Bunnlevel is a rural community in growing Harnett County
Just off U.S. Route 401 in Harnett County, Bunnlevel is an unincorporated community that largely consists of farmland, sparse houses and a handful of small-town businesses. "If you live here, it's because you don't want to live near anyone," says Misty Lyons, Harnett County native and owner of Lyons Group, eXp Realty. "They have a post office and a zip code, but there isn't much there. You blink and you've gone through it." Still, Bunnlevel is within an hour's drive of downtown Raleigh and 30 minutes from Fayetteville. So, although it remains very rural, Bunnlevel has seen an increase in new homes being built, following Harnett County's larger growth trend.
Ranches and new traditional homes among farmland
Properties throughout Bunnlevel sit along country roads and among expansive, flat tracts of farmland. Ranch-style homes are common among properties built in the 20th century. Many homes in Bunnlevel have been built within the last 10 years, and some are in small subdivisions. These new traditional and craftsman-style homes usually have two-car garages and modern finishes. Most houses sell for between $200,000 and $300,000.
Recreation along the river in Lillington
Bunnlevel has baseball and soccer fields on its eastern edge. Lillington, 7 miles north, has more recreation along the Cape Fear River. On the northern side of the river, Cape Fear Shiner Park has multi-purpose fields and a walking trail. On the southern side, Cape Fear River Adventures has tubing and kayak rentals along the water. Across from that, Lillington River Park has an updated playground, amphitheater and more walking paths. The town also has plans to expand its trail system. "Lillington is trying to work with the state to connect Raven Rock and the town of Lillington's trails together," Lyons says. Raven Rock is a state park stretching out from Lillington along the river with nearly 5,000 acres of outdoor space.
Local businesses and institutions line U.S. Route 401 in Bunnlevel
U.S. Route 401 through Bunn is lined with small-town businesses and institutions like a post office, the Summerville Bunnlevel Volunteer Fire and Rescue station, Friendship Baptist Bunnlevel church and Dollar General. Nina's Country Kitchen is the community's only restaurant. This hole-in-the-wall joint serves cheeseburgers and hot dogs with sides of fries and tater tots. Walmart Supercenter is 9 miles east in Erwin. Lillington also has a Food Lion and several more restaurants nearby.
Harnett County Schools and nearby Campbell University
Public school students in Bunnlevel typically begin at Lillington-Shawtown Elementary School, which has a C grade from Niche, and C-plus-rated Harnett Central Middle School. Harnett Central High School earns a B-minus. Clubs offered at the high school include the Foreign Language League, Fellowship of Christian Students and Drama Club. Campbell University is about 12 miles north of Bunnlevel. This private, Christian institution serves 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students in Buies Creek. Central Carolina Community College's Harnett Main Campus is also about 10 miles north.
Driving to Raleigh and Fayetteville on U.S. Route 401
Bunnlevel is car-dependent. U.S. Route 401 goes through the community. U.S. 401 takes drivers 40 miles north to downtown Raleigh and 25 miles south to Fayetteville, home to the Fort Bragg Army base. "Harnett County is one of the fastest growing counties in North Carolina," Lyons says. "You see a lot of commuting." Raleigh-Durham International Airport is 50 miles north, and Central Harnett Hospital is 9 miles north.
Written By
Faith Wakefield
