In this chapter we introduce you, first, to the neighborhoods that make up the expansive Crystal Coast and then to some of the area's real estate companies. Our list is by no means complete but will familiarize you with the area and help you locate neighborhoods, businesses and services. The realty firms recommended here are listed alphabetically. These are not the only companies of their type in the area; there are many other fine and reputable firms, but we simply couldn't list them all. We revise this book annually, and we welcome your comments concerning additions or omissions in the next edition.

Before we start with neighborhoods, we should point out that an invaluable source of free information for anyone interested in purchasing property: New Homes Magazine of the Crystal Coast. This monthly guide, published in cooperation with the Multiple Listing Service of the Carteret County Association of Realtors, contains in-depth descriptions of all the residential and commercial property in Carteret County. The guide also lists e-mail and home-page addresses for many of the individual Realtors. You can pick up a free copy at supermarkets, drug stores, restaurants and hundreds of local commercial establishments.

We begin our review of the area by looking at beach neighborhoods. When we talk about the beach we are referring to the island of Bogue Banks, which encompasses the townships of Atlantic Beach, Pine Knoll Shores, Indian Beach, Salter Path and Emerald Isle. From there we move to delightfully different historic Beaufort, then to the central town of Morehead City, westward to Swansboro and finally to the Down East reaches of Carteret County.

Like everywhere else, homes on the Crystal Coast vary tremendously in price, and location is everything. Here, good locations are determined by proximity to water, historic districts, golf courses and upscale subdivisions. While you may find comfortable living quarters in the $60,000 to $70,000 range, you can also spend hundreds of thousands for a large, plush home in an exclusive waterfront neighborhood with a slip for your boat. Significant development has taken place away from the water recently, and a wide range of housing is available.

There is no specific relocation service on the Crystal Coast; however, rest assured that most agents will go to great lengths to ensure that your move is smooth. After all, they are in the business of sharing with newcomers what we Insiders have already learned -- this is a great place to be!