Your Havelock, NC Real Estate Questions Answered

Are you looking to live near the waterfront but still want an undeveloped setting? Check out Havelock, NC! The rural coastal community on the Neuse River gives you the chance to choose between coastal living or a rural inland setting.

Havelock is a beautiful community in rural Craven County known for Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point but also for the friendly people and welcoming atmosphere. Residents have plenty of things to do for outdoor recreation, especially for people who enjoy boating, fishing, or hiking.

Look closer into what Havelock has to offer you. If you’re interested in the coastal lifestyle or are moving here for your station, we have answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about real estate in Havelock.

What is the average price of a home in Havelock, NC?

You’ll find a range of housing in Havelock, from waterfront estates to rural properties. The listing prices ranged from $12,000 to over $4 million, depending on the home’s size, location, and features. In the greater Havelock region, the average price of a home was $215,000 in June 2022, with 160 homes for sale.

The most affordable existing home was $39,000 for a three-bedroom, one-bathroom, 936 sq ft home needing renovation on a half-acre lot. The most expensive was $884,000 for a waterfront, three-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home on over 1.5 acres.

Are there any condos or townhomes available in Havelock, NC? 

Havelock has a few townhome and condo developments, but availability varies. As of June 2022, there were four units for sale ranging in price from $124,000 for a 1,270 sq ft three-bedroom, three-bathroom unit to $157,500 for a 1,176 sq ft three-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom unit.

Some places to look for townhomes and condos include Indian Trail, Brookstone, Village Park, Heather Glen, and Tucker Creek Estates.

What is the property tax rate for Havelock, NC?

Havelock’s property tax rate for 2021-2022 was $0.59 per $100 of property valuation. Craven County charged $0.56. That’s a combined rate of $1.15. A property valued at $215,000 would pay $2,472.50 in taxes.

The county also charged a $60 recycling fee, or $30 for disabled veterans, elderly, and disabled persons. Property taxes are due by September 1 of each year. You might pay an additional fire district tax if you live outside city limits, which varies based on the address. Craven County’s next property valuation update is in 2023.

What county is Havelock, NC in?

Craven County is home to Havelock. This county is bordered by the Neuse River, which provides coastal access and has made it a historic port area since before the American Revolution. New Bern, the county seat, was established over 300 years ago. The city is still the county’s center for culture, education, and history.

While Craven County is considered coastal, it does not have direct Atlantic Ocean access. However, the Neuse River, Trent River, Mosley Creek, and many lakes provide water access and recreation.

Two popular attractions in Craven County are Tryon Palace, the historical residence of North Carolina’s British governors, and the New Bern Bears, a collection of fiberglass and ceramic public art displays.

MCAS Cherry Point, home to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, is also located in this county and is part of what draws people to live in Havelock.

Is Havelock, NC, growing?

The population of Havelock was 16,621 in the 2020 US Census, down significantly from 20,735 as of 2010. Craven County also lost overall population, but not as significant a decline as Havelock.

The 2021 numbers rebounded slightly to an estimated 17,052 residents. The city is estimated to be growing at 0.3% each year.

The median age in Havelock is 30.5 years old. About 25% of residents are under 18 years old. Only 6% are 65 and older.

What neighborhoods are in Havelock, NC?

MCAS Cherry Point takes up a significant amount of city space in Havelock. Many residents live near the base or downtown Havelock.

The areas surrounding Havelock are generally known as Cherry Branch, Havelock North, Camp Bryan, Havelock Station, and Cherry Point. They tend to be rural and spread out areas. For example, the Camp Bryan area includes the Croatan National Forest. Cherry Branch and Bachelor are riverfront but include more preserves from the Croatan National Forest and Clubfoot Creek.

Are there any waterfront properties found in Havelock, NC? 

Yes, waterfront properties abound in Havelock, NC. These include riverfront, sound-front, and canal-front. Prices for these homes range depending on the size of the property and its location. Many waterfront homes are not in master-planned waterfront communities but developed along various backroads leading to points along the Neuse River.

Your best bet for finding waterfront real estate is to use a local real estate agent who can direct you to the roads and areas with available waterfront real estate.

How is golf in Havelock, NC?

There is one golf course in Havelock. The Sound of Freedom Golf Course is on the base of MCAS Cherry Point with Neuse River views. This is the first course George Cobb ever created, and it has a par 72 layout of 6,642 yards from the tees. Facilities include a Pro Shop, a driving range, a chipping area, and practice putting green.

Memberships and daily fees are available; civilians can join the Friends of Cherry Point to access the golf course.

Outside of Havelock, you have more golf course options. Carolina Colours Golf Club near New Bern is a private course with 18 holes. The layout accommodates 5,000 to 7,000 yards of play based on skill level.

Minnesott Golf and Country Club is a public 18-hole course near the Intracoastal Waterway. It has five tees for different skills and plays par 72.

You’ll find more golf courses in nearby New Bern, including Harbour Pointe and River Bend. South towards the ocean will bring you two more course options, Brandywine Bay and Crystal Coast.

What areas are near Havelock, NC?

Many small towns and rural areas surround Havelock, including Cherry Branch, Neuse Forest, Newport, and Harlowe.

New Bern is the largest city near Havelock and is about 25 minutes away. It’s the county seat for Craven County and has over 30,000 people. New Bern is rich with colonial history, having been established in the early 1700s. Tryon Palace is one of the many historical attractions you’ll find here.

The Croatan National Forest awaits to the northeast, with lake fishing, hiking, and hunting opportunities. The Atlantic coast is to the south on Hwy 70. Here you have access to the beaches of the Crystal Coast, including Emerald Isle, Morehead City, and Atlantic Beach.

Jacksonville is to the west and is home to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. This city has over 70,000 people and is the commercial hub for Onslow County. If Craven County’s shopping and dining options don’t meet your needs, nearby Jacksonville should have what you’re looking for. 

Raleigh is about 2.5 hours away from Havelock, making it a feasible day trip. The state capital is busy with cultural attractions, museums, restaurants, and nightlife.

What to know about living in Havelock, NC

The climate in Havelock is mild, with average temperatures ranging from the high 50Fs in the winter to the high 80Fs in the summer. The area gets about 53 inches of rain per year, and snowfall is light, averaging only two inches per year.

The cost of living in Havelock is 21% lower than the US average and 11% lower than the North Carolina average. In particular, housing was 43% cheaper than the national index. Only healthcare costs were above average expenditures.

Havelock delivers residents a rural lifestyle with rustic, coastal charm. The area is known for its fishing and boating opportunities and its many military affiliations. If you’re moving to Havelock, you can expect a slower pace of life and a tight-knit community.

If you’re looking at living in Havelock, contact a local real estate agent to find the right neighborhood for you.