6 things I wish I knew before moving to Wilmington, NC

[@kingsledge]

I moved here in July of 2021 from Nebraska. I researched the area and vacationed here for 3 years prior to moving. Im a single man, renting, and in a trades industry. Here are some things I wish I knew. 1) Lack of walkable neighborhoods. Most neighborhoods do not have sidewalks. I currently live very near downtown and want to walk for dinner or to the river walk. However, I don't feel safe walking in the street to get there. 2) While there are a lot of apartments, most have been built in the last 10-15 years as luxury living. This means rent prices are very high. It is allowing older places to get away with crazy high rent for what they offer because it's at least cheaper than the new ones. If you do see a nice place open up and it's affordable, don't hesitate because it will be gone tomorrow. 3) This one I did kind of know, but found out it was way better than I thought. Because of the growth, construction and trade workers are in high demand. You can make a lot here in those fields. I'm making over double what I was 5 years ago in Nebraska.

[@janroggeman1stClass]

Thanks for sharing your perspective! Good points indeed.

[@henrybrasser4364]

Moved here 35 years ago...l have a lot wishes too, all in all not bad. Came from the southshore of L.I.

[@piscesrising6533]

I too live in Wilmington since 2004, I recommend a Berkey water purification system. I’ve had mine for almost 10 years and I love it! I take the water straight from the tap and put it right into the Berkey and it tastes amazing.

[@janroggeman1stClass]

That's a great piece of information. Thanks for sharing!

[@richardnordt7218]

We came from NJ and all these points are spot on.

[@BologneseJones]

You gotta go back home to your tasty water . Don't move here. Get your green grass .

[@realtordorisrgarcia]

Loved your video! I am a Realtor that just moved here and also moved blindly and didn't think twice but still loving it so far! Hope to work a deal with you soon!

[@janroggeman1stClass]

Thank you and Welcome! It's a great area with plenty to do. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

[@HighwayRogue]

Incredibly helpful thank you

[@janroggeman1stClass]

I sincerely appreciate the feedback.

[@blueeyedqueen2771]

Thank you for sharing! We just moved here and I couldn’t agree more on all of your points! My homeowners insurance increased triple fold as well. I was also pretty shocked as to the price of food here too! Its a lot more expensive than anywhere I’ve lived before! Again, thanks for sharing!

[@janroggeman1stClass]

You're welcome. I hope you enjoy the area as much as I do!

[@mamari64]

I’m surprised that you’re surprised about your homeowners insurance. Quite a few hurricanes and bad storms come through there. Hurricane Hazel in the 1950’s had a 17 ft storm surge…

[@leighannhannel5016]

Y’all have trashed my home town 😢

[@kennethstuckey7823]

Yes they have! See what greediness does! It destroys everything and everyone!

[@mamari64]

These are the most ridiculous, superficial reasons I’ve ever heard of… did you really think you’d snap your fingers and it would be just what you left but warmer? Go back up north…

[@tommybarnhart6023]

I hear tiny violins 🎻 playing 😭😭

[@SLD-wu5bh]

Probably you need to stop changing our ecosystem.. when you invade someone else's town.. you should adapt to their culture.. climate and natural environment.. plant native species in native soil..

[@SLD-wu5bh]

Also you did not just "decide" to move to Wilmington.. you were lured here by the 5 land developers who stated in 2015 they were going to double the population here by 2020.. so basically it was a get rich quick scheme for the city wide "infill " project.. to destroy our coastline

[@Kalmar917]

Live 30 minutes inland from Wilmington and you will be good. Close enough to the water to get there everyday during the weekend and far enough you won’t have these worries. Don’t get ocean front because even with insurance you may not get your house back at all on your property because of erosion issues. In the end for me Wilmington is the best place to live in the US.

[@brianwhite1189]

Can you give me the name of a few cities 30 minutes East of Wilmington that you would recommend? Thanks!

