I read with curiosity a recent Pilot Newspaper article:
“A
Southern Pines Outlet Center would include 336,800 square feet of retail and restaurant space, and likely be anchored by Nordstrom Rack, Bloomingdale’s Outlet Store, Neiman Marcus Last Call and Saks Off-Fifth Avenue.
We went through your demographics with them. The tenants have already decided as a group that they want to be here.”
Saks, Nordstroms, Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales want to come to Pinehurst-Southern Pines because of our demographics?
I decided I wanted to see what the demographics of Pinehurst actually were. While I was at it I decided it would be helpful to compare Pinehurst with Hilton Head Island and
Pinehurst Hilton Head
Population 13,120 37,000 27,000
Ave Age 60 51 37
Ave Price Home 280,000 508,000 232,000
Ave Income 60,000 68,000 35,000
Cost of Living Index 90 98.4 92.3
Crime Index 53.8 360 684
One of the first observations is the “small town” nature of Pinehurst. As a resident, I can attest to this. You very quickly know and become known to your neighbors and fellow citizens. Despite the small population Pinehurst benefits greatly from the world class nature of our resort facilities. The constant inflow of tourists infuses Pinehurst with a vitality and excitement which is palpable. The balance between the retirement community and tourist community works well to create the charm of the area.
The magic of Pinehurst is that once you move here you are immediately 20 years younger; note the “average” age is 60. Yes it is a retirement community, but an active one.
I was amazed by the differential in housing costs; over $500,000 for Hilton Head versus $280,000 for Pinehurst. I guess that is the premium you pay for the ocean, but it seems excessive.
I have always considered Pinehurst an oasis of affluence in the middle of nowhere. This is illustrated by the income level of $60,000, a level which is 38% greater than the state average and exceeds even
The cost of living index also reflects this irony. To the surprise of many it is not expensive to live in Pinehurst. While this may not translate to tourists, the residents enjoy the luxurious facilities and amenities of the area at a very reasonable cost. Life is good in Pinehurst.
I often tell people that there is no crime in Pinehurst. I question the value of a “gated” community; who are you trying to keep out? The low level of crime in the area is amazing. I have looked into the statistics and discovered that the most rampant crime in the area is “barking dogs”. Pinehurst is a wonderfully safe place where neighbors know your name and your kid’s names. You are not anonymous here, like many other cities. People walk he streets after dark without concern.
The high-end retailers seem to have discovered Pinehurst. It is an amazing place to call home. The ambiance and charm of the community is like no other place on earth.
Bob Barmore
Weichert, Realtors-Larose & Company
cell 910 528 9536
