EZ Home Search Guide to Living in Moore County, NC 

Want a small-town lifestyle but with all the amenities of a big city? You don’t need to decide between the two when you live in Moore County, NC. This part of the state is renowned for its golfing resorts, but there is much more to the local scene. Here you have small towns with fewer than 5,000 residents, yet gourmet specialty grocers, restaurants, and performing arts are close at hand. 

Why come to play when you can stay? Learn more about Moore County and why this could be a great place to live for you. 

About Moore County

Moore is in central-south North Carolina. The southern region is part of the Sandhills, while the northern region has clay soils more ideal for agriculture. The landscape is dotted with lakes and creeks. Drowning Creek runs along part of the western and southern border. James Creek and Little River mark part of the south and eastern borders. Part of Little Governor Creek defines the northeastern border.

Moore is surrounded by Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, Scotland, Richmond, Montgomery, Randolph, Chatham, and Lee counties. 

Residents enjoy a relatively affordable cost of living. Based on Sperling’s Index, Moore County scored 94.6 compared to the national average of 100. The most expensive category was health care, while transportation was the most affordable.

Enjoy a temperature climate with all four seasons. The summer months typically reach the upper 80 Fs while the coldest months drop into the 30 Fs for average lows. April is typically the driest month, and July reports the most precipitation. 

Moore County History

Evidence shows the area today known as Moore County was occupied as early as the 6th century by native peoples in the Siouan family. They established a trail today known as the Yadkin Road, which was vital to the European settlement of the region. 

The first settlers arrived around 1739. Many early settlers were Scots-Irish or German. Settlers moved down the “Great Wagon Road” from Pennsylvania or up the Cape Fear River Valley from Wilmington. The fertile lands in north Moore County attracted settlers for agriculture. The lower Sandhills region eventually became important for naval manufacturing and lumber.  

Moore County did not see any American Revolution skirmishes, but an internal divide between the northern and southern settlers led to some bloody routs. Moore officially separated from Cumberland County at the end of the war in 1783. 

The Civil War set back the economy, but railroad construction spurred the development of small towns and pine-related products. The cheap land and “fresh air” also attracted northerners, and soon the area became known for its resort towns. Southern Pines and Pinehurst were the two most popular.  

Moore County Cities and Areas 

Moore County has 11 recognized municipalities. 

The county seat of Carthage has roots dating back to 1796. It has many historical attractions and hosts the Buggy Festival each May. 

Pinehurst began as a resort built by the head of the American Soda Fountain Company. It was privately held for many years, changing hands to corporate ownership, and eventually became a municipality in 1980. The town is known for its golf courses and award-winning resorts. 

Southern Pines is another town launched as a resort in the late 1800s. Its Weymouth House attracted great writers and nurtured a literary tradition that continues today. The restored Weymouth Center is home to the NC Literary Hall of Fame. 

Aberdeen is the third-largest town in Moore County. It has long been a hub of commerce in the area. It has an active downtown with art galleries, boutiques, and cafes. The first local microbrewery set up shop here. 

Foxfire Village was formed from a 2,200-acre farm into a resort and residential community in the 1960s. Today, this golfing resort and retirement community is centered around two championship golf courses. In 2018, it was named a “best place to buy a home.”

Pinebluff has preserved its character with tree-lined roads and walkways, a mix of old and new homes, original buildings, and a lake. It is mostly a residential area.

Robbins is an established town named after the person responsible for bringing a modern water treatment plant and wastewater disposal system to the community. The town is a jumping-off point for outdoor recreation.

Vass once had the title “Dewberry Capital of the World” because Dewberries were a major crop grown in that area. 

Whispering Pines is popular for its proximity to Fort Bragg. It has eight lakes and two golf clubs. 

Other small towns to explore include Taylortown and Cameron. Seven Lakes is an incorporated community with three gated divisions, Seven Lakes North, South, and West. Seven Lakes has two country clubs. 

Moore County Job Market

Moore County has a thriving and diverse economy. Health care is one of the major employers, representing about 30% of the employed workforce. Following that is the advanced manufacturing industry, including companies like ATEX Technologies, Meridian Zero degrees, Ingersoll Rand. Naturally, hospitality is a significant part of the local economy, which includes recreation, food, and accommodations. The local economy also has a fast-growing technology industry. 

