Considering relocation to Wrightsville (Wilmington, Oak Island: rentals, condos, crime rate)

[LovinLife2007]

I currently live in TN and my family and I are considering a move to NC. We want to be near the beach. I'd love to be within walking distance, or even golf cart distance (if you can do that). The only promising info I have found so far is on Wrightsville. I've found a couple of decently priced rentals there, and wanted to first get more information on the area.
Are the schools good? We have a 6 & 9 year old, so that's a must. Is the crime rate high? Are there fun things to do for families? Shopping nearby?
I would also love some suggestions for nearby towns that aren't super expensive (when I say that, I mean our max is about $850 a mth to rent).

Thank you so much for your input!

[le roi]

Wrightsville Beach is too expensive for that. Typically all you find for less than $1000 are 500sqft condos.

Most 3BR / 2BA houses in Wilmington run $900 - $1100, but I'd be willing to be you could maybe find a house for $850/mo. There may be some drawbacks involved in terms of quality or location. I pay $1000/mo for a 1950's 3br/1ba rancher in an "okay" area, and this house has its fair share of problems.

As you go further out, away from Wilmington, into the southern part of New Hanover county, or into Pender County, or Brunswick County, that $850/mo probably becomes more achievable.

[suedonym]

yeah, you wont be able to find rent that cheap in wrightsville. not for what you are wanting anyways.

follow le roi's advice...

[Time2Travel]

Yea you'll need $2000+ per month to rent a descent house at Wrightsville. If you want to be walking distance to the ocean and find rent for $850 or less you've really only got two viable options and that's North Topsail or Oak Island. Carolina Beach possibly if you're willing to live in something old and small but $850 might still be a stretch.