Harnett County’s largest city has had a few different names
A city renamed several times throughout history, Dunn isn’t afraid to change things up. First called Tearshirt and later Lucknow, this small enclave between Fayetteville and Raleigh is on a slow rise. “We’re working on our art scene and we’re trying to build a pocket park downtown,” says Karyn Lindsey, Dunn’s downtown director, who adds that this city of less than 10,000 is laid-back. “It just has such a homey community-driven vibe. You can tell that all the people care about all the people.”
A red caboose resting near the city center is a nod to Dunn’s namesake, Bennett Dunn, an Atlantic Coast Line Railroad engineer who oversaw the construction of the tracks between Fayetteville and Wilson. Originally a logging town that produced turpentine, Dunn’s economy today is largely based on retail trade and healthcare as it features a full-service hospital and is near several major highways.
A red caboose near the city center is a nod to Dunn’s namesake, Bennett Dunn, an Atlantic Coast Line Railroad engineer.
Betsy Johnson Hospital in Dunn is a major economic driver in the community.
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A range of home styles, the plans for a new housing development
The median price for a single-family home in Dunn is roughly $270,000, well below the national median of about $400,000. Properties typically sell after nearly 60 days on the market, which is longer than the national average of 45 days. Bungalows and cottages sit blocks from downtown, while Colonial Revival, New Traditional and ranch-style homes fill subdivisions away from the city center. A development approved by the Dunn City Council in 2024 will build nearly 200 homes behind the Harnett Crossing shopping center.
Along with the threat of tropical storms during the Atlantic Hurricane Season, Dunn is prone to flooding as the Black River and the Stoney Run wetland corridor hug the city. Addressing flood risk and aging stormwater infrastructure is a priority for city leaders, according to development plans by the city and the Carolina Wetlands Association.
New Traditional and ranch-style homes fill subdivisions outside of downtown Dunn.
Bungalows and cottages sit blocks from downtown Dunn.
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Downtown Dunn’s burgeoning city center
Featuring the Stewart Theater and the Dunn Area History Museum, downtown Dunn is where retail, art and community collide. A few murals add a splash of color to this city center also known as the Dunn Commercial Historic District. “Everything you need is here. We’ve got your small-town boutiques and coffee shops,” says Lindsey, who adds that downtown also hosts a few restaurants and bars. Local and regional musicians take center stage at the annual Lucknow Music Festival, held each April. Along with live music, organizers set up a beer garden and craft show.
Dunn is where retail, art and community collide.
Downtown Dunn has small-town boutiques and coffee shops and a few restaurants and bars.
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A unique feature at Dunn Dog Park, a new trail in the works
Four parks and a recreation center dot Dunn. Tyler Park, featuring the Nathan Harris Athletic Complex, is a summertime hot spot for its playground and splash pad conveniently located across from Dunn Elementary School. Lindsey says Dunn Dog Park is popular year-round. It features a coin-operated tennis ball vending machine. A planned 7-mile loop trail will eventually connect the city’s green spaces. An access point for the Cape Fear River is less than 6 miles away for kayaking and fishing excursions or a quiet hike with scenic overlooks.
Tyler Park, features the Nathan Harris Athletic Complex in downtown Dunn.
Buy your furry friend a tennis ball from a vending machine at the Dunn Dog Park.
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A city near the Interstate 95/Interstate 40 interchange
Commuters have quick access to Interstate 95 connecting Dunn to larger nearby cities, including Fayetteville and Raleigh. But with Interstate 40 less than 10 miles away, Lindsey notes, “People from here typically go out towards the coast more than they go to Raleigh. It’s only a couple hours drive.” Residents driving through the city center may have to briefly stop for a passing train, but Lindsey says it’s rarely an issue. “They’re pretty much through and done, no pun intended. It’s not like downtown Fayetteville where the trains stop and sit on the tracks for a while.” Raleigh-Durham International Airport is the closest commercial airport, about 55 miles away.
Commuters have quick access to Interstate 95 connecting Dunn to larger nearby cities, including Fayetteville and Raleigh.
Interstate 40 East from Dunn, leads to the Carolina Coast.
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Harnett County Schools and a community college campus in town
Harnett County Schools serves Dunn and receives a C-plus overall rating from Niche. The district has more than 20,000 students and 28 schools. Dunn is home to the B-plus-rated Harnett County Early College. The school partners with Central Carolina Community College, which has a campus in town. Campbell University, a small private Christian university, is about 10 miles away in rural Buies Creek.
Dunn Middle School is part of the Harnett County Schools and receives a C-plus overall rating from Niche.
Dunn is home to the B-plus-rated Harnett County Early College.
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Written By
DeeVa Payne
Photography Contributed By
Bryan Regan
Video By
Tyler Newbold
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Sibyl Russ,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Dunn, NC sell after 68 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Dunn, NC over the last 12 months is $275,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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