Relocating to North Carolina Coast. Need Advice.

[J.D.Hogg]

As the title suggests, I'm wanting to get a bit closer to the water to pursue my interest in sailing and boating in general. I was wondering if anyone has any knowledge of the Albermarle Sound or other areas in the north-eastern part of the state. I'm trying to find someplace where I can afford to live on a students income, that also has an active maritime business/community. Quiet and rural are pluses as well.

[timgoz]

The Oriental, NC area is very nice. Water people for sure. There is a reasonably priced marina if you live aboard, called "Boondocks". They have a website. I've been to Oriental but not Boondocks. Found it while doing the same as you, researching a move to the NC coast. Nice folks down there.

Tim

[jehardiman]

Oriental is on the Neuse, he's looking more up towards Elizebeth City or Edenton on the Roanoke.

J.D., exactly what type of work are you looking for? That whole area is pretty rural and remote, mostly swamp and salt marsh along the sound. Out on the banks more toward Manteo the marine scene becomes more seasonal/sport fishing all clustered around the inlets.

Edit to add. My fathers family is from Durham, and he's retired down in Newport just east of Moorehead. I used to work at NNSY up in Chesapeake about 20 years ago and I'm often back that way.

[J.D.Hogg]

Yeah I was afraid it was mostly fishing/tourists up there in the NE. I did a quick search for sailboats for sale in NC and most of them seem to be in the SE.
I'm presently doing social work and would probably continue out there as it pays pretty well. I'm still finishing an Associates/transfer degree so thats my main occupation for now. My goal is to become a competent sailor and to purchase/build a boat of my own.

I'm pretty flexible as long as I can accomplish the above, continue in school and stay within a short distance of Richmond, VA (Family). Looking at google maps it seems that those more southern areas are actually as close to VA and Asheville (time wise) as the places I've been looking.

On second thought I'd be willing to scrape and paint or do maintenance etc.. as long as it's for good people and I can accomplish my goals. It'd be nice to work with my hands again, there getting too soft.

[jehardiman]

Yeah, water's a bit thin up there in the sound for sailing. You could look into the Moth Class and some restoration work run by The Museum of the Albemarle.

[J.D.Hogg]

thin = shallow?

Any recommendations for the South east, I've found some schools where I can continue my degree.