[@Kalmar917]

@@brianwhite1189 It depends where you are in your life. Are you single? Married with young kids? Married with older kids? Retired?

[@brianwhite1189]

@@Kalmar917 Retired, single, active and grew up near Venice/Santa Monica, California beaches. After thirty-two years in Seattle area would love to return to a nice place like Wilmington with beautiful beaches, seafood, sailing and nice people. Apartments in Wilmington are over my budget but wouldn't mind a bit of a drive to the beach. Would be great to hear your recommendations. Oh, and I forgot to mention that I'll be looking for an apartment. Thanks!

[@brianwhite1189]

@@Kalmar917 I'm seeing affordable apartments in Wilmington on several apartment websites, contrary to what KZbin comments say. Think I just need to visit.

[@Kalmar917]

@@brianwhite1189 There is affordable places to live there. Most of those very expensive places are along the beach. It is nowhere near as expensive as the places near RTP where there is real growth going on but that area is about 2 - 3 hours away.

[@MrHood666]

This was great, thanks man

[@janroggeman1stClass]

I appreciate that.

[@Deerych]

I was in Wilmington, NC this past weekend for a conference in downtown. It was surprisingly underwhelming and outdated. All of the wasteland surrounding you as you drive into downtown was an eyesore, like the elephant grave yard in Lion King. We did find 2 favorite spots in Downtown. We had some great food at Big Toney's ; some of the best Clam Chowder I've ever had. And we had an absolute blast at this speak easy called Earnest Money & Sons. Impeccable craft cocktails and great service! Outside of that...the city feels old, raggedy, weird, awkward, and left behind. It attempting to revitalize but still fighting progress.

[@janroggeman1stClass]

It certainly has it's pros and cons. I wouldn't say it's the right spot to live for everyone, but I do believe there is something for everyone here! Glad to hear you had some fun!

[@hdrolling]

I'm in NC but now retired and single, Wilmington is on my top 3 list to move to just to be closer to the coast. Guessing since I'll only need a smaller 2-3 bedroom for when the kids/grandkids come to visit shouldn't be too expensive. And since they live in NC I'll only be no more a couple hours away.

[@janroggeman1stClass]

That sounds great! If I can help in any way, let me know

[@Sunnysideup210]

Very informative. Living in Raleigh and have been toying with a move. Lots to consider.

[@janroggeman1stClass]

Both areas are in a state of rapid growth, that's for sure! Let me know if you have any specific questions and I'd be happy to give you my honest feedback.

[@mikehartmann5187]

Many lawns in the New Hanover/Brunswick/Pender county use Centipede grass, a heat and relatively dry tolerant grass that is largely unknown to northerners. Centipede is a poor soil quality grass, and over-fertilizing it can do far more harm than good. Once per year is really all you should fertilize centipede grass. In the peak of summer Centipede can get by on once a week watering. After roughly a week without water in mid-summer Centipede will start to brown out. Personally, being used to bluegrass and other northern grass species, I don’t care much for Centipede grass - it has a rough texture and it reminds me more of a ground hugging weed than a grass. It is what it is though. Cut centipede grass fairly short, water it once a week, (beware municipal water is not cheap IMO, and summer water bills can add up quickly) fertilize it once a year and you’ll be fine. Also note that centipede grass creeps laterally and will, over time, fill in bare spots. And be aware Centipede grass seed is surprisingly expensive. Sorry for the long post. Look up centipede grass care because there is more to it than this!

[@chilloften]

Indeed, the food from grocery has two taxes put on it. WTF?!! Who voted for that BS? And…pay to park to see a beach.

[@danjwalker]

Pay to park seems to be seasonal? My dad/stepmom just moved there and I just visited for two weeks and the beach parking was free until March 30th. Also, there's a separate option that's expensive if you want to drive your vehicle onto the beach and park on the sand. This was at Carolina Beach.

