Your Jacksonville NC Real Estate Questions Answered

Your Jacksonville, NC Real Estate Questions Answered

Jacksonville, North Carolina, is a place of opportunity. While it’s known for being the home of the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, the vibrant city itself is a thriving place to live. Enjoy ample culture, art, and music amenities along with waterfront and outdoor recreation. Essentially, residents enjoy a coastal lifestyle with an affordable cost of living.

If you’re interested in making a move to Jacksonville, we’ve answered the most common questions about the local real estate market.

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

As of December 2021, Jacksonville, North Carolina, had 135 real estate listings. Residential real estate had a median home cost of $225,000, which came out to a $130.45 average price per sq ft. That’s way before the national average. These homes spent an average of 54 days on the market.

The market listings began with a $45,000 836-sq ft home with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. The highest-priced residential property was a $1.2 million, almost 5,000 sq ft home with six bedrooms and five-and-a-half bathrooms in Chaney Heights. 

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

Yes, you can find townhouses or condominiums for living in Jacksonville. In December 2021, the market had only five available properties. The housing costs ranged from $90,000 for a 992-sq ft 2-bedroom property in Hunters Creek to $154,900 for just over 1,100 sq ft with 3 bedrooms in Carolina Forest.

A local real estate expert can help point you to where condominium and townhome properties are available. A few places that you can look at are Brynwood Townhomes, Marsh Oaks, Carolina Forest, and Hunters Creek. 

What is the property tax rate for Jacksonville, NC?

Property taxes are levied and administered by the county. Jacksonville is located in Onslow County, where property values are scheduled to be re-appraised in 2022. 

County residents pay $0.705 per $100 of valuation property tax rates in 2021. The coastal city of Jacksonville also levied a $0.642 tax rate per $100 of property valuation. 

What county is Jacksonville, NC in?

Onslow County is the proud home of US Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. Large sections of the county are allocated to the base, about 156,000 acres. The main gate is accessible from Jacksonville.

Here is a place of American pride and bountiful outdoor experiences. Residents enjoy over 30 miles of beautiful beaches, rivers, and oceanfront. Large tracts of inland acres are preserved in forests, making the game lands rich with wildlife. A large portion of the county is preserved through the Hofmann Forest, a 79,036-acre tract of university-owned research forest.

Residents also report an affordable cost of living. The cost of living index places the United States average as 100. In 2021, Onslow had an index of 86.7, meaning it was more affordable than many places in the United States and North Carolina.

Is Jacksonville, NC growing?

In the 2020 Census, Onslow County reported 204,576 residents, 13% more than the 2010 population count. North Carolina projects Onslow County will grow by 10% from 2020 to 2030, or about 21,500 new residents. Some of that growth will likely be centered around the county seat of Jacksonville.

What neighborhoods are in Jacksonville, NC?

When it comes to living in Jacksonville, you have a range of neighborhoods to choose from, some offering family friendly advantages, like good public schools and private schools, green spaces, and amazing beaches. If looking for a historic home, try closer to the downtown core. Here, you will find properties dating back centuries, along with apartments and condominium living.

For waterfront living, look at neighborhoods like Tar Landing and Walton’s Store. They are closer to the water yet also have established landscapes.

The Bell Fork community tends to have ranch-style homes and mature landscaping. It’s close to the Rails to Trails Greenway for those who like to get out and about. 

Tarawa Terrace is a community near Camp LeJeune and the waterfront. Here, you’ll find rental housing and residential homes for sale with a great sense of community.

Northwoods is a mix of classical and contemporary homes. Schools are within walking distance, and residents are close to shopping areas. Many houses have spacious yard space.

Carolina Plantation subdivision is situated near the military bases and New River Air Station. 

College Park homes range in size and style. The area is in the northeast of Jacksonville, near Coastal Carolina University.

Brynn Marr is an established community three miles from Camp Lejeune Main Gate. It also is close to shopping and schools. You’ll find apartment living and single-family homes. 

Aldersgate is a subdivision towards the northern area in Jacksonville. It has houses in a ranch or colonial style. Residents are close to a shopping center with retail and dining options. 

Are there any waterfront properties found in Jacksonville, NC? 

You can find some waterfront living in and near Jacksonville, North Carolina. However, a lot of the waterfront is dedicated to Camp Lejeune, the local military airport, or other commercial development. A few places where you can look for waterfront properties would be Montford Point, Georgetown, and Tarawa Terrace.

If you continue through Jacksonville, you can find some waterfront living to the West along branches of the New River. 

Is there lakefront or riverfront property in Jacksonville, NC?

Jacksonville is situated on the New River, which flows into Stones Bay and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. Much of the New River waterfront property around Jacksonville is either part of a military base, a city park, or commercial development. However, you can find waterfront living either on the New River or on one of its creeks and branches. In 2021, waterfront properties in Jacksonville were harder to find. 

How is golf in Jacksonville, NC?

Players have a range of options in and surrounding Jacksonville. If you are a service member or a veteran, you could take advantage of the golf course at Camp Lejeune. Paradise Point Golf Course is a renowned fairway for play. If you are not associated with the military base, you still have options like the Dublin Country Club, Jacksonville Country Club, and The Rock Creek Golf and Country Club. 

