Plenty of shopping centers and restaurants from around the globe
Downtown Fayetteville holds historic buildings and locally owned restaurants and stores, while the city's center features major retailers and national chains. Cross Creek Mall is the largest of the slew of shopping centers on Skibo Road and All American Freeway. Complete with an extensive food court, Cross Creek features specialty shops and well-known department staples like H&M and Macy’s. Westwood Shopping Center and Marketfair Mall round out offerings on Skibo with grocery stores, Lowe’s and TJ Maxx. Residents can walk along downtown’s Person Street for unique gift shops and boutiques, like Reverie Goods and Gifts and Fabulous Finds Boutique, before stopping to grab a meal at a nearby restaurant.
Though the city’s dining selection is defined by its Southern roots, the food scene is elevated with global options. “Sometimes locals from the places where the 82nd Division has gone and done operations will immigrate to Fayetteville and open restaurants, so you get to see all the different cultures converge in one place,” Shearer says, adding that the vibes can also range from intimate, casual spots to fine dining. Residents enjoy Caribbean dishes at Dhan’s Kitchen, authentic Greek plates at Agora Mediterranean Restaurant or delicious Thai curries at Thai Lanna Restaurant. Archway Burgers, Dogs and Beers features a laid-back setting and is open for lunch and early dinner only. Geddie points out locations like Circa 1800, a family-owned lunch and dinner spot that serves classic Southern dishes like chicken and dumplings and banana pudding.
Downtown Fayetteville is summarized as a patriotic, historic and flourishing neighborhood.
Cross Creek features specialty shops and well-known department staples like H&M and Macy’s.
Food Lion in the Westwood Shopping Center serves as the go-to spot for groceries.
Person Street, in Downtown Fayetteville has restaurants and stores and is very walkable.
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Proud home of Fort Bragg
Located in southeastern North Carolina along the Cape Fear River, Fayetteville is known for its formative role in the nation's rich history and as home of Fort Bragg, a United States Army installation. The city is named after the Continental Army General Marquis de Lafayette and is significantly interwoven into America's past, from the establishment of Colonial America to its current military presence. Settled in 1739 by Scottish immigrants, Fayetteville played a crucial role in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Camp Bragg was created in 1918 as an artillery training center for the First and Second World Wars, and the 82nd Airborne Division of the National Army has been permanently stationed at Fort Bragg since 1948.
“Fayetteville has seen so much history, destruction, change and growth,” says Andrew Shearer, a lifelong Fayetteville resident who works in the city. “But that centuries-long history fuels the community’s strong patriotism and deep appreciation for our veterans – unlike anywhere else in the country.” Today, the southern city holds a deep sense of pride, shown through its preservation of historic landmarks and museums, and a tight-knit community that stretches from the vibrant, renovated Downtown Fayetteville to its furthest suburb. Fayetteville has been named an All-American City four times by the National Civic League for its history, heroes and hometown feel. “Fayetteville is rich and diverse,” says Logan Geddie, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker who specializes in the greater Fayetteville area. “We’re proud of our military, and it’s a great place to live with a little of everything.”
Back-A-Round Records is located on the Market House traffic circle, in Downtown Fayetteville
Fort Bragg one of the largest Army bases in the country, and home to over 40,000 troops.
North Carolina Veterans Park, is a tribute to those who served in the U.S Armed Forces.
Wide sidewalks line Downtown's, Hay Street, making it easy to walk to shops and restaurants.
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I-95 and the almost complete I-295 loop
Located right off Interstate 95, Fayetteville connects residents to Washington and New York in the north and Charleston and Miami in the south. Most residents get around the greater Fayetteville area by car, though public intercity and local transportation is accessible by bus and train. Amtrak services the Fayetteville Train Station off Hay Street, where trains run from Washington, D.C., to Jacksonville, Florida. Megabus and Greyhound buses regularly cycle through the Fayetteville Area System of Transit Center – better known by the acronym FAST – on Franklin Street. Stops include regional connections like Charleston and Richmond. The FAST Center is also the central hub for its local bus options, linking 17 fixed routes. Travelers looking for a change in location can catch flights at the Fayetteville Regional Airport, just 5 miles south of downtown.
In 2003, the city began construction on Interstate 295, locally known as the Fayetteville Outer Loop. “Two ninety-five has been under construction for 20 years and it’s finally almost finished,” Geddie says. “It circles Fayetteville and connects to I-95.” The 39-mile outer loop is set to be completed in 2026 and improve travel for anyone going to Fort Bragg, across Cape Fear River or anywhere within Fayetteville.
Fish along Cape Fear River, nearby Downtown Fayetteville.
