10 Reasons Why Living in Jacksonville, NC Is Right For Outdoor Enthusiasts!

When deciding where to move, you’re sure to have many places on your list and many reasons why you’ve chosen them. As a homebuilder with years of experience building homes with unsurpassed quality, uncompromising value, and an extraordinary level of personalization, Dream Finders Homes knows where some of the best places are to relocate. That’s why we highly recommend adding Jacksonville, NC to your list of choices.

Whether you’re looking for a good place to live, an abundance of outdoor recreation, or a destination for sporting events, Jacksonville has it all and more! Here are 10 reasons you should consider moving to Jacksonville, NC, a wonderful community that is a great place to call home.

What Are The Best Things To Do In Jacksonville, NC?

The City of Jacksonville, NC is an All-America City in Onslow County. This once-quiet farming community has grown into a business, retail, medical, banking, and cultural center, making it one of the hottest towns in North Carolina. There are so many things to do in Jacksonville, NC, from quiet walks on the beach to fishing and boating to marathons and jamborees. Here are just a few reasons why Jacksonville is right for families of all kinds:

1. It’s a military town. The City of Jacksonville is home to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River. In fact, the City annexed portions of Camp Lejeune in 1990. The 2000 Census reported the population of Jacksonville at 66,715; by 2010, it was  82,000. About half the population of the city lives aboard Camp Lejeune and the New River Air Station, so the city’s vibe skews to the younger side. 
2. The beaches. Jacksonville is just 30 minutes from NC’s family-friendly, uncrowded coastline. These famous beaches are the perfect place for relaxing or playing. For those looking for a challenge, a range of water sports (surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking) are at hand. Sunbathing, sandcastle building, and seashell collecting are also perfectly acceptable. The top 3 beaches nearby are Topsail Beach, Emerald Isle Beach, and Onslow Beach.
3. So many community events. Jacksonville is home to many events and festivals throughout the year. The Jacksonville Jamboree, held in May, is a celebration of spring, sports & family fun. Onslow Oktoberfest brings the community together to celebrate German culture and autumn fun while raising money for Onslow Community Outreach. Winterfest in December offers sledding, ice skating, snow fun, crafts, and local vendors. 
4. It’s a runner’s paradise. The city is laced with miles of trails and greenways that are ideal for running. Competitive running events are available year-round in Jacksonville. Do the Red, White and Blue 5K or Run With Your Heart 5K one weekend as a warm-up for the New River Splash Triathlon in May. Everyone is welcome to join in or watch. 
5. Go team! If team sports are more your thing, Jacksonville is sure to have something you’ll love. Softball, baseball, disc golf, and pickleball all enjoy events including the Jacksonville Jamboree Softball Tournament, the Annual Fall Disc Golf Classic, and the annual Pickleball Tournament. 
6. It’s also a watersports wonderland. Jacksonville’s proximity to so many waterways means you are never far from the watersport of your choice. Opportunities for paddleboarding, surfing, sailing, and diving are abundant along the shore, while the New River Blueways are ideal for kayaking and paddling. 
7. Cast away your cares. Where there’s water, you’re sure to find fishermen. Jacksonville offers access to several favorite local fishing spots - fresh and salt water. It’s a rare day when you won’t catch a glimpse of savvy fishermen posted along the shore, hoping to catch a spot or mullet on their hooks, or on the New River angling for speckled trout or bass. 
8. Jacksonville Landing. Opened in 2014, Jacksonville Landing was designed by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to create recreational fishing access and provide a public recreation area. Located “between the bridges”, the landing is the largest water access point in the city and hosts three boat ramps, two docks, a canoe and kayak launch, a boardwalk, as well as green space.  
9. Parks & Recreation. Jacksonville has a variety of parks that feature different amenities, from playgrounds to picnic areas, ball fields to basketball courts, skate parks to tennis courts. In downtown Jacksonville, there are five parks located along Wilson Bay and the New River, offering access to the water, places to walk or ride a bike, or festival events. The city’s Recreation Centers provide both indoor and outdoor family fun-oriented activities. 
10. Greenways and trails.  There are more than 19 miles of trails and greenways within the Jacksonville city limits. These paths are open to pedestrians and bicyclists, offering a way to explore city parks, the waterfront, and other places of interest. One popular route includes the Mountains to Sea Trail, North Carolina’s state hiking trail that stretches from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks. With its 3-mile wooded trail, Hammocks Beach State Park offers four trails with views of live oaks, the water, and more than 200 bird species. The Sturgeon City Walking Tour is a waterfront walk that offers the possibility of spotting an otter, herons, blue crabs, red-wing blackbirds, and alligators. 

Homes for Sale in Jacksonville, NC

Harvest Meadows is Dream Finders’ newest community in Jacksonville, NC. We’re offering single family homes for sale, starting from the low $300s. As you drive through the community, you’ll find gorgeous landscaping and tree-lined homesites to build and personalize your home on. There are many options to choose from. Fresh new floor plans with semi-custom structural and design features start from 1,654 square feet. Each home is built with design-forward finishes crafted by our professional Interior Design Consultant. You’ll also enjoy their expert guidance to help create a home that’s perfect for how you want to live. Check out the Quick Move-In Homes that are currently available.

Contact Dream Finders Today!

This is your opportunity to learn more about living in Jacksonville, NC in our Harvest Meadows community. At Dream Finders Homes, we’re committed to delivering the highest standards in each of our new homes. If you’re considering a move to this amazing area, consider us your go-to builder. Contact us if you have questions or want more information about homes for sale in Jacksonville, NC!