North Carolina Kids stuff....

[bjessen]

Okay, we just moved to Hampstead, NC (Wilmington area) from Phoenix, AZ in May 06. We lived in AZ for 3 yrs, San Diego, CA for 5 yrs; Lemoore/Hanford, CA (northern/central) for 1 yr; Kingsville, TX for around 6 months; Pensacola, FL for a 1 yr; I lived in Alexandria, VA for 1 yr; and I grew up in Annapolis, MD (DH grew up in St. Paul, MN). So, even though we're only in our mid 30s, we've moved a bit.

One thing that has impressed me a lot with NC are the amount of kid centered activities. We were impressed with San Diego & Phoenix too, but one thing that caught my attention here that I haven't seen before were some very well thought out drop-in childcare centers here in Wilmington. They also have similar ones in Raleigh, New Bern and Charlotte. It is a huge help for parents who have just moved to a new area and need someone to watch the kids when unpacking, new Drs appts, date night, etc....and haven't yet found a sitter that they can trust yet. The drop-in sites allow 1-4 hours...some longer on a case-by-case once they know the kids. The entire drop-in site has tons for the kids to do...my kids beg to go at least once a week, they have a blast. They are franchise type operations. All the childcare providers have been great there.

In Wilmington & New Bern the one we use is PlayDate (there are 2 others I believe...can find them in the local Parents magazine at grocery stores). The one in Raleigh we've used (they have 3 Raleigh/Durham locations) while shopping is Right Time Kids...they are also in Charlotte I believe.

Of course, there are the typical gymnastics, ballet, art, sports programs to be had here too....and plenty of musuems for kids.

I'd definitely recommend Wilmington as a place to live for families. Plenty to do, beaches (mountains within a day drive too) relatively affordable housing, enough upscale shopping for a small town (MayFaire Center is particularly good), and the big city...Raleigh or Charlotte..take your pick...only 2 hours away. As mentioned, we are in Hampstead...about 15 minutes in the "country" from Wilmington....very affordable here, still have grocery store and a Port City Java coffee shop with drive through window...what more do ya need

[a1m1700]

Originally Posted by bjessen

Okay, we just moved to Hampstead, NC (Wilmington area) from Phoenix, AZ in May 06. We lived in AZ for 3 yrs, San Diego, CA for 5 yrs; Lemoore/Hanford, CA (northern/central) for 1 yr; Kingsville, TX for around 6 months; Pensacola, FL for a 1 yr; I lived in Alexandria, VA for 1 yr; and I grew up in Annapolis, MD (DH grew up in St. Paul, MN). So, even though we're only in our mid 30s, we've moved a bit.

One thing that has impressed me a lot with NC are the amount of kid centered activities. We were impressed with San Diego & Phoenix too, but one thing that caught my attention here that I haven't seen before were some very well thought out drop-in childcare centers here in Wilmington. They also have similar ones in Raleigh, New Bern and Charlotte. It is a huge help for parents who have just moved to a new area and need someone to watch the kids when unpacking, new Drs appts, date night, etc....and haven't yet found a sitter that they can trust yet. The drop-in sites allow 1-4 hours...some longer on a case-by-case once they know the kids. The entire drop-in site has tons for the kids to do...my kids beg to go at least once a week, they have a blast. They are franchise type operations. All the childcare providers have been great there.

In Wilmington & New Bern the one we use is PlayDate (there are 2 others I believe...can find them in the local Parents magazine at grocery stores). The one in Raleigh we've used (they have 3 Raleigh/Durham locations) while shopping is Right Time Kids...they are also in Charlotte I believe.

Of course, there are the typical gymnastics, ballet, art, sports programs to be had here too....and plenty of musuems for kids.

I'd definitely recommend Wilmington as a place to live for families. Plenty to do, beaches (mountains within a day drive too) relatively affordable housing, enough upscale shopping for a small town (MayFaire Center is particularly good), and the big city...Raleigh or Charlotte..take your pick...only 2 hours away. As mentioned, we are in Hampstead...about 15 minutes in the "country" from Wilmington....very affordable here, still have grocery store and a Port City Java coffee shop with drive through window...what more do ya need

I'm from Phoenix too and moving to Charlotte. I was in Wilmington back in August and broke my ankle at Carolina Beach Anyway I have to say Cape Fear Hospital is TOP NOTCH! I had surgery and had to stay overnight and they treated me like a queen. I also had the best surgeon Dr. Richard Moore a graduate of Duke University and a heck of a nice guy!! I broke my ankle in 2 places and my scares are so small and clean.

Oh another tip I got was to try a restaurant in Wilmington called Freddie's. I guess people come from all over go to eat there.