Beaufort nc : North carolina

What Beaufort NC is like for active adults

Just south of Morehead City, Beaufort North Carolina is a charming and friendly small town of 4200 by the sea. Pronounced Bow-furt, it is not to be confused with the South Carolina city of the same name, pronounced B'yoo-furt. The Hatteras barrier islands sweep away to the east; ferries will take you to beaches on nearby barrier islands.

This old seaport has history and beautiful housing – many homes sport historic plaques. The pirate Blackbeard lived here in the 1700’s, leaving his young (and 14th!) wife a widow. The Town Hall is on a green with banyan trees, while the commercial center is on the old port. There are a surprisingly high number of excellent restaurants here. Remarking on what it is like to live here, our innkeeper at the lovely Old Seaport Inn said that she was blown away after moving to town last year from Cape Cod. People went out of their way to introduce themselves, brought over fresh baked bread, and urged her to join many of the town's social venues.

Beaufort is a top rated community for adults over 55, particularly if you like living in a small coastal town with a relaxed pace of life. In town most people live in small historic homes. Just outside of town are many active adult communities with homes and condominiums oriented around boating (the Intercoastal runs through here) and golf.

Real estate is solid as so many northerners and “half-backs” (northerners who moved halfway back from Florida) flock to the Carolinas. Nearby communities include Knotts Island, Harbers Island, and Morehead City. The median price of a home in Beaufort was just under $200,000 in mid-2009 according to City-Data, but prices will vary according to location and size.

For more about retiring in North Carolina or list of North Carolina active adult communities

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What is special about this retirement community

• Water and beaches everywhere • History and charm of an old seaport • Antique housing stock • Walk or bike around town • Central downtown with many outstanding restaurants • NOAA, UNC and Duke all have research facilities in the area

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What is not special about this retirement community

It is a small town far from any major city. Lots of tourists and boaters in season.

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What kinds of people like retiring here

Beachgoers, boaters, fishermen, antiquers. People who want to live in a compact, historic, and charming small town on the water.

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Local economy is driven by

Tourism, Port of Morehead City, scientific research centers, services

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Climate and Physical Environment

Beaufort is in the middle of North Carolina’s Atlantic Ocean coast. It juts into the Atlantic with water on all side. Many barrier islands and bays make it a boater’s paradise.

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Cultural environment

Beaufort has a strong library (Carteret County) that is open 4 nights per week. Although there is not a large cultural infrastructure in such a small town, there is quite a bit going on nearby. The Beaufort Historical Association is active. So is the Old Beaufort Homes and Gardens Tour. There is the Robert and Elva Faison Safrit Historical Center and the NC Maritime Museum. Carteret Community College and its Joslyn Hall provide many cultural events to the area. The Chyrstal Coast Civic Center is nearby. The Craven Dance Arts Council & Gallery (in New Bern) offers cultural opportunities.

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Medical facilities

Carteret General Hospital is 7 miles away in Morehead City.

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Transportation

The nearest airport is Cherry Point NCAS, about 21 miles away. In 2007 daily service was announced between New Bern and Atlanta via the Delta Connection.

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Facts about BEAUFORT NC

State: NC
Environment: Coastal,Small Town,
City Population: Less than 10,000
Median age of Population: 25-44
Avg Jan Temperature: 41-60
Median HH Income: 20,001-40,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $100,000-$200,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: Less than 2000
Total Crime Index: 81-90 (low)
Cost of Living Index: 101-110 (slightly above average)
Culture Index: 91-100 (slightly below average)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: Yes
Name of the Guide: boomer1

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