Are there golf course communities in Jacksonville, NC? 

If you are looking to live in a golf course community near Jacksonville, your best choice is Rock Creek. It is technically outside the city limits but is your closest option for a golf course community with its amenities. The Rock Creek Golf Course is a par 72 championship golf course. It also has a community pool, clubhouse, and picnic field. Members can take advantage of the Pro Shop and the beverage bar. 

What areas are near Jacksonville, NC?

The most notable area near Jacksonville is Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. However, it’s not the only military base in the area. Camp Geiger is also part of the Marine Corps Base complex, and it is across the New River on the west side of Jacksonville. It is home to the School of Infantry. 

To the north of Jacksonville awaits the expansive Hofmann Forest, a research forest open to hiking, hunting, and other outdoor recreational pursuits. 

The nearest public beach is at North Topsail Beach, about an hour’s drive to the south down NC 17. Jacksonville is close to the waterfront town of Sneads Ferry. 

Wilmington, another coastal town associated with Atlantic beaches, is about an hour’s drive to the south. 

What to know about living in Jacksonville, NC?

When you live in Jacksonville, you can still have a coastal lifestyle while you are not directly on the beach. There’s lots of inland water access through the New River and its branches. Residents live close to many outdoor activities through the expansive Hofmann Forest. 

Jacksonville has a lot of modern amenities in retail and dining. Whether you’re there just for a short time or want to set up your forever home, Jacksonville is a great place to live. Use a local real estate expert to help you find the right place to live.

More Frequently Asked Questions About Jacksonville, North Carolina Real Estate

Is Jacksonville, NC, a military town?

Absolutely, Jacksonville, NC, is a military town. There’s a strong military presence in the area, with Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base, one of the largest Marine Corps bases in the United States, being located 25 minutes south of the city center. That’s an 18-mile drive.

This base contributes greatly to Jacksonville’s identity as a military community, with a substantial population of military personnel and their families residing in the area. With so many military families in the area, this is undoubtedly a family-friendly place, with many organizations providing a supportive environment.
If you’re planning to live near Camp Lejeune, whether on-base or off, you’ll find housing with diverse real estate prices. You can also benefit from the support and resources available to veterans in the area.

What’s the median household income in Jacksonville, NC?

As of the latest available data from the Census Bureau, the median household income in Jacksonville, NC, is approximately $55,769 annually. This figure is lower than the national average annual income of around $74,580 per year.

Is it expensive to live in Jacksonville, NC?

Living in Jacksonville, NC, is affordable compared to many other areas in the nation. The cost of living in Jacksonville, North Carolina, is 86.3. That is 13.7% lower than the national average and 5.2% lower than the state.

Housing costs contribute significantly to this affordability, with housing prices up to 35% lower than the national average. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also below both North Carolina and the nation’s average. While some categories, such as health care, are above the national average.

What’s the largest city near Jacksonville, NC?

One of the major cities near Jacksonville, NC, is Wilmington, NC, which is 53 miles away. Wilmington has around 120,000 residents and is well-known for its high-quality amenities and services, historical sites, and coastal attractions. The median home price in Wilmington is about $410,143, higher than that of Jacksonville, NC, where the median is closer to $247,600.

How far is Jacksonville, NC, from the beach?

Jacksonville, NC, is 20 miles from the stunning beaches of Topsail Island, a short drive of about 30 minutes from the city center. Being so close to the beach allows locals and tourists to take full advantage of the amazing coastline, which is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking scenic views and a myriad of recreational activities (mostly water activities) like swimming, surfing, and beachcombing.

Is there good education in Jacksonville, NC?

Are you considering moving to Jacksonville, NC, and needing to advance your education? You will be happy to know this vibrant city has a strong educational environment. One educational institution is the Coastal Carolina Community College, an academic hub in the Jacksonville area that offers a range of programs. Students moving to Jacksonville, NC, can also attend Miller-Motte College, which provides residents with career-focused programs in healthcare, tech, and business.

What are some attractions and things to do near Jacksonville, NC?

Jacksonville, NC, is not just a military town, ithas diverse attractions and activities. From art walks to movie theaters, trampoline parks, and more, the city has something for everyone. Here are some of the top things to do in and around the city:

Riverwalk Park: This park is on the New River and features scenic views, walking trails, and picnic spots. It’s the place for a leisurely stroll or a respite picnic by the water.

Zing Zumm Children’s Museum of Jacksonville: This interactive museum is a haven for families, offering a perfect day out with the kids. Get ready to explore the hands-on exhibits and participate in all the activities.

Lejeune Memorial Gardens: This peaceful park is dedicated to the memory of Marines and their families and features several monuments and memorials.

Hammocks Beach State Park: This green space is just a short drive from Jacksonville’s downtown area. A natural paradise, Hammocks Beach has pristine beaches, kayaking opportunities, and hiking trails. It’s a huge favorite of outdoor enthusiasts in the area.

Emerald Isle Beach: Emerald Isle has gorgeous beaches with powdery sand and clear, turquoise waters. Residents and visitors enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and fishing here.

Montford Point Marine Museum: Located on Camp Johnson, this museum honors the legacy of the first African American Marines who trained at Montford Point.