Reviews & Comments
Wilmington, NC
Happiness depends on where you live in Wilmington -
1/11/2012I concur with many of the other reviewers about interaction with the natives. I'm a native of North Carolina but I lived in NY for 30 years. The nastiness you get from the natives here in Wilmington is largely a result of the changing economics and demographics of this area. People who lived here for generations have been uprooted from their homes by developers through their political connections and displaced by Suburban sprawl. Cost of living has increased significantly here while working class wages and employment opportunities have fallen. Their resentment however misplaced falls squarely on the newcomers. Just like living in NYC If someone gives you a hard time give it to them right back, you will get more respect.
Crime is largely theft due to the poor employment opportunities for low income people and substance abuse. Personal safety is no worse than any other urban area. Like any city you learn where not to go and when not to be there. I live near downtown and crime has not been an issue for the 7 years I have been here. One car broken into last year has been the extent of it on my street.
I like living near downtown, We are in an older neighborhood adjacent to GreenField Lake Park.It is very artsy and liberal so newcomers are well accepted. We have friends and neighbors from all over the economic,racial and social spectrum. For us it was a welcome change from living in uptight NY suburbs.
We also don't encounter the traffic congestion that the suburbs experience Banking,groceries,bars and restaurants are within walking/biking distance.
I like sailing and this area is just fantastic for sailing! Same goes for fishing or just laying on the beach. Very costly to live on the water here. It's best to buy a good trailer that is easy to launch from atone of the numerous free boat ramps.