celticgrid

People are just trying to be helpful. If your children's education really is the most important thing then you need to be thinking more than just which school they will spend the next year in. In order for longer-term advice and thoughts the visa type you are on is relevant. If you don't want to give out more information than in your first post then that's fine - absolutely no problems. However, the quality of the information you receive is usually directly proportional to the quality of information you provide and, to be honest, that was very low in your original post. As others have stated, a lot of what you have said is wrong, or implies less of an understanding about the situation than you seem to believe you have. By all means, grab this opportunity, but do so with eyes wide open and a fully informed decision.

Good luck.

Philippa.Jones01

I appreciate your advice in regard to Visa's etc, and your concern in my husbands company not forfilling their obligations. I do not have your reservations, and have taken on board the need for me to have the correct visa on entry, not only for me but also for the children. I am also aware of the requirements needed for me to enable me to have a car licence. The company my Husband works for is Internationally known and located, having an excellent reputation with relocation of staff and their families, and we have had a lot of help from members within the same company in regard to finalising visa's etc. So, if I have come across in the wrong way I apologise. My primary reason for posting was to gather information on where to live in NC and schooling for my two children, as their well being and education is paramount.
Sorry if I have offended anyone.

Nutmegger

You have indicated that you are aware of the size of NC, and that you are interested in living close to the coast. Perhaps if you came up with some towns that are of interest to you and mentioned those, people would be able to give you more specific assistance from personal experience, rather than just responding to an enquiry about the entire state. It's kind of like someone in the US saying I'm moving to the UK and can live anywhere -- what do you suggest? There are probably 100 folks from 100 different parts of the UK here who would respond with a favourite place!

Philippa.Jones01

Due to us both being brought up by beaches, we'd really like to be close to the Ocean, having lived in the UK for the last 19/17 years respectively. I've been looking at Wilmington and Carolina Beach and north along the coast and the riverways. Would prefer Carolina Beach and north personally due to the Ocean being so close. Have also been looking at other posts regarding NC, safe areas etc. I've been checking out schools too, and will no doubt have loads of questions due to the different admission policies etc, especially with the lottery system!?

Bob

Yes, but offering it is not the same as you having zero cost.

You've got kids, so it is a important decision, as is what visa you're been offered and time scale to greencard. It can often be the maker or breaker of a decision over anything else.

You also asked people to help, they are. You also wanted free advice and with that comes extras, plus people aren't really going to be willing to bother if it's another pie in the sky thread.

Nutmegger

Sounds like prime hurricane territory -- they seem to get hit quite frequently in that area.

rbackhouse

Yes you will have to figure in hurricane insurance above and beyond the normal homeowners/rental insurance. Having at least one evacuation per year is pretty normal somewhere along the NC coast

Here in central NC we usually get away with not being hit too hard but there have been some bad years (1996 in particular)

Married2abrit

In addition to the hurricane insurance and normal house insurance you will need flood insurance. Even if the wind from the hurricane pushes the water (which is what several residents down here argued), it's considered separate damage and will not be covered by the hurricane or home policies. Lots of people tried to sue their insurance companies to force coverage of this type of damage with Hurricane Hugo in Charleston, but they did not win that argument.

civilservant

Seriously? Hurricane insurance doesn't cover the storm surge? Good to know for when we look at moving to Myrtle Beach.

Philippa.Jones01

Really, what fun...... Been looking a Myrtle Beach too. What an experience for all of us

RICH

Yes it is well publicized that Flood insurance is not covered under regular policies. (Hurricane cover is an "add on"). You need to be aware of the flood zone you are in ie 1= on the beach, 5 =not a flood zone. Some mortgages will REQUIRE flood insurance even if you think its worth the risk!

scrubbedexpat097

Yep...and zones can change after storms as well. We were not even in a flood zone when we bought but now we are in one of the highest zones there is

RICH

Yes, I looked up my local flood zone map again. I am not in a flood zone, but if there was a 20ft surge around here, I could find myself on a 3 mile square Island, 2 miles into the Gulf of Mexico

TimNiceBut

Instant rise in property value if you suddenly end up with oceanfront property .

RICH

Nice,Tim,But. Think of the insurance premiums!