Moving to the Outer Banks
It's one thing to want to move to the Outer Banks. It's another to make it happen. You have to be willing to sacrifice time, money, effort, and all that comes with moving far from home in order to relocate here. You will face unforeseentests and trials that all need handled appropriately to make your move a reality. Be 100% committed that you will be moving to the Outer Banks should the opportunity arise. The chances for it all to work out smoothly may come at a time that you're not ready for. You need to jump on any chance that comes your way and take it as your ticket to happiness here!Relocate While You are Young(er)
I hate to use the example of my parents, but I will. For as long as I can remember, it was a true goal for my parents to one day move to the Outer Banks. They talked about it endlessly with serious considerations and dialog all the time. The one main hurdle that seemed too difficult to overcome was that of having children established into local schools and social environments. I really respect their decision to hold off on any major relocation until we all finish college. My younger brother just entered his sophomoreyear at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania (Go SRU!) and I'm sure they intend to honor their promise. The moral of the story is if youcan relocate to the Outer Banks before you have any major commitments in your life it will be much easier and timelier. I have to admit, my parents relish the fact that I moved here and they make any excuse they can to visit me AKA "go on vacation!"How to Find Jobs at the Beach
Finding jobs at the beach is tricky. Most of us don't live anywhere near the Outer Banks and have to do most of our job hunting from hundreds of miles away. One of the best ways I found job openings on the Outer Bankswas on the internet through websites likeCraigslist. You must be careful not to fall prey to some of the cold-call jobs on there, but Craigslist is a valuable website that many OBX employers will advertise job openings on. The Dare County Jobs Boardis also a GREAT page to bookmark! I looked at this page everyday as new jobs are added regularly. I was also very fortunate that my dad gets the local newspapers delivered to PA. The Coastland Times has a large section of employment opportunities on the Outer Banks inside of it. With a combination of internet searches and calling in on print ads, I managed to secure my fantastic career that I have today! Don't forget to check out Career opportunities with Southern Shores Realty as well!Outer Banks Jobs
Here is the tricky part. Unless you are retired or plan on working from home on the Outer Banks you will need to find a job that matches your skills and background. As a vacationer here, you should be somewhat familiar with our industries and have a general idea of what jobs are available at the beach. The truth of the matter is: tourism is king! A overwhelming majority of the businesses and employment opportunities on the OBX will circle around the tourism industry and include jobs invacation rentals, restaurants, rental equipment, beach services, etc. There is a smaller portion of employment in industries like health care, commercial fishing, and other local needs that may align with your background. The point to take away here is to be flexible with what you are looking for. Be willing to think about new opportunities that may be just as fulfilling as your current employment. Also be prepared for changes financially with your Outer Banks job, more often times than not you may have to take a pay cut in order to facilitate your move. The cost of living relative to local salary scales may make you a little uneasy about doing it, but most who desire to live here make the move to live at the beach, not to make it rich!How to Find Housing at the Beach
Finding permanent housing or Outer Banks long term rentalscan be much like that job hunt. Most people who are interested in moving to the Outer Banks live in some kind of long term rental for a period of time until they get settled in. Summer time is the most difficult time to try moving to the Outer Banksas many seasonal workers are in the towns and occupying a majority of the available apartments and homes for rent. If you can, work on the logistics of your housing at the very same time that you are offered work. Housing comes and goes fast here so you need to be able to work diligentlywhile keeping as fast as possible!Outer Banks Apartments
For those moving to the Outer Banks, an apartment rental is the perfect solution to secure housing temporarily while making sure your move is worthwhile. Most professionally managed OBXlong term rentalswill require at least a one year lease to be signed. This secures the rental for you, the landlord, and quite frankly, makes managing them more organized. There are many benefits to renting from a property manager, like Southern Shores Realty. Speaking from first-hand experience, having professional managers to get in contact with locally and with dozens of resources and years of experience is quite comforting compared to renting from "some guy" who lives "somewhere" who knows "someone" who can "fix" something... you get the idea! The cost relative to other markets in the United States is slightly higher for long term rentals on the Outer Banks. This is mostly driven by the limited supply and enormous demand. Make sure you get the best for your buck and do consider going to the pros!I hope that you find this information helpful. I remember reading as much material as I could on the Internet before my move to the Outer Banks. Please don't hesitate to ask any questions in the comment section below. You have to be brave to relocate to the Outer Banks, especiallyif you live really far away as many of us vacationers do.
Enjoy your life, you only get one. Take chances, they don't come often. Don't ever live all your life wondering what couldhave happened if you made the move! I took the chance, and now get to look at this view every night! |  |
