New Bern is a tough, fun and historic place.

It’s tough because it has bounced back nicely after it took quite a hit from Hurricane Florence in September 2018.

It’s fun because it has a vibrant arts and dining scene.

And it’s historic because it was the Colonial Capital of North Carolina.

New Bern is located at the confluence of the Neuse and Trent Rivers not far from the Atlantic Ocean in Eastern North Carolina.

It’s the largest city in Craven County with about 30,000 residents.

Major nearby employers include a Marine Corps Air Station, Bosch and Moen plants, International Paper mill, Carolina East Medical System, Craven Community College, Craven County Schools and local governments.

And it’s very friendly to retirees like me.