[@kevinkool3]

Had you known those 6 things ahead of time would they have prevented you from actually moving to Wilmington? Btw when I built my house in 1992 in Hampstead close to the Intracoastal Waterway none of those 6 points were much of an issue. Fortunately I still have good tasting well water! The slight smell of sulfur only occurs when the tap hasn't been opened for days & then it dissipates quickly. Fortunately, with foresight, over time I bought the four "reasonably" priced (would be unaffordable to me these days!) vacant densely wooded lots surrounding my house's wooded property. It's like having my own oasis as residential growth quickly continues around me. Year round no neighbors' houses can be seen..... & I have no need for grass! & the maintenance that always comes with it. After the devastating effects of Hurricane Fran in 1996 (how quickly Topsail (BARRIER!) Island forgot & construction went nuts since then!!) not only did building codes improve immensely, but at the same time that was the beginning of rapidly increased wind/hail property insurance. Other intense tropical storms along the coast there have also added to the higher premium cost. Currently what irks me is having to pay a fee to park at the beach on Topsail Island which just began two summers ago. It's not cheap & especially if you get rained out as soon as you lay out a towel etc on the sand which can often happen. Happy though to have good memories of the beach near the high rise bridge at North Topsail that once had two rows of high dunes (taken out by H. Bertha & H. Fran the same summer) & the low population not too long ago. Oh, must not forget the shrimp lady!! Daily she marketed the best super fresh shrimp from the back of her truck close to that high rise bridge until her sad death. The road right there is named Shrimp Lady La.

[@janroggeman1stClass]

Thanks for your story! I always find it super interesting hearing about people's journeys. I've got friends here that used to go to school in the gov't annex, and in their mind it's recent (isn't every recollection we have nowadays 😂). I would still move here knowing these things. We all have the ability to go anywhere our hearts desire, and mine still desires this location. Be well and thanks again!

[@irenefranz4175]

Thanks for sharing… what happened to the shrimp lady?

[@nunyabizz2360]

I've been here for 14 years from Raleigh. I left 78K for less than 50K. Auto dealerships have absolutely no competition here. And they know it! And they could care less. What the newcomers do not realize is there are over 40 collision repair centers in Wilmington alone. And the reason for that is everyone is in such a damn hurry to get to the stoplight first. Wilmington is indeed reactive and never has been proactive. This city, make no mistake caters to the folks with money. You must understand that being born and raised here there was no in between you either had money or you did not. Those people are now scared to tell the newcomer bullies NO. Congratulations on making Wilmington no longer affordable as it was. Crime is astounding and we now have to make sure all our doors and windows are locked. If you're waiting for the city to make traffic any better it's not going to happen.

[@sharonh2991]

The water tastes different in every part of the country. Even within the state I live in, since many of the cities have their own water municipalities, the water tastes different between each city. I live in a major city and we have really fresh tasting water straight from the tap.

[@susanedmonson1208]

you should re think fertilizer..nitrates, looking to change NC.

[@haesookvip]

There are no jobs, no public transportation, summer is as hot as the desert, vicious cokroaches and mosquitoes. I'm moving out next year, my journey won't end. Good luck everyone!

[@danny_Kitty]

This should be "6 things a rich person wish they knew before moving to Wilmington, NC" Rich people problems.

[@michaelciccone2194]

Northern transplants coming into Wilmington.....more problems. NJ and NY drivers thinking that they can drive recklessly like they did up North.

[@hsserry5289]

You should thank bid that the taxes are very reasonable in N.C. In general and in Wilmington in particular!

[@annamariacaftanista]

I moved here from Los Angeles 30 years ago. I get it. 😀 I'm at Olde Point counting down the days for the new bypass to open. Some days it's a 20 minute wait at the intersections of 17 and Country Club or Transfer Station, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I'm in love with coastal NC, particularly Hampstead and Surf City, I'm a UNCW alumna, and I am grateful to be here instead of in southern California. Hampstead is definitely my happy place.

[@janroggeman1stClass]

I couldn't agree more.

