Small town character and development in Broadway, North Carolina
A town of under 1500 people, Broadway, North Carolina, may seem a far cry from the bright lights and city bustle that the name suggests, but the town’s name actually comes from the wide gap in the pine forest that once covered the area. While it remains a small community, new home construction is ongoing, and the areas carrying Broadway addresses are expanding. “It used to be just the little town limits,” says Misty Lyons, a Realtor and owner of Lyons Group, part of eXp Realty. “But now addresses are stretching south of Highway 27, into the county area of Lillington. Homes there now carry a Broadway address.” Small town charm and atmosphere are a significant part of the area’s appeal, as is proximity to Fort Bragg, about 29 miles south. “People can jump on 87 and be at the Fort’s gates quickly,” Lyons says.
Ranch-style homes, townhomes and new construction
Broadway uses some theatrical street names, bringing a taste of 42nd Street to the area. Ranch-style homes line MacBeth and Hamlet drives. Two-family townhomes line Fiddler Drive and Cats Drive. Larger New Traditional homes and other multi-story styles are available along Village Drive in the southern part of town. Yards are wide and well-kept. Some of the newer areas don’t have fully grown trees yet, while other pockets are wooded. The area carrying Broadway addresses is expanding. “Broadway has extended their zip code,” Lyons says. “It still feels like a secret. I have to remind my military clients to look in the Broadway-Sanford area.” The median home price here is about $315,000, lower than the national median.
Lee County Schools include local Broadway Elementary
Located near the center of town, Broadway Elementary School earns a B-minus from Niche. East Lee Middle School scores a C-plus. Lee County High School earns a B-minus as well. Lee County High juniors and seniors can enroll in the International Baccalaureate program there, explore career academy offerings including finance, hospitality and engineering, or earn dual enrollment credits at Central Carolina Community College.
Several town parks and nearby areas for hiking, fishing and more
The North Carolina Veterans Memorial Pavilion is a gathering space near the center of town. Lett Family Park has a playground and fields for youth sports. Watson Lake Park offers a paved trail, playground and lake access. Residents can make the 12-mile drive to Raven Rock State Park to explore the trails and the Cape Fear River or visit Broadway Zoological Park, about 5 miles from town. Jordan Lake is another popular nearby recreation area, about 22 miles north. “It’s a quick commute to Jordan Lake for fishing, watersports and camping,” Lyons says. “A lot of my clients ask about fishing or waterskiing, and you do have a short trip over there.”
Broadway Our Way annual celebration and Temple Theater offerings
Broadway Our Way is a spring festival with music, vendors, food trucks and a classic car show. The Temple Theater in Sanford puts on plays and concerts, and also holds local auditions and performance classes.
Close to Sanford and under an hour to Raleigh and Fayetteville
Broadway is about 9 miles east of Sanford, about 42 miles south of Raleigh and the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, and about 33 miles north of Fayetteville, which borders Fort Bragg. North Carolina Route 87 runs south from Sanford toward the base. US Route 421 is accessible just south of the town. Central Carolina Hospital is about 9 miles away in Sanford. Broadway’s relatively quiet streets see regular use for walking and biking.
Groceries and restaurants in town, with more choices in Sanford
Shopping and dining options are limited, given the size of this community, but there is a Piggly-Wiggly for groceries right in town. Local eateries include Dip & Dawgs Deli, which serves hot dogs, sandwiches and salads, Los Charros Mexican Restaurant and The Brass Kettle Café, which serves southern staples like catfish, biscuits and gravy and fried okra among omelets, sandwiches and burgers. More dining choices, plus Aldi, Lidl, Walmart and Lowe’s, are available in Sanford.
