What areas are the best to live in NC?

[sandcastle]

Where is a good less expensive place to buy a lot close to coastal NC. Do NOT want to be right on the water. We would prefer a small town or outside of town. Want the slow, relaxing life for retirement.
We were in Washington, NC last weekend. It is a nice area but
we only found one lot that we liked and it already had a contract on it. We would like to buy a lot now and build next year and
then move down after retiring...
Any and all suggestions, will be appreciated.
Thanks, Sandcastle

[happy hours]

I was thinking about the Morehead--Beaufort[msp]area.its close to the water,the fishing good,its not overpriced yet.good luck mike

[jmadre]

Have you looked at Edenton yet?

Jeff

[captaingeorge]

Consider Kinston.

[Spearo]

Elizabeth City, close to the Outer Banks and next to Pasquotank River and Albermarle Sound.

[richard labounty jr]

What are you looking to pay for a lot. currituck and camden and pasquatank are all within an hour drive of the beach......

[bacchusmj]

I dont think you can go wrong in coastal NC. All my family is from elizabeth city and edenton and they are both great areas. Currituck is great, but the prices have hiked a little lately with a lot of people living in hampton roads moving down there to escape the real estate prices in VA. I have never spent much time in morehead but have heard nothing but good things. I have a great little spot on a quiet street on the sound in Nags Head and that is about as close to heaven as I know of.

[TEASEA]

Holly Ridge,N.C. cheap lots and about 4.5 miles

[TEASEA]

from the beach

[Triple M]

Northern Carolina can't even compare to the southeastern region. Let me ask you this. What ties do you have to "Hampton Roads"? Why do you need to stay near there? You asked where the best places to live in NC? Unless you want to be a mountain man, you need to check out the counties of Pender, Onslow, New Hanover, and last but certainly not the least New Brunswick. If you have not been this far south yet, then you really need to research these areas. Please, buddy, don't put any money down until you have. Think palm trees and huge live oaks, and large wrap around porches. Good Luck!

[DANNYW]

Try Oak Island and the surrounding areas around Wilmington or Southport.

[ransomvt5]

how far is the run from harkers island to the blue water for tuna and marlin- i will bw fishing there starting in the fall this year- thanks!

[sandcastle]

Thanks to everyone. We have been down to NC the last 2 weekends. We bought a lot near Chocowinity/Washington area.
Love the entire area. Hopefully we will build next year and then move down fulltime after retiring.
thanks again

[Tombass123]

I agree with Triple M, The wilmington area is a little more semi-tropical and the live oaks and spanish moss make it a beautiful setting. Anyone know the price on real estate around southport area?

[cape_fisherman]

Ransom, for what you are interested in (tuna & marlin) you'll run 40-60 miles depending on the time of year. Early spring the longest runs are for the hot tuna bite. The rest of the year its more in the 40-45 mile range. Generally speaking it's a 1 1/2 to 2 hour run before you start fishing. Since you'll be on the island this fall you might as well come visit my restaurant. I won't mention the name specifically since I'm not a board sponsor but believe me it is usually the CAPTAIN'S CHOICE when it comes to good food. See you this fall!

Jay
Harkers Island

[Muireadach]

I've been eyeballing Moorehead City. Particularly the subdivisions on Crab Point Bay. 160K for a 3 BR single family. But I don't know anything about the commuities there so will probably plan a trip. Let me know if you visit before I do.

http://www.realtor.com/FindHome/HomeListings.asp?mlsttl=Carteret+County&frm=bycomm&pgnum=1&mls=carteretcounty&lnksrc=REALRSCF2C0003&js=on&poe=realtor&st=nc&areaid=1089471&typ=1&mnprice=0&mxprice=99999999&mnbed=0&mnbath=0&mnsqft=0&ss_fthb=n%2Fa&ss_mitm=n%2Fa&exft=eboat