Fayetteville is easily accessed as I-295 passes through.
Passengers wait on shaded benches at The Fayetteville AMTRAK station depot, built in 1911.
Multiple FAST bus routes flow from Downtown Fayetteville.
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History and heroes in Fayetteville’s daily attractions
Fayetteville is known as “Can Do Carolina,” mainly for its long-standing military community at Fort Bragg, the largest U.S. military base in the world. Many residents move in and out of the area as their deployments shift, but Fort Bragg isn’t the largest source of jobs. Cape Fear Valley Health, Cumberland County Schools and the local universities employ many residents, with Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company following suit. The area’s renovations and developments were spurred on by the recent construction of Segra Stadium, resulting in an influx of modern multi-family buildings, condominiums, restaurants and stores.
Many of the city's landmarks and attractions celebrate the area's rich history and Southern culture, honoring the community's connections to the past. One of the city's highlights is the Airborne and Special Operations Museum located downtown. Mixed with rotating exhibits and permanent artifacts, the primary gallery provides a self-guided tour covering the history of the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Forces chronologically from 1940 to today. In addition to its displays, the museum also hosts lectures and guest speakers to share personal war stories with the community. “The museum brought with it the ability for residents to understand the 82nd Airborne Division’s impact on the area and the world,” Shearer says. “Kids and adults alike can learn about the regiment’s full history and the sacrifices they made.” Since its opening in 2000, the museum has spurred downtown revitalization. New residential and commercial development flanks the museum, and the renovated stores and restaurants attract visitors to the location.
Cape Fear Valley Health offers the best medical services to those in Fayetteville.
The U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Forces Museum, covers history rom 1940 to today.
Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company employs a large number of Fayetteville residents.
Veterans Park serves as a place of education, reflection, and appreciation for military serv
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Highly rated public schools and nearby universities
Cumberland County Schools District serves over 49,000 students with 89 schools and earns a B from Niche. Long Hill Elementary earns an A-minus and is ranked as the second-best elementary school in Fayetteville by Niche. Cross Creek Early College High School, in Brookwood , earns an A and is ranked as the best public high school in Cumberland County.
Fayetteville is also home to multiple higher education options, including Fayetteville Technical Community College. Fayetteville State University is a historically Black institution that’s part of the University of North Carolina system, situated only 2 miles from downtown. FSU stands as the second-oldest university in North Carolina, as it was founded in 1867, and it’s the only school in the state that offers certifications through the National Geo-Spatial Intelligence Agency. Residents may also opt for private, faith-based programs at Methodist University or Carolina College of Biblical Studies.
Pine Forest Middle School prepares its students for the transition to high school.
Douglas Byrd High School has been educating the community for more than 50 years.
College Lakes Elementary School offers various instructional experiences in Kings Grant.
Fayetteville State University in Terry Sanford has a large campus and several courses of study.
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Memorial parks, festivals and Single-A baseball
Fayetteville’s location along the Cape Fear River allows nature lovers to enjoy abundant outdoor opportunities. Parks and green spaces interspersed throughout the city cater to many activities, from sports at Mazarick Park’s facilities to leisurely strolls along Cross Creek Linear Park. Part of the East Coast Greenway, the quiet Cape Fear River Trail winds through a blend of wetlands and marshes with beautiful views of the Cape Fear River along its 7-mile stretch. Mazarick Park spans over 80 acres with tennis courts, a baseball diamond, a disc golf course, and additional multi-purpose amenities. Anglers set up along the lake to relax and fish while families meet up for play dates at the playground structures and picnic areas.
Located in historic Downtown, the North Carolina Veterans Park further showcases the community's deep appreciation for the country’s current and past soldiers. Featuring touching stories of veterans’ military accounts, the park is the first in the state and honors military veterans living or deceased from all branches of the Armed Forces. The park’s Visitors Center displays an impressive chandelier made of 33,500 dog tags that identify service members.
Residents of all ages visit the Cape Fear Botanical Garden to see the Halloween decorations in October and the holiday light displays every December. Geddie points out the new Segra Stadium downtown. “We’ve got minor league baseball, which is really cool for the downtown area, and the stadium is very nice,” Geddie says. “They do fireworks and hold other events, too.” Avid sports fans also attend Fayetteville Woodpeckers baseball games at the newly opened Segra Stadium. The Woodpeckers are a Single-A affiliate of the Houston Astros. Opened in 2019, the $40 million stadium was a catalyst for additional development efforts Downtown. The stadium is a key component of Fayetteville’s $100 million revitalization project, which includes renovating the nearby Prince Charles Hotel into apartments, bringing in new businesses to the commercial spaces, and expanding residential units above the Downtown parking garage. The team saw over 187,000 people attend home games in 2023. The Fayetteville Marksmen is a veteran-owned hockey team that plays at Crown Complex, Fayetteville’s event center that also hosts concerts, roller derby races and the Fayetteville Comic Con.
