Good Things Happen Even During a Pandemic

“The pandemic has been really tough on a lot of people. The loneliness has been a real challenge. We were lucky to get in when we did. We got in at the right time,” said Julie Mastroserio.

In July of 2020, Julie and her husband Anthony purchased a new home at The Bluffs on the Cape Fear, a multi-generational riverfront planned amenity community in Wilmington, NC.

“We were living in central New Jersey, and we were looking at the housing trends in terms of migration out of big cities during the pandemic.

People were stuck in apartments, so the demand for homes in the suburbs was incredible. We had an acre and a half with a pool and established landscaping. Even though we would be leaving behind this wonderful property, the pandemic pushed our decision for Anthony to retire. Then, I could work remotely from North Carolina,” said Julie.

“It was a really quick move for us. We put our house in central New Jersey on the market on July 4th and sold it on July 5th. Then we looked at our new home at The Bluffs on the Cape Fear on July 12th and put a deposit down that day. There is nothing that I don’t like about it.”

“I went on a 10-mile bike ride this morning with five women that I met after we moved here last September. We either walk or ride through every bit of pavement in the community. This group of women is very active and around the same age. Between bicycle riding and pickleball and people being neighborly, you just meet people in the neighborhood. I am part of the book club that meets at the clubhouse (we all wear masks). We are all going through this traumatic experience together. I think these will be solid, long-lasting friendships.”

The Mastroserios chose The Bluffs on the Cape Fear for various reasons, including the proximity to Wilmington. They were able to purchase a spec house on a third of an acre within walking or bicycling distance to the clubhouse, pickleball courts, and pool. They enjoy being able to get to anywhere in the Wilmington area in 20 to 25 minutes. And, they laugh at people who complain about traffic in the area. Their attitude is “traffic, what traffic?”

They lowered their cost-of-living with significant decreases in mortgage and property taxes and utilities by moving to an energy-efficient new home.

“What’s so nice is that this has allowed my husband to do all the things that he has always wanted to do — to have more leisure time, to golf. We both play pickleball now. And I am able to work from home. This house was everything that we wanted. We each have our own space. We have a FROG (that’s a Finished Room Over the Garage). I work from the FROG; my husband has his study downstairs. Then we also have a guest room and master suite downstairs. We have a beautiful back porch and a front porch with rocking chairs. We really like it here.

“It’s a huge decision to uproot yourself from a place where you have lived for 20 years and have tons of family and all of those established ties that you create. You can let go of what was and embrace the new things. Some people are good at doing that, but I am not. I didn’t realize that I would have this emotional attachment to things. It’s been a process for me, but I couldn’t be happier in this new life.”

The Shades of Carolina Colours Suit You Perfectly

The blues of abundant waters flowing throughout this coastal region of North Carolina. The greens of our Bill Love-designed championship golf course. The many hues of life in a celebrated planned community, situated in New Bern, a town that is at once historical and modern.

It’s a picture perfect lifestyle, spent among friendly neighbors and fun-filled activities, including swimming, tennis, pickleball, a dog park and miles of walking and biking trails. And the convenience is further enhanced with a retail center now open at the community’s entrance. If you’re searching for a retirement community that celebrates the art of living, these are definitely your Colours. Inquire about our Discovery Package and come visit Carolina Colours for yourself.

Hooked on the Coast:

Chef Jay Cantrell’s