Your EZ Search Guide to Moving to Pinehurst, NC

Do you dream of lush fairways, the satisfying thwack of a hit, and days spent under the sun on your favorite course? If so, you’ll fit right in when you move to Pinehurst, NC, the “Home of American Golf.” This golfer’s paradise has legendary courses that have hosted countless championship tournaments for the best of the best.

But there’s more than golfing to life in Pinehurst. With its Southern charm, lush greenery, and warm community, Pinehurst is a delightful blend of relaxation and recreation for residents and visitors alike. Buying a home in Pinehurst promises extraordinary living whether you’re an avid golfer or simply seeking a serene retreat.

About Pinehurst, NC

Pinehurst is in Moore County, NC. It’s home to the world-renowned Pinehurst Resort and Country Club, the historic Village of Pinehurst, and the communities of Lake Pinehurst and Whispering Pines. 

It’s hard to separate the history of the Village from the resort, as it was the golfing resort that first brought people here and led to the Village’s expansion in the 1960s. It was incorporated as an independent municipality in the 1980s, but life here is still wrapped around the resort lifestyle.

In addition to its many golf courses, this small town of 17,000 has a proliferation of outdoor activities like fishing, horseback riding, and swimming. The municipalities of Aberdeen, Southern Pines, Robbins, and Carthage add to the roster of things to do, like providing access to one of the state’s top equestrian facilities and a famous center for the arts.

Pinehurst Weather

Pinehurst enjoys mild temperatures year-round, with hot summers and fairly mild winters. Average summer highs reach the low 90Fs in July, while winter temperatures average in the 40Fs and 50Fs. It’s perfect for golfing and outdoor sports all year round.

Rainfall is equally distributed throughout the year, usually in afternoon thunderstorms. Some snow and ice occur during winter, but it rarely accumulates more than an inch or two and melts fairly quickly.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Pinehurst is slightly higher than the national average due to its popularity and abundance of activities. The overall bump is marginal, at a slim 0.3% in 2022. However, it is on the higher side for North Carolina, by about 9%.

Housing is the most significant expenditure category, partially because of demand and the well-kept resort properties. Miscellaneous costs are also higher, but much of that is related to the demand for Pinehurst’s exceptional and world-class recreation amenities. Of course, you’ll pay more to play on courses favored by PGA professionals.

The average home price for the greater Pinehurst region in August 2023 was around $343,444. 

Housing in Pinehurst

Find housing options for all budgets and lifestyles when you move to the Pinehurst area. Popular neighborhoods include Pinehurst Country Club Estates, Champions Village Park, and Country Club East & West. 

Home styles range from cozy colonial-style homes to large custom estates with views of one of the storied resort fairways. Everyone can find their perfect Pinehurst property, whether you’re looking for a vacation investment property or to buy a full-time residence. 

Pinehurst had 219 available listings as of early August 2023 at an average sale price of $446,106. The average price per sq ft was $198. Data from June 2023 had year-over-year prices down by 13.2%; prices peaked in September 2022 at $577,750. 

Economy 

Looking for a job to support your Pinehurst lifestyle? Good news! The micropolitan area of Pinehurst-Southern Pines ranked no. 1 in the state and in the top 7% in the nation for economic strength in a POLICOM survey in 2023. 

Pinehurst’s economy is centered on the resort industry, but many other small and large businesses thrive in the area. Moore County is home to several large employers ranging from medical centers and hospitals to manufacturing and distribution companies, banks, technology firms, and more. Health care alone accounts for 30% of Moore County’s employment.

The unemployment rate was 5% in June 2023, up slightly from the 4.4% rate a year prior due to changes related to COVID-19. The job market had largely recovered by late 2023, however. 

Pinehurst education 

The Moore County School System has 25 schools and over 12,000 students. Specifically in Pinehurst, families have four public schools with scores frequently showing a high quality and rigorous education. Pinecrest High School was the no. 15 top-performing high schools in North Carolina. In addition, two charter schools offer specialized arts or STEM education studies. All local schools boast a graduation rate of nearly 90%. 

Pinehurst also has multiple religious and secular private schools, like Sandhills Classical Christian School and the O’Neal School.

For higher education, Sandhills Community College has a Moore County campus with 35 training and two-year degree programs. 

