Military

Crystal Coast Facilities

Military bases and training facilities dot North Carolina's Crystal Coast. Further inland, there is a strong military influence with Camp LaJune and Cherry Point nearby. Camp Lejeune is located in Onslow County, North Carolina along the Crystal Coast on the Atlantic Ocean. Seymour Johnson Air Force Base is in Goldsboro NC, which is about a two-hour drive from the Crystal Coast.

Residents have expressed concern about low-flying aircraft, the noise caused by a night training flight and the increased traffic on two-lane roads. But the military bases provide employment and income and contribute to the community.

The Marine Corps base at Cherry Point in Havelock has the greatest impact on the Crystal Coast. The base's Naval Aviation Depot employs about 4,000 people and pays more than $210 million in salaries. In Carteret County, NADEP accounts for about 1,300 jobs and $50 million in annual payroll.

Several distinct small towns blend together to from the community around Morehead City, commonly called the "Crystal Coast". The towns are surrounded by farmlands and the Croatan National Forest, giving a wide diversity of lifestyles and recreation. The oceanfront is geared toward family recreation and tourism with all types of water sports, fishing, and marine activities. The community is served with several shopping centers, but no malls. The Crystal Coast has year-round access to a variety of outdoor activities including boating, sailing, fishing, surfing, hunting, and numerous sporting activities. Beaches are plentiful and outdoor activities are limitless. Many small historic coastal towns to explore up and down the coastline. Cost of living low and plenty of off base housing at the right price.

Housing in the area is diverse from upscale luxury on resort property, to quiet county homes; condos to trailers. Prices for three bedroom homes begin around $75,000 inland, and go up. The closer to the water, or with water access, the higher the prices. Apartment rentals average around $325 to $500/month. For transient quarters, there are numerous hotels/motels in the commuting area (1 within walking distance of the office). Since the area is beach resort - reservations are urged during the tourist season (Memorial Day - Thanksgiving). There are also condos and homes available for weekly and monthly rentals, although most of these are geared for the vacation rental and prices are rather high. These can be more affordable during the off season.

With the strong influence of the Atlantic, and the nearby Gulf Stream, the climate around Newport is exceedingly mild. The average annual temperature is 64 degrees. Freezing temperatures occasionally happen during the pre dawn hours, but quickly warm during the day. Prolonged freezing temperatures (greater than 3 days) are rare. Summertime is also influenced by the surrounding waters, with temperatures much cooler than areas 50 miles further inland. Humidity is high in the summer months making life without air conditions difficult.