Market Report - New Bern North Carolina
Our research this week took us to coastal North Carolina in search of Inner Banks marina communities and the best neighborhoods to live in the New Bern area. As we dug deeper, we wondered what’s drawing people to this 300 year old city on the Neuse River? Walk around town and you’ll find the friendliest people who are quick to say hello. Downtown New Bern has yummy restaurants, retro boutiques and Mitchell’s Hardware Store who offers everything from motor oil to romantic candles. Tryon Palace is New Bern’s landmark tourist attraction and is a step back into the history about the state of North Carolina. MACS Cherry Point military base adds a patriot flavor to the region along with the echoing sounds of freedom. Exploring New Bern wouldn’t be complete without following the “Bear Tracks Hunt”, over 30 life-size painted bears hidden all over New Bern. Take a peek at a great three minute video produced by the New Bern Visitors Center: New Bern Video
Life in New Bern revolves around the water. Its protected Pamlico Sound is a natural safe haven for boaters and a water playground. Sailboats are the most common water vessels docked in all the marinas. There are a number of quality master planned communities we’ve found in the area such as River Dunes and Fairfield Harbour. Arlington Place is another and has a community boat dock and permitted 100 boat slip marina. The common thread we observed with all the communities mentioned here is slower sales when you compare New Bern activity to Wilmington NC.
To us, the core component missing in the area is brand name shopping and many of the strip shopping centers along Highway 70 need a facelift. However Target, J C Penney, a Wal-Mart Super Center and Belk’s are located in New Bern. New Bern, Oriental and Newport offer a small town way of life and a safe place to live on the mainland for boaters who love quick access to the Outer Banks from the water. Ocracoke Island and Cape Hatteras are just across the Pamilco Sound. The region overall is low density and is surrounded by beautiful farm land.
Here’s the latest information about North Carolina coastal communities in the New Bern area:
RIVER DUNES - INNER BANKS PRIVATE MARINA COMMUNITY
Our first stop was at River Dunes, our 2013 Bliss Award Winner for Best Coastal Community of the Year. This relatively new Nantucket-style Inner Banks marina community in Oriental NC has incredible charm and curb appeal. To us, it was like finding treasure at the end of a rainbow. Grace Harbor Club is the centerpiece of the village overlooking the marina. Their well designed clubhouse’s decor could easily jump of the pages of a Coastal Living Magazine. Four homes were under construction adding to the neighborhoods elegant Tidewater coastal cottage and Charleston-style architecture. 34 homes have already been built to date.
River Dunes shared with us that they have retired their bank debt thanks to a new equity investment group out of Florida who caught the long term vision for River Dunes after analyzing their master plan. This investment group also acquired the 1,200 acre island across the waterway from River Dunes and the island has 11 miles of shoreline. On next year’s planning board, a quaint 12 unit Inn at the River Dunes village. This close knit Inner Banks marina community is deeply involved with the local community hosting charitable events such as the Leukemia Cup Regatta and Bike MS. If you’re searching for waterfront property and are interested in experiencing the River Dunes lifestyle for a weekend, ask us about how to stay at their cozy guest cottages.
CAROLINA COLOURS - NEW BERN GOLF COMMUNITY
Development began in 2005. The Carolina Colours golf course is open to the public. Carolina Colours informed us their planned swimming complex and tennis courts are scheduled to break ground this month and should be open for residents to enjoy by Memorial Day weekend. Still on the planning board, a commercial shopping complex with a Harris Teeter’s grocery store connected to the community. When this is built, this will add value to Carolina Colours attracting buyers who want to live within walking distance of shopping. As a newer New Bern golf community, lots are still available to build your home. Lot prices begin in the mid $50k’s or new homes begin in the mid $200k’s. Ask us for more information.
TABERNA COUNTRY CLUB - NEW BERN GOLF COMMUNITY
We stopped into the club to find out the status of its Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. We were informed membership is holding steady at around 410 members and no new financing has been obtained. Taberna Country Club was busy with social club activities and golfers. One of the members was quick to introduce herself welcoming us to the neighborhood. Results paid off after the club’s fund raising efforts to seed the greens. The golf course looked great as well as the community. On the planning board, a poolside tiki bar open during the summer months. Taberna Country Club also has a four lighted Har-Tru tennis courts adjacent to the clubhouse. This New Bern golf community has been around for a long time. Brick homes are the most common architectural style. Re-sale home prices begin in the mid $200k’s.
NEWLY APPROVED COMMUNITIES:
FAIRFIELD HARBOUR - INNER BANKS MARINA COMMUNITY
Built in the 1970’s, this established gated community was built as a timeshare resort although it offers much more. The timeshare villas and condominiums are located by the community’s marina and wellness center. The community’s two gated neighborhoods offer primarily two lifestyles, deepwater home living with no fixed bridges or homes overlooking the golf course. The Harbour Pointe golf course is understated as well as its grill room. Both neighborhood’s curb appeal are attractive. We found an area on the golf side with newly built homes. On the deepwater side, many of the streets lead to cul-de-sacs with deepwater homes seated on a peninsular or on deepwater canals. Buyers searching to park their sailboat behind their New Bern deepwater home won’t want to miss exploring Fairfield Harbour. We did notice a number of vacant lots available to build a home. Ask us to send you the latest MLS listings.
The Fairfield Harbour community amenities are owned by the two timeshare management companies and are accessible to residents for a fee. Amenities include a Recreation Center with an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, two lighted tennis courts and a children’s putt putt golf course. Northwest Creek Marina manages the large New Bern marina which has 268 boat slips available for boats up to 60 feet. Adjacent to the marina is Dockside, a waterfront restaurant and bar providing live music and dancing on the weekends. The marina’s location is noteworthy because of its close proximity to downtown New Bern. Fairfield Harbour is located beyond the city limits saving money on real estate taxes. Blackbeard’s Sailing Club and Marina is also located within the gates of Fairfield Harbour.
ARLINGTON PLACE - INNER BANKS COMMUNITY WITH MARINA PLANNED
This New Bern marina community originally launched in 2006 by Kitty Hawk Land Company. We were informed 5 lots were sold in 2012. As we drove through the community, we observed approximately 8 homes built spread out around the community. Approximately 800 homes are planned in total. The curb appeal is attractive. Amenities include a clubhouse with swimming pool, two lighted tennis courts, a outfitters riverfront pavilion with a fishing pier and a community boat dock with a dozen slips. We were informed 100 wet slips at their proposed full service New Bern marina have been permitted. No date has been set for construction. A gated entrance is also in place. There were a number of homes under construction including a small foot print 900 square foot outfitters cottage. We anticipate it will take about 20 years for this project to reach substantial completion. If you don’t mind getting in early, this New Bern neighborhood is worth taking a look.
We hope you find our Market Reports a great starting point to help you with your search for where to retire in North Carolina. If you’d like an information package about any of these communities, please let us know by writing info@communityfinder.com or call us toll free at 866.384.1799.