The largest employers based solely on the number of employees are Moore Regional Hospital, Moore County Schools, Pinehurst LLC, Moore County, Pinehurst Medical Clinic, Pinehurst Surgical Clinic, Sandhills Community College, Harris Teeter, and Food Lion. 

With Fort Bragg next door to Moore County, there’s a strong military presence in the area. Many local businesses are owned or operated by former military personnel. 

Moore County Real Estate Market

Moore County real estate offers something for all, from custom-built estate homes to golf course views from a condo. The population was split roughly 50-50 between living in urban and rural areas.

In December 2021, Moore County’s median listing home price was $379,900, up 18.8% year-over-year. The median price per square foot was $172. Most of the homes are selling for 100% of the list price. 

Looking at Pinehurst, the February 2022 market had 104 listings. The median list price was $561,900, or an average price per square foot of $232.13. The average days on the market was 83. 

Southern Pines had 96 homes for sale in the same month. The median list price was $456,200 for an average price per square foot of $212.28. The average days on the market here was 78. 

Moore County Population Growth

The April 2020 US Census counted 99,727 residents in Moore County, a growth rate of 13% from 2010. Around 23% of residents were either under the age of 18, and another 23% were aged 65 and older. The estimated median age was 44 years old. 

Residents tend to be highly educated, with at least 37% of those 25 years of age and older holding at least a bachelor’s degree. Around 91% of residents 25 and older had a high school degree or higher. Around 77% of residents identified as white alone, and 12% identified as African-American. Another 7% identify as Hispanic or Latino. 

Moore County projects that by 2050 the population will be over 155,000 residents. While it has a reputation as a retirement destination, an increasing number of people ages 20 to 45 are moving into the area. 

Moore County Education 

Moore County Schools provides public education to over 12,000 students in K-12. The system operates 24 schools, broken into three areas to manage their operations better. The district has 11 K-5 elementary schools, two K-8 schools, five middle schools, three high schools, and one alternative school. Plans are underway for an advanced career center high school on the Sandhills Community College campus with STEM, contracting, and health services pathways. 

The county has three charter schools: a theater arts school, a Montessori community school, and a charter elementary academy.

Six private schools are available, primarily in Southern Pines. They are primarily religious and operate from PK-12.

Sandhills Community College has two campuses, with one in Moore County. The institution awards over 100 associate’s degrees, diplomas, and certificates. It includes university studies with art, science, engineering, and fine arts transfers. Local high school graduates can take advantage of a free tuition program. In addition to its programs, it is known as one of the most beautiful campuses in the state.

Moore County Health Care 

Moore County Hospital is a not-for-profit hospital operated by FirstHealth of the Carolinas. The facility is the group’s flagship hospital, with 402 acute-care beds. It acts as a referral center for the 15-county region. Its services include neurosurgery, neonatology, robotic service, behavioral services, infectious diseases, hyperbarics, cancer care, and bariatric surgery. 

FirstHealth operates several urgent care clinics and other medical offices in Pinehurst and Southern Pines.

Pinehurst Surgical Clinic provides multi-specialist surgical services across from Moore Regional Hospital. The physician staff and providers make 250 specialist services available.

Sandhills Center provides access to treatment for mental health, substance use disorder, and intellectual/developmental disabilities services. 

St. Joseph of the Pines is a non-profit healthcare system affiliated with CHE Trinity Health. It has long-term skilled nursing care, assisted care, and rehabilitation services.

Moore County Things to Do

Golf is one of the most popular things to do in Moore County. It’s what brings visitors and attracts new residents. The area has a total of 40 courses for all skill levels. The Pinehurst Resort and its nine courses are world-famous and have hosted several US Open Golf Championships. 

Part of the area’s unique heritage is its equestrian activities. The sandy soil has made it ideal for all kinds of equine events: the various facilities host steeplechases and dressage competitions. Visit the Pinehurst Harness Track or the McLendon Hills Equestrian Center for horse sporting events. 

The county may not have a notable lake or beachfront, but visitors are surprised to find the landscape dotted with lakes and creeks of all shapes and sizes. The available water recreation areas are popular with kayakers, fishermen, sunbathers, and wakeboarders.  

Bear Creek is a gathering place for fishing and water play. The trail system has 14 miles along the scenic Bear and Cabin creeks. 

Moore County has ample space to roam. The 1,100-acre Moore County Gamelands and tracts of the 60,000-acre Sandhills Gamelands are ideal for hunting and fishing. Find sporting clay clubs and shooting ranges to hone your skills. 

