Help with a trip - Myrtle to Wilmington

We live on top of a mountian currently on several acres surrounded by hundreds of acres of national forest. I see more Bears than people. We like quiet. Sounds perfect right? It's just that the altitude and winters have become more than we care to deal with any more. Brutally cold and a lot of work especially with snow removal and frankly just downright depressing 5 months of the year during winter. I am convinced it has started to have adverse affects on our health. We always feel elated when we head to the shore several times a year - even in winter - and the thought of making it permanent makes sense. Understanding it's not all fun and roses but I am no stranger to dealing with geography and it's challnges. I just feel a different set of challenges is in order. We long for the beach. I did check out Topsail Beach and it has made #1 on my list so far. Housing prices are pretty reasonable and it seems to be more of what we are looking for. Schools are rated 9/10. Definitely making that our first stop.