. per USMC I've also lived near the beaches of Tampa FL, Oceanside CA, Kailua , HI and Okinawa Japan.
Coastal North Carolina just south of Cape Hatteras. Look at Emerald Isle (a barrier island) you have the ocean on one side and the sound on the other side. I've paddled /kayaked in both. My favorite kayaking was near Beaufort NC, sound and ocean, shot through the Inlet and was buzzed by dolphins. There are also Rivers for paddling that lead to the ocean.
Community Colleges in Carteret County and then another about 30miles inland, Craven County, closest University East Carolina in Greenville, I think about 90miles from the coast
Hospitals in Morehead City, not to big though
Another in New Bern NC and then a very big University Hospital in Greenville, my daughter was born there.
Not really 4 seasons but will need to wear a light jacket in Winter.
During the off season if you have a 4 wheel drive vehicle you can get a pass and drive on some areas of the beach.
Dancing - hmm don't know
Gym - I used the base
Vacation spot, Its south of Cape Hatteras so probably lighter on vacation tourism but also lighter on traffic and a good commutable connection to the mainland for cheaper shopping than the beach. Also doesn't quite stick out like Cape Hatteras so I think less prone to Hurricanes.
Another thread has inspired me, but I've narrowed my search down somewhat. Requirements include something akin to four seasons, walkable/bikable distance to beach and basic necessities (grocery, restaurants, etc.), an easy commute to additional amenities like a university, gym, Meetup groups, dance opportunities, kayaking, hospital, culture, natural areas, etc. This must also must be a popular vacation destination so I can rent out my property during peak tourist season. If it were also tax-friendly to retirees, with a relatively low COL, all the better.
Hope I get half the feedback the other poster got!
Sandbridge Beach - Virginia Beach, VA
Whats your budget? Closer to water cost more $.
The areas you are looking for usually don't equal a low COL. You won't get everything on your wish list. But I suppose we all have to compromise some things. We got most of our wish list.
Coastal North Carolina just south of Cape Hatteras. Look at Emerald Isle (a barrier island) you have the ocean on one side and the sound on the other side. I've paddled /kayaked in both. My favorite kayaking was near Beaufort NC, sound and ocean, shot through the Inlet and was buzzed by dolphins. There are also Rivers for paddling that lead to the ocean.
Community Colleges in Carteret County and then another about 30miles inland, Craven County, closest University East Carolina in Greenville, I think about 90miles from the coast
Hospitals in Morehead City, not to big though
Another in New Bern NC and then a very big University Hospital in Greenville, my daughter was born there.
Not really 4 seasons but will need to wear a light jacket in Winter.
Partial quote - I am a long time NC native and don't completely agree about "just a light jacket." Because of the moisture content and prevalence of stiff breezes, it can be brutal at 45 down on the coast and sometimes it does get to freezing. Short winters, but don't get rid of all your heavy jackets.
Partial quote - I am a long time NC native and don't completely agree about "just a light jacket." Because of the moisture content and prevalence of stiff breezes, it can be brutal at 45 down on the coast and sometimes it does get to freezing. Short winters, but don't get rid of all your heavy jackets.
Partial quote - I am a long time NC native and don't completely agree about "just a light jacket." Because of the moisture content and prevalence of stiff breezes, it can be brutal at 45 down on the coast and sometimes it does get to freezing. Short winters, but don't get rid of all your heavy jackets.
YES
I will concede on the light jacket
I live in Fairbanks now, today is 20, no wind and sunny, just about warm enough for shorts and a T-shirt.
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