Homer Ray

New Bern North Carolina currently has 4 designated historic districts.

The largest, the downtown district consists of a 56 square block area entered into the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This area is subject to locally designated exterior alteration control measures through the Historic Preservation Commission.

At least 60 structures have been saved from the wrecking ball by efforts of the New Bern Preservation Foundation. These historically significant properties were purchased by the Preservation Foundation and resold to individuals for restoration.

Riverside is another area subject to oversight by the Historic Preservation Commission. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Riverside started being developed in the late 1890's. Originally this was a mixed -use development with folks working where they lived. You will find commercial and residential properties within close proximity of each other. The New Bern Preservation Foundation has been very active in taking measures to help restore this community.

Ghent Historic District was entered into the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. This neighborhood contains bungalow and cottage-type homes from the early 1900's on. You can even find a "store bought" prefab home in this neighborhood that dates to the period. Ghent is very convenient to "old" and "new" New Bern. It has one of the prettiest streets in town to me, Spencer Avenue.

The most recent addition to the historical districts is DeGraffenried Park. This area was named after the founder of New Bern. This area was entered into the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. Platted in 1926 this area contains examples of pre-Depression and post World War II architecture. This area is very pretty in the Spring.

The New Bern Historic Homes and Gardens tour will be held April 11-12, 2008 in New Bern, N.C. from 10 a.m. -5 p.m. Call 252-638-8558 for tour ticket prices and additional information.

Come see some outstanding historic properties in the downtown area. The tour is sponsored by the New Bern Historical Society and The New Bern Preservation Foundation. At least 60 properties have been saved from the wrecking ball by the efforts of the Preservation Society over the years.

There will also be a free ARTWALK on April 11 from 5p.m. to 8 p.m. In addition the New Bern Blues and Jazz Festival will be held on April 11-12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Riverfront Convention Center downtown on the bank of the Trent River. Call 866-624-7119 for ticket prices and information. Hurry this event usually sells out!

New Bern now has four historic areas: Downtown, approx. 56 square blocks, Riverside, Ghent and the most recent addition DeGraffenried Park, named for the founder of New Bern.

Hope to see you in New Bern, April 11-12, 2008!

I know it may be difficult to believe what I 'm posting today, however I researched material and received assistance from people who know.

With foreclosures dominating the national news, I decided to research the local Craven County/New Bern , N.C. records on foreclosures. I found that Craven County had 310 foreclosures in 2006 and 331 in 2007. This represents an annual increase of +6.77%. A far cry from what we are constantly being told by the media.

Further,the foreclosures filed in January and February 2007 totaled 56 whereas filings for January and February 2008 totaled 63. This included one extra day for Leap year and represents a +12.5% increase.

North Carolina has had the good fortune to avoid some of the real estate problems that are being problematic in states like Nevada, California, Flordia and Arizona.

Please remember all real estate is local. To find out what's going on in an area you are interested in it pays to consult a real estate professional who is knowledgable and stays on top of the local market.