Chinquapin is a quiet, rural escape close to Jacksonville
Less than 200 people live in Chinquapin, a quiet rural town in Duplin County. Farms take up most of the area, though there are small collections of homes throughout. Haley Schmidt is a Realtor and licensed broker with Century 21 Coastal Advantage who enjoyed her time as a resident here. “I really like it because it's quiet,” Schmidt says. “It’s far enough from Jacksonville to not have all that traffic, but you’re still close. We’re zoned for farm animals, so it’s okay to have chickens. My neighborhood is fantastic, and all of my neighbors are in a group chat. They would give you the shirts off their backs if you asked, and I find that’s pretty common around here. It's a very peaceful place.” Nearby Jacksonville is home to the Camp Lejeune Marine base, so anyone who wants to be close to base but away from busy streets and city life settles in Chinquapin.
Older homes with no HOAs and new homes under construction
Homes throughout Chinquapin are spread out from each other with only a few subdivisions, like Worthington Place. There are no homeowners associations, and properties run on septic tank systems and well water. Most of Chinquapin has manufactured homes, bungalows and ranch-style houses, many selling for $160,000 to $300,000. Properties with over an acre and a more private atmosphere have sold for $300,000 to $485,000. Any home that sells for less than $160,000 often needs renovations. Closer to Richlands, there is some ongoing new construction, but most homes were built between 1930 and 2010. Schmidt says current residents aren’t concerned about the growth potentially interrupting their peaceful atmosphere because the new homeowners also want a quiet atmosphere.
Commuting to Jacksonville, Camp Lejeune or Albert J. Ellis Airport
Many people who live in Chinquapin commute about half an hour to areas like Richlands or Jacksonville for work or to shop. Some drivers use Beulaville Highway to reach Richlands, about 15 miles away. Jacksonville is 20 miles from home when using Richlands Highway, while Camp Lejeune is farther south, about 40 miles from Chinquapin. Albert J. Ellis Airport is in the area, offering flights through American Airlines and Delta. Residents in Chinquapin’s eastern side hear planes overhead, but the noise isn’t nearly as loud as it is near Camp Lejeune. “It's about six minutes away, but the noise doesn’t bother me,” Schmidt says. “A lot of us are military, so we’re used to it.” Schmidt also mentions many of her neighbors attend church in Richlands, but there are churches within Chinquapin, like Cedar Fork Baptist Church.
Zoned for Duplin County Schools or Onslow County Schools
Most of Chinquapin is in Duplin County, so residents fall in the Duplin County Schools district, but a small number of residents who live closer to Richlands are in the Onslow County Schools district. Kids in Duplin County attend Chinquapin Elementary School, which earns a B-minus from Niche and offers prekindergarten through eighth-grade classes. Students then transfer to the B-rated East Duplin High School in Beulaville. In Onslow County, students might go to Heritage Elementary and then Trexler Middle School, both earning B-minus ratings. The B-rated Richlands High School has two specialized academies: Engineering and Agriscience.
Small parks, access to the Cape Fear River and Mike’s Farm
Chinquapin’s park is tucked behind the Duplin County EMS Station 3. The park features three baseball fields and covered picnic tables, but no pets are allowed. The other nearest park is Richlands Steed Park, which has a playground, disc golf course and walking trail. The JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond offers reservation-based day passes for anglers who want to catch and release bass. JCO also has kayaks and paddle boats available for rent. Anyone who has their own boat can drive to the boat ramp on Quiet Water Drive and sail out on the Northeast Cape Fear River for a day out on the water. Mike’s Farm is open most of the year with a farm-to-table restaurant, country store and annual events. Guests visit to pick strawberries from April through May or to take an educational hayride in October.
Driving to Richlands or Beulaville for restaurants and shops
“Richlands is about 10 minutes away,” Schmidt says. “That seems to be the main hub. There’s a Walmart there and a super cute downtown area. There are Mexican and Chinese restaurants and fast-food places.” Popular restaurants tend to be locally owned, including Napoli’s Pizzeria and Habaneros Mexican Bar & Grill. Residents on the western side of Chinquapin may drive up to Beulaville to dine at Duff’s Cafe or grab groceries at Whaley’s Supermarket. And if Richlands and Beulaville don’t have what residents need, they can drive to Jacksonville for more restaurants and stores.
The Northeast Cape Fear River can cause some flooding
Summers in Chinquapin are often hot and humid, and winters rarely bring snow. Flooding is a concern in areas close to the Northeast Cape Fear River, which can rise and flood roadways during torrential rain. The area experienced flooding during Hurricane Florence in 2018 and Tropical Storm Debby in 2024.
