Wondering about rentals in the Carova area. Very intersted in that part of OBX that is North and must be accessed by 4WD. Any info would be great.

Are you planning to deal with a rental agency?

It depends. This year we rented in Kill Devil Hills from a private family. I have been looking at various postings for the northern area. I am open to using a rental agency if I need to. But I have used VRBO.com many times with much success, but they do not have a lot listed for that area

Most of the homes in Carova are attached to rental agencies because they're more difficult to rent. As late as June, you'll find Carova homes available for the July/August period. Some of them are discounted.

If you're someone who likes to cocoon in the house for a week, I'd give it a go. But if you're the type who enjoys a lot of shopping, eating out, golfing, etc, I'd pass on the 4WD area. The novelty of driving on the beach, inflating and deflating the tires, fades pretty quickly.

The traffic on the beach is a bit of an issue during the high season, especially if you have younger kids. During low tide, you've got cars passing between you and the water. Cars are between you and the houses at high tide. Most people obey the speed limit but not everyone does. This is *much* less of a deal during the off season.

Thanks for the suggestion. We are ok with staying put for the week or two. My husband will golf but does not mind driving a bit. However I am open to suggestions. Do you have any ideas for beachfront where the beach is really nice. THe beach in Kill Devil was very pebbly and I do not like the beach at Duck, but 4WD area the beach is wonderful. Tell me what you think.

The beaches in Ocean Sands, near Corolla, are pretty nice. Fine sand and nice water.

I agree Ocean Sands in Corolla.

The thought of hanging on a beach with SUVs zipping around is so unappealing. Might as well lie out on the bypass.

I think the houses in Ocean Sands are sort of crummy though.

There has recently been a lot of new construction in Ocean Sands. (Because of the mortgage crisis and much stricter building requirements since Katrina, construction has halted since last year.)

There are some really beautiful homes there. Just browse the rental agency websites for the houses in Ocean Sands. Some of them are just stunning.

Also, Ocean Sands is near TimBuckII and shopping, entertainment, and restaurants. And, some of the sections include membership to tennis and a community pool, which is nice if your house does not have its own pool or hot tub.

For Ocean Sands, you might need to use a rental agency. Unlike Nags Head, most owners up north do not live anywhere near the Outer Banks. So, if they live far away, they have an agency take of the property and visit the house at least twice per year.

When we were in Carova this August (we stayed in Ocean Sands) I noticed a lot of large construction trucks riding the beach, there must be lots of building going on; in general we found lots of traffic on the beach. I really find that Corolla is the best location. You are close enough to Duck for shopping and activities, you have TimBuck II shopping, Food Lion and a newer upscale supermarket are right there. I personally like the beach at Carova, but Corolla beaches are a close second and you will not have the hassle of driving. We needed to be towed and we do have 4WD.