Possible relocation to Wilmington area (Raleigh, Cary: apartments, rent, homes)

[NorthernNYER]

Hi everyone.. i'll apologize a head of time if this has been answered one too many times, however I haven't a lot of time to check to see if it's been discussed throughly or not.

I am living in way Upstate NY, above the ADKS and am thinking of moving to a warmer climate. I am having quite a hard time figuring out where to go however so I will list some of my "qualifications" and would love it if locals of the Wilmington area would give me some advice.

Close to a reasonably good sized city with culture, museums, parks for hiking, walking, biking, of course the beach . WARM (haha, it's 10 degrees here right now). I would like to live semi close to a downtown area where I could choose to walk to shops and restaurants. I'm not too worried about crime, I mean I am don't get me wrong however I lived in the N. Bronx for a year, taught in the S. Bronx and walked around like crazy so I'm sure it wouldn't be anything like that. I would be looking for a job in education teaching science specifically.

I know that's a long "laundry list" however I have been on this site forever and have seen many positives and negatives. I would like to get a better feel before I make arrangements to visit in person.

I'm not quite sure what my price range would be yet.. definitely renting, and thinking in the ballpark of 800's.

Any info anyone would like to share would be appreciated!!

Thanks!!

[jmarquise]

I would look at the raleigh area. many more jobs than wilmington and the cost of living is much lower. there is going to be a lot more to do there as well as it is a MUCH larger city. it's proximity to the mountains is also good for your hiking fix. wilmington is ok, but a larger city is going to be a better fit for you I think.

[NorthernNYER]

Thanks for the advice... I am looking for a medium sized city would Wilmington qualify as such? I haven't really checked out the Raleigh area so that will be next on my list. I will be teaching, so proximity to a school (with an opening of course) would be what I need in terms of a job.

What are some positives of living in both cities??

Thanks again for your help!

[Oyster07]

I can speak for both as I have lived in both cities. I was born and raised in Cary (right outside Raleigh). Have lived in 13 years in Wilmington. As far as an abundance of jobs, Wilmington is not your best bet. Unfortunately, there are many more jobs and higher salaries in the Raleigh area. If you're looking for teaching jobs, they would be available in both places. Not sure on the difference in pay. Someone posted a New Hanover County Schools job fair that is coming up. Use the search tool for the Coastal region to find the link or you could google. I would say rent would be about the same in both places for apartments and single family homes. Raleigh pop around 350,000, Wilmington pop around 125,000. Hope that helps

[NorthernNYER]

Thanks, it does help.. What are your reasons for staying in Wilmington as opposed to Raleigh? I do like large areas, but i'm looking for cham, close to a downtown area where you can walk around for shops, restaurants, museums... Is this possible in either area?

[jmarquise]

wilmington is much better for the retiree, as I have discovered. raleigh is a much bigger area and it's very spread out. you will find much more to do also. there really aren't too many advantages to wilmington. some would say the beach, but during the summer, the town gets so crowded that most locals don't go. downtown has some nice homes and buildings. you really get the "middle of nowhere" feeling in wilmington. on the other hand, raleigh is a really big area and traffic can get bad.

[NorthernNYER]

I am not opposed to retirees, however I am young (30) and am looking to start a social life haha... or at least return to one. I suppose I am just so attracted to the idea of being near the beaches, however I don't want to be bored out of my mind like where i'm currently living.

Thanks for the info!

[fortysixandtwo]

It sounds like your decision is made for all intents and purposes. Do not fall into the same trap thousands have with the glamour and appeal of the beach. You get here...you go a few times and fight the crowds...parking fees...cigarette butts...seaweed...dog crap among other things on the beach and it loses its appeal fast. Combine this with a horrible job market...dangerous roads and high cost of living and you bail. Don't do it. Raleigh is better and you are still close enough to visit the beach at your leisure.

[NorthernNYER]

Oh my decision is far from made... I have a lot of planning, research, and visiting to do. I would just love some sort of beach community near a medium sized city.. affordable of course (does one even exist? ) I am definitely going to be checking out Raleigh, have some family near the area.

I really appreciate all the info.. keep it coming!

[Oyster07]

It sounds like you might like the Mayfaire area in Wilmington. The downtown Wilmington area also sounds like something you might like where you are close enough to walk to things.

In Raleigh, you would probably be looking possibly in the Glenwood South area, which is pretty expensive. Anything inside the beltline is going to be very expensive (more expensive than inland Wilmington). There is also Brier Creek. Raleigh is definitely more spread out. I wouldn't say that Raleigh or Wilmington have an abundance of cummunities where you can easily walk to things. Sidewalks are much more prevalent in the Raleigh area. Wilmington is slowly catching up.

I am around your same age and can attest to there being many things to do for people your age in both areas. I would say Raleigh has more of a young professionals setting. Wilmington has it too, it's just smaller. In my opinion, people in Wilmington are more laid back than Raleigh.