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Swan Quarter, North Carolina
Remote, Little Swan Quarter Sits on the Shores of Soothing Pamlico Sound and Boasts a Quiet Waterside Lifestyle
The tiny waterfront village of Swan Quarter (also spelled Swanquarter) is on North Carolina's Inner Banks and started out in the early-1800s. Inhabitants still make a living from fishing, oystering and crabbing, as well as from the surrounding fertile farmland.
Although it is unincorporated, remote and without traffic lights, Swan Quarter is the Hyde County Seat. Hyde County Health, the Mattamuskeet Senior Center, and Hyde Transit are all based here. The popular MATTIE Arts Center is on the first floor of county's historic courthouse and offers exhibitions and classes. Ocracoke musicians, who live just across soothing Pamlico Sound, occasionally bring their harmonies to Swan Quarter with festivals such as Music Across the Sound. The village is between two important national wildlife refuges, Mattmuskeet and Swanquarter, and wildlife of all kinds is at every turn. Swanquarter's Bell Island Pier is a popular fishing spot, and Mattamuskeet is the home of North Carolina's largest inland lake. The shallow lake shelters alligators and migratory swan, geese, and osprey.
Swan Quarter is also the departure point for the tourist Ocracoke Ferry, which travels to the Outer Banks. Residences sit on rural lots and include ranch ramblers, manufactured homes, bungalows and custom builds.
Population: 450 (city proper)
Age 45 or Better: 43%
Cost of Living: 20% below the national average
Median Home Price: $300,000
Climate: This area has hot, humid summers with temperatures in 80s and 90s and mild winters with temperatures in 40s, 50s and 60s. On average, it receives 52 inches of rain per year.
At Least One Hospital Accepts Medicare Patients? No. The nearest hospital of any kind is 38 miles away in Plymouth.
At Least One Accredited by Joint Commission? No. The nearest accredited hospital is 38 miles away in Plymouth.
Public Transit: Yes, provided by the county
Crime Rate: Meets the national average
Public Library: Yes
Political Leanings: Conservative
College Educated: 34%
Is North Carolian Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement? Somewhat
Cons: None
Notes: Although no hospital is close, Hyde County Health offers telemedicine, which allows patients to communicate with doctors in other towns. Swan Quarter has grown 40% within the last decade. Home prices have decreased 2% since a year ago.
Recommended as a Retirement Spot? Yes, although the rural location and lack of a hospital are things to consider.
North Carolina:
"Esse quam videri" is the motto of North Carolina, also known as the Tar Heel State. It was the 12th state to be admitted to the Union, joining the other states on November 21, 1789. North Carolina was also one of the Thirteen Colonies and was originally named the Province of Carolina. It was the second to the last state to declare its secession from the Union during the Civil War.
The state is situated in the Southeastern region of the United States and is bordered by South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia. The capital is Raleigh, but the largest city is Charlotte.
The historical people of North Carolina include the Chowanoke, Roanoke, Pamlico, Coree and Cape Fear Indians. The Revolutionary War impoverished the state of North Carolina for several years.
Charlotte is on a rapid growth streak thanks to its banking industry. North Carolina is also home to several universities, including the University of North Carolina, Duke University and North Carolina State University.
The state hosts more than 80% of the NASCAR racing teams and is the site of the Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Carolina Panthers represents North Carolina in the National Football League, and the Charlotte Bobcats play in the National Basketball Association.
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