The gridded streets of Downtown Elizabeth City spill out into the north in Sawyertown, a small cluster of homes tucked away from the Pasquotank River. Most of this neighborhood was developed in the early- to mid-1900s by a real estate developer named Mac Sawyer, from which the area derives its name. Today, Sawyertown is best-known and best-loved for its walkability to the city’s riverfront center. According to Rhonda Twiddy, a native Elizabeth City resident and team lead with the Rhonda Twiddy Team, the spirit of the Harbor of Hospitality also extends to this residential community. “It’s a very open community,” she says. “It won't be a place where you're going to feel uncomfortable, you'll be able to find your way pretty quickly.”
Old homes with historic charm
Narrow streets flanked by sidewalks and mature trees comprise Sawyertown. Telephone lines crisscross overhead, and cars park along the residential roads. Most homes here were built in the early 20th century and run the gamut from small bungalows and ranch-style homes to grand American Foursquares and rustic farmhouses. Proximity to Downtown and a more urban neighborhood makeup means that these houses typically have smaller lots, and many don’t have attached garages. While homes in need of updates can be priced below $100,000, most list between $120,000 and $215,000, with some newly built or renovated properties asking for up to $250,000.
A creative arts school in the neighborhood
Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools (ECPPS) are located nearby. Sheep-Harney Elementary is right within the neighborhood, a short walk from some homes, and scores a C from Niche. This elementary school specializes in creative arts and offers ECPPS Connect enrichment programs ranging from performing and visual arts to broadcast media production or creative writing. Elizabeth City Middle earns a C, while Pasquotank County High receives a C-minus.
Dine along Hughes Boulevard or walk to Downtown
A handful of businesses line Hughes Boulevard. Van’s Pizza House is a local favorite for takeout on busy weeknights, best followed up with a soft serve cone from Nu-Quality Ice Cream right across the street. River City Flea Market is hosted along the Boulevard on Saturday mornings, with vendors offering a range of wares that span clothes, jewelry and pan-your-own gemstones. Most people head Downtown for a night out, as this central district is a short walk or drive from the neighborhood — roughly a mile away from the furthest homes. “Downtown has recently had a huge revitalization, and pretty much all of it is through local people,” says Alex Thorne, a Realtor with the Rhonda Twiddy Team. “In Downtown alone, we’ve got a wine bar, two breweries, a cocktail lounge and probably 10 different restaurants now. Right outside of town, we’re starting to get a number of chains, which is very convenient, but Downtown is all local.” There’s a Food Lion directly north of the neighborhood near Sentara Albemarle Medical Center, and a Walmart Supercenter roughly 4 miles west.
Play baseball and golf at Knobbs Creek Park
There are plenty of ways to get fresh air around Sawyertown. “There’s a splash pad right behind Sonic near Downtown that gets used a lot, and Knobb Creek is also pretty popular with families,” Thorne says. Knobbs Creek Park is one of Elizabeth City’s largest community parks, and it’s located just north of the neighborhood’s residential streets. Families enjoy the park’s playground, horseshoe pits and picnic tables for afternoon outings, while the Par 3 golf course is a hit with folks looking to squeeze in a quick game on the nine-hole greens. Elizabeth City State University’s baseball team plays at the park’s Holmes Baseball Field, named for a beloved local coach who taught youth teams at the diamond for thirty years. The park’s recreation center is also a hub for senior activities and other community events. Smaller playgrounds are scattered around the neighborhood, convenient for after-school playtime at pocket parks such as Anita Hummer Park.
Traffic is a rare occurrence, even along major thoroughfares
The neighborhood is bordered by U.S. Highway 17, known locally as Hughes Boulevard, which serves as Elizabeth City’s primary rural highway. Norfolk, Virginia is about 50 miles north, or roughly 55 miles to Norfolk International Airport. To the east, the Outer Banks is approximately 50 miles away via U.S. Highway 158. “If you're from other areas where you’re used to traffic, 10 miles can be a 30- or 40-minute drive. Here, if it says 30 miles, that's a 30-minute drive,” Thorne says. “That’s one of the beautiful things about living here. Your travel time is really miles to minutes.”
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Investor Alert or First-Time Buyer Opportunity!Don't miss your chance to see this well-maintained 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath, 1,236 sq. ft. single-family home in the heart of Elizabeth City! Whether you're looking to expand your rental portfolio or searching for a move-in ready home of your own, this property checks all the boxes.Currently tenant-occupied on a month-to-month lease, you can start
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom ranch-style home, built in 2021 and offering the perfect blend of modern convenience and comfortable living. With less than five years of wear, this home is move-in ready today!Step inside to an inviting open-concept living room and kitchen, perfect for entertaining or relaxing with family. Natural light fills the space, highlighting
Welcome to 702A Richardson St., a beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home ideally located near US-17 in Elizabeth City! This move-in ready gem offers a welcoming foyer, a spacious deck perfect for entertaining, and a privacy fence for added comfort and security.Enjoy peace of mind with countless updates that must be seen to be appreciated. Can you say: new flooring, new appliances, a new HVAC
No Pets. No Smoking. House is Not EIC approved. 2 Bed, 1 Bath, 2 Story Single Family Home with Central Heat/Air & Garage just off Elizabeth St (Rt 158) & across from Triangle Park. Off street parking, driveway parking, and alley parking. Large eat-in kitchen with lots of cabinets, counter space, & a closet Pantry. Pass through 'Eat-At' counter b/t Dining Room & Kitchen. Kitchen has
Judith Monks, Abr, Ahwd, Whs, SfA Best Friend Realty
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Mark S. Brink,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,078
Median Age
37
Population under 18
26.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$37,692
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$38,171
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
66.3%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
25.8%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
0%
% Population in Labor Force
64.9%
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
61/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
59/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
