Coast Guard Families: Relocating to Atlantic Beach, North Carolina

Coast Guard families transferring to Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, should know about the commute to work, medical care facilities and shopping. Neighboring towns will provide these necessities. Even with the commute, the experience is well-worth the relocation experience. Here you will find the "Crystal Coast" welcoming your new transfer with its southern charm.

Living on Atlantic Beach is costly. This is a tourist area and housing is expensive. Many Coast Guard families choose to live over the bridge in neighboring towns such as Beaufort, Morehead City, Havelock, New Bern and Newport. My family lived in Morehead City which is right over the bridge from Atlantic Beach. This is only a 15 minute commute to/from Fort Macon.

Active duty Coast Guard members are stationed to Group Fort Macon located on Atlantic Beach. Fort Macon is a piece of Civil War history. It was turned over to the Coast Guard after the war in January 1946. Fort Macon's history can be explored by its exhibits and tours. There are 26 casements, old soldier and officer quarters, counter-fire rooms, moat, cannon replicas and many more discoveries on this location. In addition, fishing, hiking, picnics and swimming are popular attractions to this state park.

Morehead City is a small and quaint town full of friendly southerners. I found the general feel of people very welcoming and helpful. Housing was provided by the Coast Guard's housing officer. They offered my family a town house in the economy. We enjoyed living among the local civilians. This was a great way to get familiar with the locals and North Carolina living.

A further distance away in Havelock military housing is available. Some families choose to reside there, but the commute is 45 minutes to Fort Macon. Havelock is closer to the commissary, military health clinic and other military offices located on MCAS Cherry Point.

Driving around in these areas of North Carolina is fairly easy. The roadways are well designed for traffic. I often traveled to neighboring towns with ease without getting lost. We would travel to bigger cities for entertainment purposes, live shows and the zoo.

Craven Regional Airport is conveniently located in New Bern. Not only is it the closet airport, but it has short lines and distance to the terminal. This is a relaxing flight connecting to Charlotte or Atlanta.

I know that relocating can be an overwhelming experience for military families. The Coast Guard being smaller in military members is often left relying on the other branches for their housing, medical and shopping needs. So it's often hard to find out all this important information prior to a move.

Our family deeply loved our living experience on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina. Our time was brief, but well-lived. We often ponder the thought of returning and I do hope we will travel out that way again.