Well, it's a wonder when the average wage in New Hanover County is only $27k annually and the average price of home at the beach is $250k or inland $150k. Let's do the math, nope unable to afford it. But I just bought a 3br, 2bth, 1350sq.ft. home in Ogden-market value $108k, tax value $70k & the bank bought in foreclosure for $75k and I purchased from the bank for $65k. Foreclosures & bankruptcies are increasing in this area. There are a huge number of people afraid of losing their homes because they are unable to afford the payments for one reason or another. Six years ago you could find a house on the beach for $75 now maybe a cool million but the average wage was still $27k. The Northeners who've discovered the southern coast also want to ruin it by blocking the view with highrises and destroy our precious ecosystem.