Healthcare in Pinehurst

The Moore County healthcare system provides exceptional care to residents. FirstHealth of the Carolinas has several hospitals and outpatient care centers spread throughout the area, as well as a network of medical specialists and primary care physicians. Its FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital was among North Carolina’s top centers in the US News and World Report evaluation for 2022. The system had plans to open a new comprehensive cancer center in 2023. 

Pinehurst also has an abundance of smaller clinics, therapy centers, and pharmacies. Needless to say, healthcare needs are well met in the region.

What to do in Pinehurst 

The Great Outdoors

You can’t talk about the “American Home of Golf” and not talk about golf. 

Pinehurst Resort has an incredible nine courses, and a tenth is now under construction. Its No. 2 Course is a beloved US Open site; its hosted the event four times, most recently in 2014, and with future plans for more tournaments. And there are an additional 40 golf courses within a 15-mile radius of the Village! How’s that for a golfer’s paradise?

But moving away from golfing, Pinehurst’s incredible selection of other recreational activities will keep all residents entertained. Dozens of public and private parks, greenspaces, and trails are close at hand for recreation. Three in-town parks include sports fields, disc golf, splash pads, and a castle-shaped playground that kids love.

Thanks to Southern Pines, the region is also famous for its equestrian scene, with many riding clubs and stables nearby. It’s one of the top towns to live in for horse lovers, with steeplechases and fox hunts. The Carolina Horse Park is just 25 minutes from Pinehurst.

Pinehurst also has lakes for fishing or watersports, starting with the 200-acre Lake Pinehurst and continuing with Reservoir Park. 

Pinehurst culture

If you’re in the mood for some culture, there’s always something going on in town. Be part of community events, like the weekly Sandhills Farmers Market, monthly art walks, Live After Five concerts festivals, to film screenings. Enjoy classic small-town events like a Fourth of July parade or Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. There are also seasonal events, like the Spring Artwalk at the Pinehurst Resort, and golf tournaments. 

Six music- or arts-related organizations are based in Pinehurst, including the Carolina Philharmonic. A writers-in-residence program operates from The Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities.

Dining and shopping 

Enjoy a selection of casual and fine dining options. Several five-star restaurants are based at the golfing resort. In the Village Center, choose from local eateries with interesting takes on southern classics like chicken and waffles and fried green tomatoes. Nearby, Southern Pines has an array of hip cafes and brewpubs. Truly, the Pinehurst dining scene is incredibly diverse and one of its high points.

The Village of Pinehurst also boasts some great downtown shopping in its New England-styled downtown. Find treasures hidden in antique stores and boutiques selling handmade gifts and locally-made items. Further from the center are big box stores if you need to grab something quickly. 

Getting Around 

Getting around Pinehurst is easy. The resort has a complimentary shuttle service between the hotels, courses, and downtown village. Downtown is highly walkable, and there is a network of pedestrian trails in the core town and resort area.

Moore County’s public transportation system has over 30 stops around Pinehurst and Southern Pines. Moore CATS provides service between the two towns and nearby communities like Aberdeen, Whispering Pines, and Carthage. 

Three airports make it easier to reach farther-flung destinations: Moore County Airport in Carthage, Fayetteville Regional Airport, and Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Pinehurst is about a 45-minute drive from Fayetteville’s airport and an hour and a half from the larger RDU. 

For traveling around town by car, several major roads move locals around. US Highway 1 runs through Southern Pines and Aberdeen, while NC Highway 501 provides access to nearby Moore communities. 

Setting Up Your Pinehurst Home 

The Village of Pinehurst provides a solid waste system with trash, yard waste, and recycling carts for each property. Carts must be put out at seven in the morning on pick-up day and returned to storage by the end of the day.

Electric utilities are supplied by Duke Energy. Start your service by calling 800-777-9898 or emailing the company. Gas service is through Piedmont Natural Gas at 800-275-6264.

Water and sewer are handled through Moore County Public Utilities at 910-947-6315.

Moving to Pinehurst

Golfers will love Pinehurst, but hopefully, you can see it’s not just a paradise for players. Pinehurst is an ideal place to live for anyone looking for a small-town feel with the perks of a big city, like high-quality dining, education, and recreation. Whether you’re moving here for the courses or chasing your career, life in Pinehurst is full of opportunities. Don’t wait to join the community; let a local Pinehurst real estate agent help your move to Pinehurst!