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My husband and I are both in our mid/late 50's, in good health, currently living in Chicago burbs. I'm retired (teacher), my husband semi-retired/self-employed. We have found an established property in Boiling Springs Lakes that we are very interested in, but have not been to the Wilmington, Southport area (yet). I'm not able to travel at the moment, but my husband is ready to hop on a plane to check this property and the surrounding area out!
Despite the fact that we live in IL, we have family in Charleston, SC and had a second home there up until last year--so we are already familiar with the usual SE Coastal issues, like heat, humidity, hurricane threats, bugs and gators!
We currently live on an acre with septic and well. I notice that many properties BSL are on septic, which doesn't scare us (unless someone thinks we should be!). The property we are interested in runs on LP gas, which we are not as familiar with--as far as maintenance, cost efficiency, etc.
Before we go to too much trouble, is there anyone from the area (especially if you're retired!) that can answer a few questions about the area?
1. How retiree-friendly would BSL be? Specifically thinking about access to emergency medical care.
2. Even though we live in a semi-rural suburb right now (30 mi from the city), I don't feel too isolated, as we are about 10 minutes from shopping, the public library, etc. Being that we would be new to the area, how isolated would we feel in BSL?
3. Has the fairly recent flooding from Hurricane Florence had any other major impact on the area, besides draining the dam?
4. Do you see the BSL growing, residentially, commercially (retail)?
5. Is there anything else you think we should know?
I appreciate any information you can share! Based on our research, the Wilmington area looks like a great place for us to land! If this specific property doesn't end up working out for us, any information we can get will help guide us!
I will try to answer your questions. We looked briefly at Boiling Spring lakes about 15 years ago. We did not go further, as we got a negative impression. There are no HOA's in BSL, as it is a separate town. We saw messy properties, cluttered with junk and old cars in the yard mixed in with reasonably priced properties. We decided BSL was not for us.
Regarding answers.
0. Propane gas heat is more expensive than natural gas. If the system is older, I suggest repolacing it with a heat pump to provide both heat and A/C.
1. BSL would be close to decent medical care, including a hospital and specialists in Southport.
2. It is not really isolated. Brunswick County provides libraries, a great recreation center at the Dinah Gore gym and pool. Leland, Southport and Bolivia continue to grow and attract new shopping. Wilmington provides museums, theater and great resaurants for the weekends.
3. IDK about local flooding in BSL, but you should check flood zone maps before looking any any coastal property. Flood maps here: https://fris.nc.gov/fris/Home.aspx?ST=NC
4. I honestly do not know about growth in BSL. However, my impression is that the planned communities are much more popular with retirees. For example, St James, Waterford of the Carolinas, Brunswick Forest and Compass Pointe are very popular currently.
5. Anything else:
a. I would have the septic system inspected. Depending on the age of the hoome, the field may be saturated and need to be replaced.
b. I would check comparable sales. My fear is that your desirable 1-acre property is the only one in BSL. The majority of properties there seem to be low-budget ranches.
Last edited by goldenage1; 01-24-2024 at 12:45 PM..
Local flooding is not limited to locations within a flood zone and it will occur in low lying areas throughout the region after heavy rains. I've seen photos of it in BSL within the last couple of years. We live outside a flood zone but our Wilmington neighborhood and many others often experience flooding after heavy rains with water levels high enough to block roads. Usually this isn't a big deal as detours are available but there was a period a few years ago where entire neighborhoods were blocked for days as all access roads were low-lying. Look for an elevated homesite. It doesn't have to be very high, just higher than the lower lying parts where the water will drain. Check for neighborhood/area access roads and be suspicious of anything low lying or near creeks and other water that could rise. Ask the neighbors about their experiences. Do a search for "Facebook Boiling Springs Lakes community" and ask the locals on there for more specifics.
One thing to keep in mind. The various town are allowed to build in flood zones. Because of this, the size of flood zones is increasing.
Actually, people build in flood zones. That's nothing new. And flood risks are increasing due to global warming, increased severity of storms and sea level rise.
Local flooding is not limited to locations within a flood zone and it will occur in low lying areas throughout the region after heavy rains. I've seen photos of it in BSL within the last couple of years. We live outside a flood zone but our Wilmington neighborhood and many others often experience flooding after heavy rains with water levels high enough to block roads. Usually this isn't a big deal as detours are available but there was a period a few years ago where entire neighborhoods were blocked for days as all access roads were low-lying. Look for an elevated homesite. It doesn't have to be very high, just higher than the lower lying parts where the water will drain. Check for neighborhood/area access roads and be suspicious of anything low lying or near creeks and other water that could rise. Ask the neighbors about their experiences. Do a search for "Facebook Boiling Springs Lakes community" and ask the locals on there for more specifics.
"Local flooding is not limited to locations within a flood zone and it will occur in low lying areas throughout the region after heavy rains."
And some ares they put in a flood zone NEVER flood.
Mine included.
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