Beaufort NC : North Carolina


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Living a Beach Lifestyle in Beaufort NC, North_Carolina

Beaufort ,North Carolina is a charming and friendly small town of 4,200 by the sea. Pronounced Bow-furt, it is not to be confused with the South Carolina city of the same name, pronounced B'yoo-furt. The Hatteras barrier islands and their fabulous beaches sweep away to the east; or if you prefer, ferries will take you to beaches on nearby barrier islands.

This old seaport has history and beautiful housing – many homes sport historic plaques. The pirate Blackbeard lived here in the 1700’s, leaving his young (and 14th!) wife a widow. The Town Hall is on a green with banyan trees, while the commercial center is on the old port. There are a surprisingly high number of excellent restaurants in town, which cater to the many boaters who use this as a destination. Photo of downtown courtesy of Wikipedia and Aurora30.

Where to Retire in Beaufort NC and Home Prices

Beaufort is a top rated community for adults over 55, particularly if you like living in a small coastal town with a relaxed pace of life. In town most people live in small historic homes. Just outside of town are many active adult communities with homes and condominiums oriented around boating (the Intracoastal runs through here) and golf.
Real estate is solid as so many northerners and “half-backs” (northerners who moved halfway back from Florida) flock to the Carolinas. Nearby communities include Atlantic Beach, Harkers Island, and Morehead City. Prices will vary according to location and size. Zillow.com reports the median home value to be about $232,407 in mid-2020.

What Is Special about Beaufort NC

• Water and beaches everywhere • History and charm of an old seaport • Antique housing stock • Walk or bike around town • Central downtown with many outstanding restaurants • NOAA, UNC and Duke all have research facilities in the area.

What Is Not Special about Beaufort NC

It is a small town far from any major city. Lots of tourists and boaters in season.

Climate and Physical Environment

Beaufort is in the middle of North Carolina's Atlantic Ocean coast. It juts into the Atlantic with water on all side. Many barrier islands and bays make it a boater's paradise.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Beaufort has a strong library (Carteret County) that is open 4 nights per week; Although there is not a large cultural infrastructure in such a small town, there is quite a bit going on nearby; The Beaufort Historical Association is active, as is the Old Beaufort Homes and Gardens Tour. There is the Robert and Elva Faison Safrit Historical Center and the NC Maritime Museum; Carteret Community College and its Joslyn Hall provide many cultural events to the area; The Crystal Coast Civic Center is nearby; The Craven Dance Arts Council & Gallery (in New Bern) offers cultural opportunities.

Crime

The crime rate is slightly above average.

Medical Facilities

Carteret General Hospital is 7 miles away in Morehead City.

Transportation

Beaufort has an airport (Michael J. Smith Field), but the nearest commercial air service is in New Bern, about 37 miles away. New Bern is serviced by US Airways Express (Charlotte) and Delta Connection (Atlanta). Beaufort is a very walkable community when compared to other towns.