I was born and raised in upstate New York close to the Adirondack mountain region. After college and a stint in the Army I moved to California, with my young family, and resided in the Bay area for five years. Family affairs required a return to upstate New York and there I spent the next 20 years working in the corporate world.
During that time frame I was introduced to the sport of windsurfing and was immediately bitten by the bug. I joined a windsurfing club and for the next 15 years traveled extensively with the club, to not only continental windsurfing hot spots, but Caribbean hot spots as well. In my pursuit of wind, I traveled the East Coast extensively, from Cape Cod, Mass. to Rehoboth Beach- Dewey Beach, Delaware on south to Chincoteague Island, Virginia and the Chesapeake Bay. Naturally, Hatteras Island's fame as a top windsurfing spot drew me to its shores. Several southern migrations to Hatteras Island annually became the norm to feed my windsurfing addiction.
At the same time I revisited a previous avocation of skiing and became an instructor at a small local mountain resort. I could now remain active in the winter months without financially drawing down my disposable income allocated for my primary avocation- windsurfing. In the long run this became a deciding factor in my decision to relocate. One activity would have to go since few destinations offered ideal conditions for the pursuit of both avocations. My choice is obvious.
Always one of great plans, unmatched by my disposable income, I would investigate the price of real estate. The destinations in the NE and Mid-Atlantic states were always priced beyond my means. In October 1990, one of my trips to Hatteras Island was interrupted by the Oregon Inlet bridge mishap. I was forced to scramble to find a place to stay in Nags Head and this chance happening gave me some insight into the northern beaches. This had always been an area that I had driven through early in the morning, in a hurry to get to or from Hatteras Island. Now I took the opportunity provided and explored the northern beaches starting in Corolla and Duck and working my way south. The expansive feeling that Corolla offered pleasantly surprised me. I was equally impressed with the rental properties in Duck and the village feeling that the town offered. The towns of Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head had all the amenities necessary to thoroughly enjoy one’s vacation. My time was well spent in gaining a better understanding of what the northern beaches offered. But, home was home, and nothing could replace my feelings for Hatteras Island.
"A dream is only limited by the scope of your imagination. A dream becomes your reality upon execution of a well thought out plan."
Now, Hatteras Island became the focal point of my fervent imagination. I studied and researched and finally developed a plan to purchase a rental property as part of a 5 year plan. In the early 90's my wife and I acquired a rental home in Avon and the wheels were set in motion. For the next five years we worked at making the home support itself through renovations and the addition of amenities. Friends suggested that I had succumbed to sunstroke, to give up all the security I currently had, for the unknown of a new life on Hatteras Island. But, we steadfastly stuck to our plans and worked on our five year plan. At the same time we investigated the employment opportunities the island offered and made plans for future employment.
Finally, the day came. All the ground work had been accomplished, we had new jobs awaiting us on Hatteras Island and the caravan left upstate New York in April 1999 to find our new lives on the island. Again, I had developed a five year transitional plan for the relocation to the island. This included the acquisition of a travel trailer that we would locate in a small park in Avon and live in during the summer months so our home could be rented out. Since both my wife and I were employed full time the trailer provided simply a place to sleep and bathe and actually proved to be quite satisfactory for our specific needs.
By virtue of planning and luck, our 5 year transitional plan matured in 3 years and the move was complete. The travel trailer was purchased by another individual with long term plans and our rental home became our primary residence.
We have never looked back and questioned our decision to move to Hatteras Island. A quick trip across Oregon Inlet provides one with all the amenities of life associated with a bustling small town. When the day is done the return trip back across the inlet bides you to take a deep breathe and relax – you’re home!
Neither my wife nor I have ever been afraid of work and recognize it as a way to stay productive and to increase your circle of friends. I am a self employed REALTOR® working in affiliation with Outer Beaches Realty and my wife manages a retail shop in Hatteras Landing. I am currently involved with a Dare County Transportation Advisory Board and have been affiliated with the local Kiwanis club and Avon Property Owner's Association. Through these various affiliations we have acquired a large group of friends with whom we enjoy sharing our quiet lifestyle.
The opportunity for quiet walks on the beach, surf fishing, off-shore fishing, kayaking, windsurfing, kite boarding and a number of other past times at a moments notice makes one forget about the minor inconveniences of life on a barrier island. If you compare what you've given up with what you've gained, the glass is far more than half full.
Opportunity still presents itself on the Outer Banks and I would suggest to anyone that they take a close look at life on the Banks. It certainly is not for everyone, but for someone looking for a little more laid back lifestyle, the Outer Banks may be just the place for you. Employment opportunities abound for those seeking full or part time positions. Investment opportunities present themselves on a regular basis.
The Outer Banks are changing, evolving in the 21st century. The old fishing villages may be going by the wayside but the Outer Banks still maintains its aura of being a step removed from mainstream USA. Come for a visit, I’ll be happy to show you the Outer Banks that I know.
Pete Groom, ABR
Office: 252-987-1102 ext. 4231
Toll Free: 888-627-3750
Fax: 252-987- 2783
Home: 252-995-5915
petegroom@earthlink.net
     
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