North Carolina News | Inner Banks Marina Communities

Published on March 9, 2013

As Baby Boomers contemplate moving to the south, one of the biggest stumble blocks might be adjusting from a metropolitan city life to rural country living. We believe the secret to success lies in plugging into a friendly master planned community and a destination-style neighborhood you wouldn't want to leave. For example, communities who offer an active daily lifestyle behind its gated entrance, communities with friendly social clubs, playful amenities and conveniences such as clubhouse dining. These are attributes we look for as we search for the best places to retire in the South. Our travels continued this week to the northern end of coastal North Carolina.

Here’s what’s happening at communities on the Albemarle Sound:

ALBEMARLE PLANTATION - INNER BANKS MARINA COMMUNITY

On the ride in, don’t let the rural landscape fool you. This refined best master planned community has fantastic curb appeal after you pass through the 24 hour gated entrance. Ablemarle Plantation offers a traditional country club lifestyle and is popular with retirees. There were 8 homes under construction and approximately 450 homes have already been built. Architectural styles reflect the Tidewater coastal cottage and traditional brick. New model homes are available to explore. Albemarle Plantation reports 22 closed sales in 2012. Most of the residents live here year round.

As we enjoyed our morning coffee overlooking the deepwater marina, we watched joggers and walkers pass us by as they walked the golf course cart paths. Unlike any other golf course we’ve seen, Albemarle Plantation encourages walking and jogging the cart paths before 7:30am and after 7:00pm. There were just as many smiling walkers and joggers as happy dogs. This Inner Banks marina community is pet friendly and is our 2013 Bliss Award Winner as Best North Carolina Community of the Year.

Albemarle Plantation also has a super active yacht club. Sea Tow and the local Rescue Squad are based at the marina. Capital improvements planned in 2013 at include re-decking the marina docks, replacing and upgrading the greens on the golf course, upgrading the golf cart fleet and completing the Recreation Center adding fitness equipment, tennis courts and outdoor sports to the complex. A resident asked us if there is anything we would recommend to make Albemarle Plantation even better. Harvey, here’s your answer. A small marina store offering staples such as milk, bread, eggs and soda. This would benefit transient boaters and provide a quick stop and shop for property owners. After our visit, we raised Albemarle Plantation’s score from 72 to 76. If you are looking for an Inner Banks marina community, here’s another important reason Albemarle Plantation has an advantage over other Inner Banks areas. The Albemarle Sound water is fresh water reducing the wear and tear on boats. If you’d like to receive more information about Albemarle Plantation, Hertford and Edenton, write info@communityfinder.com. We’re happy to mail a package to you right away.

SCOTCH HALL PRESERVE - INNER BANKS MARINA COMMUNITY

Of the 11 coastal North Carolina communities we’ve seen this week, Scotch Hall Preserve shows the most dramatic improvement since our last visit. There were 7 homes under construction bringing the total built home count to 11. Five of the homes are part of their new pastel colored cottage collection. These are small footprint homes from 1,276 - 1,579 square feet and are priced from the low $200k’s to the high $300k’s. From what we see developing, Scotch Hall Preserve may be unfolding into a more of a second home community and a family coastal weekend escape. Raleigh, Washington D.C., Richmond, and Norfolk are all located within a half a day's drive.

The community’s swim complex with a resort-style swimming pool, super-sized hot tub and large children’s playground were almost complete and are expected to open Memorial Day Weekend. The full service 92 boat slip marina was under construction. The first 17 wet slips are scheduled to be completed the summer. Scotch Hall Preserve is a debt free Inner Banks marina community overlooking the Albemarle Sound with a 24 hour gated entrance and championship Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course. The golf course has been named the “Jewel of the Inner Banks” by Golf Digest. After you see the Ablemarle Sound panoramic views from the bluffs, it will be hard to disagree. We have raised Scotch Hall Preserve’s score from 69 to 73. If you’re interested in seeing the Scotch Hall Preserve's new cottage floor plans, write info@communityfinder.com. We’ll send you a package right away along with the list of social events happening this year at the community.

We found this area very attractive and are headed back on Tuesday to see more. We’ll let you know if we find more quality Inner Banks marina communities.