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Charlotte, North Carolina
Oriental, North Carolina
What It Is Like to Retire in Oriental
Oriental is a very small harbor town located on the Neuse River within the inner banks of North Carolina. It is named after the Sailing Steamer Oriental, built in Philadelphia in 1861, but unfortunately, was wrecked just a year later. The town, considered the "Sailing Capital of North Carolina", has a population of about 1,000 (20s0census), with a median age of 60. It sits midpoint on the Intracoastal Waterway, making it a popular destination for hundreds of boaters as they travel up and down the coast between their summer and winter homes. Oriental has a town dock and marina, seafood companies and fishing charters, but it is also home to photographers, artists, and galleries. The popular television show Dawson's Creek was written by Kevin Williamson, a native of Oriental, and much of the show was filmed here.
Where to Retire in Oriental and Home Prices
According to Zillow, the median home value was $393,622, in late 2023.
What Is Special about Oriental
Oriental is a scenic waterfront town full of marinas and sailboats, along with art galleries, restaurants and shops.
What Is Not Special about Oriental
If you aren't an outdoor person you wouldn't find much to do here. Oriental is a little isolated, the nearest hospital is in New Bern about 30 miles away, there is no town library, and it's far from a major city (140 miles to Raleigh).
Who Will Like Retirement in Oriental
Those who own a boat, enjoy the water, fishing, seafood, photography and artwork would like retiring here.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Fishing, Agriculture, and tourism drive the economy.
Climate and Physical Environment
January's average temperature is 47 degrees, with July's average 78 degrees. The annual rainfall is 56.4 inches.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
Oriental is all about the water, with many regattas, boat races, and fishing tournaments, but it also hosts several festivals and events throught the different seasons. The Croaker Festival held during July, is an art and vendor event, the Celebration of the Arts is held in September, and the popular Spirit of Chirstmas is celebrated in December. The Oriental History Musuem offers displays of the town's early years, and has joined with the Oriental Tourism Board to develop a 1.2 mile walking tour of over 30 sites. There are also several restaurants in town and a farmer's market.
Crime
The Crime rate in Oriental is low.
Medical facilities
Medical facilities are in New Bern, about 30 miles away.
Transportation
There is a regional airport in New Bern but the nearest international airport is in Raleigh, about 150 miles away.
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