North Carolina Bound - Any input appreciated!

[Carol and Banjo]

DH, Banjo & I are heading to coastal North Carolina this spring for a few weeks to see if it's a place we'd like to relocate to.   Although we're big ski buffs and do enjoy the winter....we're realizing that we'd both prefer a milder climate.  We can always come back here to visit and ski if the mood strikes.   I'm wondering if there are any DK'ers out here who live in or near any of the coastal areas of NC.   I'd appreciate any info or tips you could give me.   Although we aren't looking for beach (hurricane prone) property, we'd like to be within easy driving distance.   We'd also love to find a nice "dog friendly" town.

We plan to stay in the Beaufort area and travel north and south of that point to check out different towns.

Would love to hear from anyone who has any info on nice towns/beaches in NC!   Thank you!

[Carol and Banjo]

Oh gosh....I do have a LOT to learn : )

[shelly]

WOW Carol!  Such a change!  The best part about being DK friends is that no matter WHERE you may move to, we'll always be in touch!  Just promise you'll still write with that "New Englander"accent!  LOL

Good luck!

[Carol and Banjo]

LOL....DH (Mr. Long Island himself) still makes fun of my Boston accent!

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Have you considered the northern end of the outer banks? We used to like the area between Duck And Corolla but it's probably pretty built up now. Another hidden gem, for beach bums, Sandbridge, VA. It's south of VA beach - actually part of the same coastal way as the outer banks but at the VA NC border. It's all residential with wild life areas and dogs can run on the beach early morning and evening. We loved it there--and so did dogs. Good luck! Sounds exciting!

[Carol and Banjo]

Thanks Cheryl.....We will look into that area as well!

[2SCdoodles]

We spend a lot of time in Brunswick County, NC home to Sunset Beach and Ocean Isle Beach.  We adore Ocracoke and Bald Head Island. 

 

http://www.ocracokevillage.com/

 

http://www.baldheadisland.com/

 

 

Both are accessible via ferry, and both are charming and laid back! 

[2SCdoodles]

I actually wanted to edit my comments above, but was waylaid by the telephone!  Here are some additional thoughts.

 

I see where hurricanes are of a concern.  Both the two web sites I pasted are islands and would require evacuation, but if you like the areas perhaps points inland from these sites would be of interest.

 

We also adore Wilmington and Southport,  Shallotte is a nice small town, and New Bern as someone else mentioned is lovely. My family is just naturally attracted to the coast.  We actually live 30 miles inland from Myrtle Beach in South Carolina, and during my lifetime the only major hurricane we have had has been Hugo.  We have had lots of threats, though- even 30 miles inland. 

 

http://www.cityofsouthport.com/

 

http://www.townofshallotte.org/

 

http://www.visitnewbern.com/

 

http://www.ci.wilmington.nc.us/

We have had property in Brunswick County, NC on an island for 12 years and had- no damage. 

 

We also like the Lake Norman area, Asheville, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill.  Overall, North Carolina is one of our favorite places, and we enjoy areas from the coast to the mountains.

 

Good luck.  This has to be exciting when thinking of all the possibilities.

 

 

[Carol and Banjo]

It is exciting.....and thank you for the links....I never imagined there were so MANY beautiful places in NC!

[shelly]

Hey... Where's Susan of "Susan and Sasha"... I think she's from that area... and from her pictures it looks lovely there!

So I guess you are looking pretty seriously then!

Love this tho' I'm getting lots of ideas for a vacation get-away - I've been peeking... everything everyone has brought up looks beautiful!  Especially since we just had snow again on Thursday!  I can not wait for the warm weather!

[Carol and Banjo]

Shelly....We still have snow in the yard....it's windy and freezing today...I'm bundled up in fleece IN the house and dreaming of beaches : )         We are serious....the BIG stumbling block may be the housing market here in NH....are there buyers out there....all we can do is try!