Hey Ed -Hello,
Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Ed Siegel.
My wife and I are starting to look for retirement properties, focusing in NC.
We are currently in Syracuse, NY (can stand the cold).
We've visited the Greensboro area (relatives), Raleigh area, and Charlotte of course. and liked the areas.
Some old friends (know them a long time...they are not old) just moved to New Bern...and all of the information they have sent us about their new community looks really interesting. Will probably visit in the spring. Fairfield Harbor community.
We have some requirements....
Considering a community (55+ ?) that has activities and amenities.....good way to meet people since we don't really know anyone down there.
Not in the middle of no place (my wife likes to be near shopping)
We both need space for our hobbies (she does lots of crafts....beading, sewing, and ALL the others....so she needs a room (or two)
I, of course, need a shop. I'm basically a turner (bayberrycrafts.com) but would like a full shop now that I won't have to waste my time going to an office. (in NY we have basements....where do you put your shop?)
A woodworking or woodturning club in the area would be nice.
So....my question is...where should we be looking? Any communities that fit our needs? Any insight would be helpful.
hopefully I'll get to meet some of you when I get down their.
Ed
Welcome to NC. We've been here 35+ years and have really loved it. As you mentioned, the weather in upstate NY isn't the best. I'm from Buffalo and my wife is from Liverpool (right off 57 in Bayberry . . . . wondering if there is a connection to your craft website?). We live in Raleigh and have a place at Lake Gaston where many people retire. If you ever decide you want to check out the lake area, I'd be happy to take you around by boat and show you what Lake Gaston has to offer.
Good luck choosing a retirement spot - you have many great options in NC!
Rick