Weymouth Woods Nature Preserve is a 900-acre nature preserve that showcases the unique ecosystems of the Sandhills region. Wander the walking trails or stop in at the exhibit hall.

A thriving visual and performing arts scene is supported by the Arts Council of Moore County. The group arranges events throughout the year to bring in world-renowned musicians. The Sunrise Theater plays independent films, and the Rooster’s Wife features live concerts in various genres. 

Robbins’ annual Farmer’s Day celebration may be the largest horse parade on the East Coast. Now 66 years old, up to 30,000 people have attended this celebration. 

Moore County Local Attractions

Weymouth Center is the former home of the Boyd family, influential denizens of early Southern Pines, and responsible for its growth. The North Carolina Literary Hall of Fame is centered here, and the building hosts various cultural programs. Its grounds are open daily, and the house has limited hours. 

The Moore County Historical Association runs five different house museums that look into the 18th and 19th centuries. The Carthage Museum has 200 artifacts showcasing local history, including its past as a buggy factory. The Shaw House Properties are a trio of museum houses showcasing life for early county settlers.

The National Athletic Village in Southern Pines is a center for diverse sporting activities for all ages and skill levels. The facility includes sports fields, obstacle courses, a trail system for walking, biking, hiking, sand courts, indoor fitness facilities, and a beer garden. 

Aloha Safari Zoo in Cameron has over 300 species of animals. The educational zoo is fun for the whole family to visit.

Bethesda Church & Cemetery dates back to the 1790s. It has an old slave gallery, bullet holes from the Civil War, and graves of pioneer settlers. 

The Malcolm Blue Farm is a trip back when the Sandhills were called the “Pine Barrens.” The 1825 farmhouse and museum have authentic furnishings and a look at what life was like in the early days. 

Sandhills Horticultural Gardens has a variety of gardens showing various environments and plant life. It is affiliated with Sandhills Community College. 

The Sunrise Theater is a performing arts center showcasing independent films, community theater, dance, and music. It hosts local and national talent. 

Moore County Dining 

Moore County has a thriving dining scene that will delight and surprise foodies. The chefs at the resorts have trained under celebrity names and Michelin-award winners. Chef Prem Nath at 195 has been named one of the Best Chefs in America.

Your cuisine choices are numerous. Want farm-to-table dining? Elliots on Linden only serves local ingredients. Want Japanese? How about an authentic Spanish bakery? Craving classic Carolina BBQ? From crepes to curry, you will find so many options to appease your tastes in Moore County. 

There are so many choices that you can make your food tour. Downtown Southern Pines has a range of local shops and unique restaurants. Or, try the local coffee shops sprinkled around the county. 

Moore County has jumped on the local beer movement. Several microbreweries operate in the county. The Railhouse Brewery in Aberdeen was the first microbrewery. Southern Pines Brewing Company followed that. Both are veteran-owned businesses. The Pinehurst Brewery and Hatchet Brewing Company have launched in the years since. 

If beer is not your thing, the James Creek Cider House makes premium ciders from southern heirloom and cider apple varieties grown locally.

Moore County Shopping

Not only will Moore County deliver on your essential shopping, but it is a regional hub with a strong shop local movement. The various towns and downtown scenes have art galleries, antique stores, consignment shops, and unique boutique stores. Our State Magazine voted Cameron the best antique area in North Carolina. 

Some shopping areas to check out:

• Historic Downtown Aberdeen, an NC “Main Street” community
• Cameron Historic District and its three blocks of vintage homes and antique shops
• Campbell House, the home of the Arts Council of Moore County Visual Arts program, has featured artist galleries.
• Southern Pines Farmer’s Market runs April-October on Saturday mornings.
• Pinecrest Plaza, for contemporary fashion, department stores, and groceries
• Sandhills Farmer’s Market on Village Green runs April-September on Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mid-mornings.
• Southern Pines Historic Downtown has shopping in a village atmosphere
• Village of Pinehurst, various specialty shops and galleries in a New-England style village

One unique item to source in Moore County is the historic pottery. Generations of potters still traditionally practice the craft. The Pottery Highway begins near Robbins.

Living in Moore County

Living in Moore County delivers a plethora of amenities and countless community activities. The eleven towns provide boutique shopping, art galleries, and award-winning restaurants. Stay busy with golf tournaments, art shows, town festivals, equestrian events, and performing arts. As you can see, Moore County is a great place to live, whether you’re into golf or not.