Lara Hodgson

While many real estate investors chase overheated markets in Miami or Malibu …. I've spent the last 7 years deploying millions into one of America's best-kept secrets: North Carolina's rapidly rising 'Cape Fear' region. Since 2017, I've been asked: “Why Surf City and Wilmington”? Here’s why I'm betting on it becoming the East Coast's next big destination. → An Economic Powerhouse Outpacing the Nation Wilmington - ‘The Port City’ - saw its GDP grow by over $3 billion between 2017-2022. It ranked #7 out of 200 large cities for economic success in 2023. Its 8.8% job growth and 44% wage growth over the past 5 years were key drivers of progress (Milken Institute Report) → A Magnet for Affluent Retirees and Coastal Buyers A warm, sunny climate, affordable living costs, and pristine beaches. This makes the Cape Fear region a top draw for retirement-age folks and relocators from pricier cities. Plus, home prices remain relatively affordable - Wilmington's median price is around $413,000. Meanwhile, 81% of Wilmington moves were inbound in 2022, making it #1 in the nation (United Van Lines) Some 45% of people arriving in North Carolina overall made $150,000 or more annually, it added. This combination of demand and value is fueling a real estate boom. → The Next Big East Coast Vacation Destination North Carolina welcomed 43 million domestic visitors in 2023, ranking #5 nationally, behind only California, Florida, Texas and New York. The state enjoyed a record $35.6 billion in visitor spending that year, with NC’s thriving tourism industry now employing over 227,000 workers. Visitor spending generated $4.5 billion in tax revenues, creating more growth opportunities. → Building for Explosive Future Growth To support this population and tourism expansion, NC is investing heavily in infrastructure upgrades. • New $58 million Topsail Island bridge • A $420 million bypass to ease traffic congestion • $20 million for Surf City water treatment spending This infrastructure momentum positions it perfectly for long-term growth and increased quality of life. The Cape Fear region is perfectly positioned to dominate over the next 10 years. • Population and economic growth • Booming tourism and vacation home demand • Affordable coastal destination for vacation or living • Huge infrastructure investments to support expansion That's why I've gone all-in across multiple hospitality projects in the area, like the Saltwater Resort at Topsail Island in Surf City, and The Hive - Wilmington. Most investors are still sleeping on Cape Fear. But this underrated gem won't be a secret for long. It will be one of our nation's premier coastal hotspots for decades to come. ---------- I'm Richard Stroupe a 3x Entrepreneur, Investor, and Real Estate Operator Follow for stories on business, investing, and tech. Enjoy this? Consider reposting to share with your network ♻

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AMPLE update : Juniper Ventures Signs up to AMPLE Marketplace AMPLE : B2B Marketplace for Fresh Food. Impact Investment. See http://buff.ly/3W32D7p Steve Thomas - CEO/Co-Founder of AMPLE provides an update on a most recent business partnership: "...Juniper Ventures, which supplies over 23,000 meals daily to students in the London Borough of Newham, has become a keen buyer on the Ample Marketplace. Incorporated in April 2018 from the council’s catering and cleaning service, Juniper aims to operate with the social aspects of the local authority but with the business acumen and autonomy of the limited company that it is. Michael Hales, chief executive of Juniper Ventures and vice-chair-elect of LACA, said: “It is shocking that in the UK we waste 13m tonnes of food every year. As a hospitality business we are determined to do all we are able to help reduce this figure....".   Read the full update. https://buff.ly/3WnGEar REMINDER Ample Marketplace is a new B2B channel for unsold fresh food integrating e-commerce, logistics, and digital marketing. Ample is the UK’s first smart marketplace for wholesale food (with expansion plans for the US, EMEA and APAC). Ample creates value by shortening the supply chain, giving more control to sellers and value for buyers.  AMPLE is a portfolio company of XSS Capital. Join us on this investment journey? DM me for more info. #e-commerce #logistics #Impact Investing

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