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USA Today recently described the coastline of the Outer Banks as "one of the best undiscovered beaches on the East Coast." The wealth of recent press like this has stimulated overwhelming growth in the area, both in terms of revenue for local merchants and in the development of land for residential and commercial use. As the Outer Banks area meanders through both Dare and Currituck counties, each county benefits from the area's recent economic growth. Local legislatures have passed several measures to ensure that this substantial increase in wealth is distributed evenly to all towns within both counties, enabling citizens from all walks of life to benefit equally.
The Outer Banks is commonly referred to as the "land of beginnings." The first English settlement was along this seashore, the first wireless telegraph transmission took place on Hatteras Island in 1901 and the Wright Brothers made their first successful flight in Kitty Hawk in 1903. The Outer Banks also boast four distinctive lighthouses, the Whalehead Hunting Club, America's oldest outdoor drama ("The Lost Colony"), the tallest sand dunes on the East Coast and much more.
Home to the Wright Brothers Memorial, Kitty Hawk celebrates National Aviation Week each year with seven days of thrilling entertainment including live music, a carnival, art exhibits and shows. The event festivities commence on Orville Wright's birthday. The annual Hang Gliding Contest takes place each May and the annual Air Race occurs in late June. Other, smaller competitions like kite contests fill the yearly calendar. While the Outer Banks region is famous for the origination of flight, locals will tell you that this is not the only reason Outer Banks is a notable place to live.
Some of the best surfing, sailing and scuba diving on the east coast can be found on the shores of local towns such as Hatteras and Manns Harbor. Strong winds off the Atlantic Ocean make for thrilling sailing adventures, while the numerous wrecks of colonial ships just off the coast will fascinate divers.
The region is also a strong supporter of local artists. The town of Manteo, located along the sand-swept shorelines of Ronoake Island, hosts several art shows throughout the year. Each month the works of new artists are unveiled at Ronoake Island's gallery in Festival Park.
The region also hosts many annual events such as the Annual Outer Banks Folk Festival. Some popular summer events are the Knott's Island Peach Festival, the Outer Banks Championship Rodeo and the Whalehead Club Arts Festival, which takes place in the town of Corolla. There is always something fun to do, from attending the Radish Festival up north to snorkeling along the rocky shoreline of Wanchese down south.
Outer Banks residents find most of their big city excitement in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. They benefit from an outstanding transportation network of roads and railways that connect to nearby metropolitan centers. While opportunities for shopping, dining and enjoying nightlife abound throughout both Dare and Currituck counties, the easy commute makes it simple to venture into Virginia to catch a Broadway show or shop at a larger, more diverse shopping center.
Schools in the Outer Banks have a student-teacher ratio of approximately 14 to 1. This favorable ratio illustrates the region's commitment to education, and local schools have implemented many award-winning programs that serve as models for other schools in the state. Such commitment has led to higher test scores and a greater number of students pursuing post-secondary education. Three North Carolina colleges are located within county lines, while another handful can be found in the Hampton Roads area.
The many towns of the Outer Banks make for an exciting area in which to live, work and play. Residential developments are sprouting up everywhere, offering affordable housing in clean, safe communities. The area boasts an endless list of amenities to please everyone, from the outdoor sportsman to the young family. People come to the Outer Banks for different reasons and stay for the breathtaking natural landscapes and the numerous residential, recreational and occupational opportunities.
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