A coastal area in Pamlico County that's building
The community of Arapahoe, on the peninsula in Pamlico County, offers acres of farmland and a collection of riverfront homes, giving locals access to the marshy waterways and creeks that make up the coastal plains of North Carolina. Life here is not always convenient. Errands often require ferry trips or long drives on country highways. For shopping and events, many visit nearby Oriental, known as the "Sailing Capital of North Carolina." Arapahoe's local government is working on community improvements, which include updates to the bridge on Neuse Road and a new recreational space.
The upcoming Arapahoe Park, teeing off at Minnesott Golf and boating in the water
The community's first green space, Arapahoe Park, is under construction. When complete, it will include a playground and basketball court. The local government hosted a 5K race to help pay for the project. Minnesott Golf & Country Club, about 5 miles away, offers an 18-hole course, tournaments and a four-day summer camp. The community has popular summer sailing camps, including YMCA Camp Seafarer for girls and YMCA Camp Sea Gull for boys.
Water touches the community on several sides, with Dawson Creek to the east and the Neuse River to the south and west. Public access points for boating and fishing are close by in Oriental; the boat ramps off Creek Place Road and Midyette Street are suitable for kayaks and canoes. Locals also visit this area for more outdoor recreation at Edward D. Lupton Park. The space has a playground, two pickleball courts and a tennis court. There is also a dog park behind the fire station.
Buying into a home in the coastal Arapahoe
Arapahoe includes riverfront homes on pier foundations, brick ranch styles and New Traditionals. Larger homes and waterfront properties are typically priced higher. Residences over 2,250 square feet tend to cost between $600,000 and $925,000. Smaller, move-in-ready dwellings range from $200,000 to $570,000. There are also plenty of wooded lots available.
As a coastal community, Arapahoe homes are at risk of flooding. Buyers should check whether their properties sit within a FEMA Special Flood Zone. The region also experiences hurricanes and wildfires.
Attending events in the town of Oriental
Locals attend Pamlico County festivals in surrounding communities. The Ol' Front Porch Music Festival is a popular event held in Oriental. The nearby town also hosts fishing tournaments and regattas throughout the year. The Croaker Festival, on the Fourth of July, has been a county-wide event for over 45 years. The celebration includes a pageant, parade and musical performances.
Visiting local businesses like Carolina Bay Outfitters and Gary's Down East Seafood
Highway 306 holds a few businesses, including Dollar General and Carolina Bay Outfitters, a recent addition to the community. Also along the route is Gary's Down East Seafood, which serves locally caught shrimp and she-crab soup. There is a Piggly Wiggly about 10 miles away.
Home to Arapahoe Charter School
Families can apply for out-of-district transfers on the Pamlico County Schools website. Arapahoe Charter School is open to all grade levels and has a B rating from Niche. The remaining public schools are located about 15 miles away in Bayboro. Pamlico County Primary School has a B-plus rating on Niche. Fred A. Anderson Elementary and Pamlico County Middle Schools have B ratings. Teens attend the B-minus-rated Pamlico County High, which offers extracurricular activities such as STEAM club and powerlifting. High school graduates may enroll in Pamlico County Community College.
Traveling on Highway 306 and the Cherry Branch-Minnesott Beach Ferry
Multiple houses of worship are around the community, including Arapahoe Free Will Baptist Church and Arapahoe Methodist Church. During the summer, commuters on Highway 306 may experience congestion from campers arriving at YMCA Camp Seafarer. The highway and Neuse Road lead to surrounding municipal areas. Depending on the starting location, commuters are about 10 to 15 miles from Oriental. Residents can cross the Neuse River by way of the Cherry Branch—Minnesott Beach Ferry.
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
