Are there any North Carolinians here?

Hi, Mike. I live in Southeastern Virginia which is in the same neighborhood as Jacksonville. My daughter was married to a Marine and lived on Camp Lejeune. We visited her many times there and  enjoyed the area.  It is a very beautiful, lush area and has lots going for it. There is no state income tax in NC and the cost of living is low. I also lived in your part of California when I was in the Navy and liked it there, too, but the Pacific Ocean there is too cold for my Florida blood so I prefer the Atlantic and the Gulf Stream. The main thing you would have to get used to would be having four seasons during the year and rain. The humidity in the summer takes a little getting used to but that is why air conditioning was invented. If you are a sportsman you will love it.

Lee

p.s. The have Stone Brewery products here, too!

I live 15 minutes  outside of Jacksonville so maybe I can help.

First off there is a state income tax so think you are a bit off there subfixer. Also alot of hidden taxes like wheel taxes and such.

The area is nice in a lot of ways, especially for a military town. I have lived all over the world and JV is nice for a military town, there isn't a place here I would feel uneasy about walking around even at night. There are several really nice beaches within a half hour as well if you like the water.

Jobs are rough here. State unemployment rate is near 10%. If you want a job on a base you need an in demand skill, really in demand. Those jobs are there but you can't just walk into them. Jobs in general are hard to get. My wife has just now got a part time position after being out of work for 1.5 years. And shes not the kind to want to sit still. I think it almost killed her.

Just a fair warning of what to expect. Not saying you can't get a job but its not like going to North Dakota where you can get one in a week for sure.

Model stores are hard to find. One pretty good one in town and a Micheal's. That's it. A Hobby Lobby in Wilmington and one in Moorehead City both about a hour away. Two good ones in Fayetteville 2 hours or more away.

Cost of living is ok here. Not real cheap (gas tax is highest in any of the surrounding states) but not terrible. Houses are still decent.

Can give more details if you need em. Been here 2 years and plan to be here at least one more.

N.C. here Lexington an yes we do have a state tax.With what is going on with the goverment don;t count on jobs on the military bases.No much in the line of work around Jacksonville.However it is a beautiful area an your not far from the coast if you like to salt water fish.Well Good.

I guess I was thinking about no state tax on my federal retirement, I wasn't looking at the whole picture, sorry about that.

Couldn't tell you about those places to be honest. All I can say is its nice here but jobs can be scarce. Do some research on whatever field you are into. Might have some openings here. But don't make the move before you have something lined up. You could find yourself in real trouble. Even a plan B job at a WalMart or fast food place can be hard to come by.

Hope you can find something to work for you. It can be really nice out here.

I have heard that Savannah, GA is kinda expensive.