Living a Boating Lifestyle in New Bern, North_Carolina

New Bern, North Carolina is a historic town. Because it is located where 2 rivers join to meet the Pamlico Sound on the Southeastern coast of North Carolina, it makes an extraordinary opportunity for people for whom boating is a big part of their lives. Several communities have homes with attached slips. This city of nearly 29,000 has a 56 square block tree lined historic district for folks who would like to live in or near a real town. The city, originally settled by Swiss and Germans, is the second oldest town in North Carolina and also one of its fastest growing. It is known as a particularly friendly and welcoming place with a lower than average cost of living.  There is ample retail shopping in New Bern with malls, large department stores, as well as specialty shops and boutiques. There are many excellent restaurants in the area. Photo of Stanly House courtesy of Wikipedia and Smallbones.

Where to Retire in New Bern and Home Prices

Many of the Federal and Georgian style homes in the historic district have been lovingly restored by people who have moved here in retirement, and there are many others that are waiting to be brought back to their former glory. Other, more modest neighborhoods such as Village Woods and Derby Park are also available in town. Outside of town there are many active adult developments to choose from (see New Bern Active Communities link at right). They offer every type of amenity from golf to tennis to marinas. For those who need more assistance in their daily living there are many assisted living and retirement homes to choose from.
Cost-of-living and property taxes in New Bern are lower than the national average. As in much of the country, home prices have been changing fast in New Bern. In mid-2021, the median home value was $186,927, up about 10% over the past year, according to Zillow.

What Is Special about New Bern

• Picturesque and historic town on the water • Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Gardens • Croatan National Forest • Historic neighborhoods and homes • Vital downtown shopping • Lively cultural scene • Friendly town with lower than average cost of living • Just a short drive to the beaches of the Outer Banks •Birthplace of Pepsi

What Is Not Special about New Bern

For those looking for a big city, it is not. The crime rate is above average although not in the neighborhoods most retirees would be living in.

Climate and Physical Environment

New Bern is located 35 miles inland from the Outer Banks in Southeastern North Carolina. The Neuse and Trent rivers meet here and empty into the Pamlico Sound. It is a tidewater savanna. The average July high is 88 and the average January low is 34. August is usually the rainiest month.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

The New Bern Civic Theatre features plays and other entertainment. The Bank of the Arts, the New Bern Academy Museum, and the Craven Dance Arts Council and Gallery also provide cultural enjoyment. The Crystal Coast Civic Center is another active venue. Craven Community College is here and provides cultural opportunities. The library is part of the Craven/Pamlico/Carteret Regional Library system. There are frequent festivals that bring many people the charming downtown area that has several interesting restaurants.

Crime

The crime rate is higher than average in NC and the U.S.

Medical Facilities

Craven Regional Medical Center

Transportation

The Coastal Carolina Airport in New Bern has daily service to Atlanta via American Airlines.

Valuable Links

New Bern Visitors Center

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