With budget season in full bloom, I decided to run a little experiment. I’ve always said that Carolina Beach defies comparison, but it still can’t hurt. How much does it cost to live here, compared to other beach towns?
So I compared a Carolina Beach house to a similar one in Wrightsville Beach. They’re both about the same size and age. They’re both about a mile from their downtown. They’re both across the street from the bay, but within walking distance to the beach.
I compared the tax data. Both houses have nearly identical values placed on their structure, but the land under the WB house is worth much more.
WB people pay about $100 more per year in town property tax and about $30 more per month for water/sewer/trash and stormwater fees. But they get their butts kicked on New Hanover County taxes… about $3,300 more per year! (I’m guessing they can afford it.)
I also ran a Carolina Beach vs Kure Beach comparison and found that our costs of living are nearly identical. (This isn’t an exact science.)
I’m not presenting this information to set you up for a tax hike. And I’m not doing it to brag. I just find it interesting and worth looking into.
What’s my biggest takeaway? Our local taxes are reasonable, but watch out for the next countywide revaluation. It’s scheduled for 2025. Our property values will likely jump high in comparison to the non-beach areas… and our share of the county tax burden will increase.
This inflationary economy is tough. Rents get raised, prices go up and portions go down… it sucks. Everything we need to bring you services costs more than last year. But doggone it, somebody has to hold the line… and I’ll try to do just that.