Reviews & Comments
New Bern, NC
Downtown in need of revitalization -
7/10/2009I have traveled to New Bern a few times for business. I enjoy walking along the Neuse River where there is sidewalk that starts at Union Point Park near the convention center and feeds into many directions of sidewalks that wind through downtown. The colonial homes in one neighborhood near the river are lovely, though many are in need of extensive work. It is a shame to see that many of these historic homes have been divided into apartments, which ruins their allure for prospective buyers that wanted to enjoy the whole home and would have to tear walls down and reconstruct the interiors to restore the former beauty of the homes. The roads in this neighborhood are narrow and in desperate need of repaving. But the homes are convenient to downtown and the well-sidewalked areas, which will be nice if this city sees true revitalization in the future.
The small historic downtown district is an enjoyable walk as well. Many of the streets are undergoing repaving, and there are numerous vacant stores, as well as empty lots for sale. I'd recommend that the city utilize the currently standing structures before building more since there does not seem to be high demand for retail space currently in New Bern. The stores and restaurants that are open are inviting (until 5pm when most close for the evening on weekdays!).
Sadly, the downtown district and colonial neighborhood are small, and just beyond them is dirty, run down, stores and residences (and projects). While you are in the downtown area it is easy to forget that. But as you drive on MLK towards the Carolina East Hospital (formerly Craven) it is evident that there is a large population of people likely living far below the poverty level. I have hopes that things will change because I do love the river area so much. I'll keep my eye on it, and you should visit as well and see what you think.
New Bern, NC
Adorable downtown in need of extensive revitalizat -
7/10/2009I have traveled to New Bern a few times for business. I enjoy walking along the Neuse River where there is sidewalk that starts at Union Point Park near the convention center and feeds into many directions of sidewalks that wind through downtown. The colonial homes in one neighborhood near the river are lovely, though many are in need of extensive work. It is a shame to see that many of these historic homes have been divided into apartments, which ruins their allure for prospective buyers that wanted to enjoy the whole home and would have to tear walls down and reconstruct the interiors to restore the former beauty of the homes. The roads in this neighborhood are narrow and in desperate need of repaving. But the homes are convenient to downtown and the well-sidewalked areas, which will be nice if this city sees true revitalization in the future.
The small historic downtown district is an enjoyable walk as well. Many of the streets are undergoing repaving, and there are numerous vacant stores, as well as empty lots for sale. I'd recommend that the city utilize the currently standing structures before building more since there does not seem to be high demand for retail space currently in New Bern. The stores and restaurants that are open are inviting (until 5pm when most close for the evening on weekdays!).
Sadly, the downtown district and colonial neighborhood are small, and just beyond them is dirty, run down, stores and residences (and projects). While you are in the downtown area it is easy to forget that. But as you drive on MLK towards the Carolina East Hospital (formerly Craven) it is evident that there is a large population of people likely living far below the poverty level. I have hopes that things will change because I do love the river area so much. I'll keep my eye on it, and you should visit as well and see what you think.