[@JLOVE512]

Grass won't grow green due to the water situation here. Not a place for singles.

[@sirvictorgreenblade9469]

Hi, I'm getting ready to graduate college in NC and i am looking for a job in news, whether that be Broadcast or Print. Currently looking for a smaller town that's safe, scenic and has a decent price on Apartments and I'm wondering if you have any suggestions and would you suggest Wilmington? Also how dangerous would it be to live there during Hurricane seasons?

[@janroggeman1stClass]

Well, I wouldn't say Wilmington has decent prices on apartments. Apartments are in high demand right now in this area. Everybody's tolerance for what would be considered safe is different. I can tell you that I don't fear the area or hurricanes. Sure, a hurricane can be scary, but you'll have plenty of time to leave if it's going to be more risk than you are willing to tolerate. I had no concerns bringing my young children here to grow up (many years now) and it's honestly been the best decision my wife and I have made. We love the area, all of it's flaws included.

[@jeffrian2374]

You can move back!

[@janroggeman1stClass]

Thanks for the support! I appreciate it.

[@chuckdinkel8569]

Same old story, relocate trying to change someone else’s home to try to keep your old life. Please consider yourself as a guest in my home.

[@lindefann8311]

Your home? If they move to Wilmington then it's their home too. Unless you own the whole of Wilmington, which I doubt.

[@Lorenzo-ls3nt]

@@lindefann8311 Sounds like a response from a typical obnoxious, know it all Yankee. I'm fortunate enough to live in rural Columbus County, which is about 30 miles west of Wilmington. We don't have to deal with the Yankees out here. One thing I can't stand is when the Yankees start complaining about the foods that we don't have down here. What if I went to a grocery store, restaurant, or meat market in New York, Ohio, or New Jersey and I started complaining about how they don't have grits, liver pudding, pickled pigs feet, boiled peanuts, country ham, Brunswick stew, hushpuppies, or hog head cheese? Also, one of the reasons why Wilmington has so many traffic accidents is because they have more of those impatient Yankee drivers.

[@gordonking4360]

Left Wilmington in 1969 was a good place to live, by the late 1970's was not as good as it was.

[@iveybullard8988]

Not trying to sound rude, but was zero research done before moving here?

[@janroggeman1stClass]

LOL. No worries. I spent 3 years visiting the area and getting familiar with the surroundings before moving. We had a business to shut down before we could move and that had a timeline attached to it. But....there was very little information online 11 years ago when I began my journey. I also didn't know all of the questions to ask. So I put this video out to try and help others that may be considering making a move to this particular location. 😀

[@iveybullard8988]

@@janroggeman1stClass Maybe im just bitter about it here lol. I wouldnt have moved here haha But hey thanks for not taking offense to my question.

[@janroggeman1stClass]

😂@@iveybullard8988

[@iveybullard8988]

@@janroggeman1stClass Also, this video just popped up on my suggested, i did not realize you were a realtor. Just complete disregard my first question lol.

[@janroggeman1stClass]

@@iveybullard8988 Thank you for making me laugh out loud! I appreciate your candor!

[@AMPTechGrade]

This im realizing, it is MUCH CHEAPER than Raleigh and that’s a big deal

[@aettawilliams7466]

Wilmington NC is my home town and I love it here

[@janroggeman1stClass]

I fully agree with you. I too love it here.

[@robertmurphy440]

Buy bagged ice...bottled water. Use zoyiua grass..still cheaper then up north..traffic is major problem and gonna get only worse..plenty of restaurants. Low crime. Nice beaches..near all

[@Georgiagr-uf5kq]

You forgot about the genx in the water and the highest rate in colon cancer being diagnosed at Novant. We have the highest rate in the state for young ppl. Wect did a article on it. Lack of high paying jobs. The school systems are horrible. Please don't vote the same if you are moving from a blue state. Also the medical care here is shit. You'll have to go to UNC or Duke for major medical issues. Which is a pretty good drive for a doctor's appt.