Small town with southern charm and a vibrant downtown
Elizabethtown, 25 miles east of Lumberton, is a quiet Bladen County town offering Southern charm and homes priced below the U.S. national median. “A lot of people are looking to be in the country after COVID,” says James Lovell, a broker with Gator Realty Group and with over 10 years of experience. Anchored by a modest downtown lined with mom-and-pop stores and soul-food restaurants, Elizabethtown provides small-town living without sacrificing convenience. “They have a main street that’s still vibrant,” Lovell says. “That’s one difference between Elizabethtown and a lot of other small towns.” Parks and lakes add rural character, and U.S. Route 701 grants easy access to larger cities, including Fayetteville, 37 miles away.
Ranch-style homes priced below the U.S. national median
Set along narrow residential streets, single-family homes in Elizabethtown are typically ranch-style built during the mid- to late 20th century, but there are a few pockets of 21st-century developments as well. Lovell says. Most homes have uncovered driveways, but some have attached carports or garages; front lawns are dotted with traditional mailboxes and mature pine trees. Residents are evenly split between owners and renters. On the east side of town, there are a handful of apartment complexes, including Tall Oaks Apartments, where residents enjoy traditions like the Christmas luncheon.
Single-family homes range from about $100,000 to $400,000, depending on a home’s size and features. The median sale price in Elizabethtown is $240,000, compared to the U.S. national median of about $420,000.
Kids can attend Bladen County Schools
Elizabethtown is part of Bladen County Schools, which serves about 4,000 students and receives a C-plus from Niche. Kids may start at the C-rated Elizabethtown Primary before moving to the C-minus-rated Elizabethtown Middle. At the C-plus-rated East Bladen High, teens may take dual-enrollment courses for credit at Bladen Community College.
Play, swim and explore in Elizabethtown
Elizabethtown is dotted with a handful of parks. Tory Hole Park features a playground, a nine-hole disc golf course and scenic walking trails, along which birders may spot red-winged blackbirds, chipping sparrows and rock pigeons. There’s also boat access to the Cape Fear River, where anglers can cast lines for red drum, blue catfish and largemouth bass. Greene’s Pond is another fishing spot with kayaks and cabins available to rent. Other highlights include baseball fields and a half-pipe at Leinwand Park, and the dog park at Lloyd Park. Goldston’s Beach at White Lake offers sandy shores and clear waters 8 miles away. “It’s a recreational place,” Lovell says. “You can go swimming, boating or fishing, and there are campgrounds.”
National chains and mom-and-pop shopping
Downtown Elizabethtown is lined with brick sidewalks and charming storefronts. “There’s not a big restaurant scene, but there are a handful of restaurants along Broad Street,” Lovell says. Barefoot Brew is the go-to coffee spot with board games and ice cream, while The Corner Cafe serves homestyle brunch favorites, like blueberry pancakes, BYO omelets and country ham sandwiches. For dinner, Giorgio’s is popular for its Italian menu, and San Jose offers Mexican fare, like shrimp tacos and pollo relleno. Brickhouse Seafood Cafe is another highlight, serving no-frills catfish nuggets, crab legs and sweet potato fries. There are also locally owned shops, including furniture, clothing and gift stores. For groceries, residents can shop at chains like Walmart and Food Lion or buy local at the Cape Fear Farmers’ Market of Bladen County. Tienda Mexicana Leon sells specialty ingredients, including Mexican oregano, duros and queso fresca.
Holiday celebrations and Lu Mil Vineyard
Elizabethtown has holiday celebrations throughout the year, like Fourth of July fireworks at White Lake and the downtown Christmas market. Lu Mil Vineyard also hosts events, including a 5K Wine Run in April, a May Day celebration and the North Carolina Grape Festival in October with food trucks, live music and grape stomping.
U.S. Route 701 and the nearest hospital and airports
U.S. Route 701 passes through Elizabethtown and connects to state Route 87, which leads to Lumberton and Fayetteville. “A lot of people do commute,” Lovell says. “They go right up 87.” Residents generally drive to get around, but downtown streets are lined with sidewalks. Bladen County Hospital and the Curtis L. Brown Jr. Field, a public airport, are in town. The Fayetteville Regional Airport is a 40-mile drive.
Flood risk
Due to nearby bodies of water, Elizabethtown has a moderate risk of flooding.
