Bridgeton is a quiet, historic community across the river from New Bern
Bridgeton is a small, mostly rural community located across the Neuse River from the city of New Bern. Apart from a small residential strip along the river, Bridgeton is mostly made up of farmland and forests. The development of the town area along the river followed the construction of the first bridge connecting the area to New Bern in 1898 — a bridge that gave the community its name. That bridge has been replaced multiple times over the decades, most recently by the U.S. Route 17 bridge in 1999, and Bridgeton's growth still remains tied to New Bern. "It's basically exactly what it looks like — a quiet commuter suburb," says Realtor Denis Vary of Team Vary Real Estate Group, who has worked in the area for nearly 20 years. "You can get to New Bern in about ten minutes, but it feels like it's out in the country. You get a slower pace of life and more of a small-town feel."
Everything from early 1900s bungalows to modern townhouses
Since 1898, Bridgeton's residential development has basically mirrored New Bern's on a smaller scale. The community is home to early-20th century bungalows and Craftsman homes, midcentury cottages and ranch-style homes, and a growing selection of modern riverfront homes and condos. Inland homes usually go for between $200,000 and $400,000, while luxury waterfront properties can sell for anywhere from $600,000 to $1.2 million. Condos and townhouses usually go for $250,000 to $350,000. Flooding is a risk for some homes in the area, particularly those close to the river — though many newer properties are built on stilts to minimize this risk.
Retail and a few restaurants along local highways
Retail in Bridgeton is mostly concentrated along U.S. Route 17 and state Route 55, the community's two major thoroughfares. The local Food Lion supermarket is located near the intersection of the two routes, making it relatively easy for residents to grab groceries when they need to. While there are a few other shops scattered around the area, most locals head to New Bern when they need to do any serious shopping. Ditto for dining and nightlife, which can be found clustered around New Bern's quaint downtown area. There are a few highly rated eateries in Bridgeton itself, though — The Backstreet Bakery, Sara's Pizzeria, and Ineffable Wine & Beer Garden.
Recreational opportunities center around the Neuse River
In the heart of Bridgerton, Vernon Blades Park has a playground, pavilion and playing fields right next to the Neuse River. The river itself is a popular recreation spot for boating and fishing enthusiasts. There are multiple marinas and boat launches in the community, and many locals spend a big chunk of their free time on the water, particularly during warmer months. Residents looking to enjoy a walk in the woods can visit Latham Whitehurst Nature Park and enjoy a couple of miles of trails. There are also public game lands nearby that offer duck and deer hunting. "There are a lot of opportunities to get outside," says Vary. "I feel like pretty much everyone out there goes in for hunting or fishing or both. If you live in Bridgeton, it's just what you do."
Craven County public schools
Bridgeton is part of the Craven County Schools district, which has a B-plus on Niche. Bridgeton Elementary and West Craven Middle School both have C-plus ratings. West Craven High School has a B-minus and offers dual enrollment courses through Craven Community College in New Bern.
Bridgeton's annual Blueberry Festival
Most events in the area, including the Fourth of July and Christmas parades, take place across the river in New Bern. However, Bridgeton is known for its annual Blueberry Festival, which is held every June at Vernon Blades Park and offers food trucks, vendors and live music.
Easy highway access to New Bern and the airport
U.S. Route 17 and state Route 55 connect Bridgeton to New Bern and the rest of Craven County. Public transportation options in the area are limited, so car ownership is a necessity. It's just over 5 miles to New Bern by car. Coastal Carolina Regional Airport in New Bern offers direct routes to Charlotte, Orlando and Hartford. Locals often opt to drive to the larger Raleigh-Durham International Airport, which is a roughly 130-mile drive.