The Cape Fear River runs alongside the western edge of the Brookwood.
Stroll along monuments dedicated to those who served and protected the nation's freedoms.
Mazarick Park has a lake, tennis, and paved walking trails in Terry Sanford.
Cross Creek Linear Park is located in Downtown Fayetteville.
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Steady housing market with military turnover
Though Fayetteville's population boom has tapered off, the city is still seeing growth, reflected in its strong housing market. “Because of the constant movement from the military coming in, we’re seeing consistent turnover and a pretty steady market,” Geddie says. “There are new developments on the outskirts of town. I would say the northside is where the most developments are happening.” The median sale price is $238,000, far below the national average of $417,000 reported by the National Association of Realtors. Historic homes are clustered in nine designated districts, including Craftsman and Cape Cods in Haymount with golf club access in the $700,000s. Suburbs like Westover and Kings Grant feature a mix of contemporary homes built as recently as 2024 that range between $300,000 and $500,000, while split-levels and ranch-style homes downtown sell for around the $200,000s. Modern townhouses and condominium communities are peppered in between historical brownstone buildings downtown and sell for $200,000 to $500,000. The city sees all four seasons, with humid summers and light winters.
Two story and ranch-style homes, in Fayetteville, sell for around the $200,000s.
Built in 1920's, once known as The Prince Charles Hotel, is now an apartment building.
The Sanford Historic Settlement offers tours of historic buildings in Downtown Fayetteville.
Most Kings Grant neighborhoods offer larger lots with mature landscaping.
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High crime rates mitigated through community efforts
Fayetteville has a crime rate which is higher than the national average. The Fayetteville Police Department reported a 10% drop in crime in 2023 compared to 2022, and the drop was attributed to an increase in arrests, though the number of reported violent crimes increased. The police department is involved with community programs, including Operation Ceasefire, which organizes movie nights and a program to support convicted felons reshape their lives. The Fayetteville Police Activity League aims to connect young residents and police officers through mentoring and recreation programs, while The Phoenix Center offers support services for victims.
In the past, the Fayetteville police have held Faith Forums, which has been replaced by Faith in Action. Community faith leaders meet on Thursdays to identify local areas that need counselors and support services. According to the Pew Research Center, 77% of North Carolina residents identify as Christian and attend Baptist churches, but the city also has multiple masjids, like Masjid Al-Rahman, and the historic First Presbyterian Church on Ann Street.
On average, homes in Fayetteville, NC sell after 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Fayetteville, NC over the last 12 months is $246,250, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$259,450
Median Sale Price
$246,250
Median Single Family Sale Price
$260,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$225,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$125,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
1%
Last 12 months Home Sales
6,930
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
$7
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$149
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes for Sale
975
Months of Supply
1.70
Cost of Living Comparison
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Top Schools in Fayetteville, NC
Source:
Best Public Elementary Schools
#1 Long Hill Elementary School
A-
Niche
8
GreatSchools
#2 Stoney Point Elementary School
A-
Niche
8
GreatSchools
#3 Glendale Acres Elementary
B+
Niche
#4 Raleigh Road Elementary School
B+
Niche
#5 Vanstory Hills Elementary School
B+
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#6 Armstrong Elementary School
B+
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#7 Alma O Easom Elementary
B
Niche
#8 New Century International Elementary
B
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#9 Sherwood Park Elementary School
B
Niche
7
GreatSchools
Best Public Middle Schools
#1 Seventy-First Classical Middle School
A-
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#2 Reid Ross Classical Middle/High School
B
Niche
8
GreatSchools
#3 John R. Griffin Middle School
B+
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#4 Cumberland Academy
B
Niche
#5 Pine Forest Middle
B
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#6 New Century International Middle School
B+
Niche
5
GreatSchools
#7 Westover Middle
C+
Niche
6
GreatSchools
#8 Sandy Grove Middle School
B-
Niche
5
GreatSchools
#9 Mac Williams Middle
B
Niche
4
GreatSchools
Best Public High Schools
#1 Cumberland Polytechnic High School
10
GreatSchools
#2 Jack Britt High School
A
Niche
9
GreatSchools
#3 Massey Hill Classical High School
A
Niche
9
GreatSchools
#4 Cross Creek Early College
A
Niche
9
GreatSchools
#5 Cumberland International Early College High School
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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.
