Agriculture and an air force base in eastern North Carolina
Halfway between the Research Triangle and North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, Goldsboro is the largest city and county seat of Wayne County. Originally named Waynesborough, the settlement was renamed to honor Mayor Matthew T. Goldsborough, an assistant chief engineer of the Wilmington and Raleigh (now Wilmington and Weldon) Railroad which put the town on the map. Wayne County remains largely agricultural today, with Goldsboro serving as the area’s economic and cultural capital. The city’s motto “Be More, Do More, Seymour” reflects the presence of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. The base employs many residents of Goldsboro and northern Wayne County, as do Case Farms and Goldsboro Milling Company.
Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro is home to over 10,000 airmen and their families.
Agriculture is one of Wayne County's largest ecomonic engines, Goldsboro is surrounded by farmland.
Goldsboro Milling Company is one of Wayne County's largest employers and one of the country's largest producers of hogs and turkeys.
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Local entrepreneurialism defines downtown Goldsboro
Local boutiques and crafts stores fill downtown Goldsboro, the commercial and social heart of town. Cry Freedom is a local gift shop and café organized around a good cause. “They fight human trafficking behind the scenes. Some of the pieces in the store have been made by survivors, and they employ survivors as well,” says Amanda Justice, Travel and Tourism Director for the City of Goldsboro and Wayne County. The town also assists individuals in developing businesses of their own. “Launch Wayne is an initiative to get early-stage entrepreneurs off the ground,” says Scott Satterfield, former president of the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce. “We help equip entrepreneurs with the skills to develop pitchable business plans, and there’s a competition where the person with the best pitch can win $5,000 for their business.”
Additionally, residents can dine at a variety of locally run restaurants. “Wayne County is still agricultural, and we have a robust farm-to-table arrangement. We still grow our own food, and every step of food processing takes place here,” Satterfield says. The culinary scene is diverse as well. “We’re known for our eastern North Carolina barbecue, but we also have so much international cuisine because of the presence of the air force base,” Justice says. Shopping plazas, including Berkeley Mall, branch off U.S. Route 13 on the north and east sides of town.
B&G Grill is a Goldsboro favorite that has been serving up home cooking since 1977.
It's easy to park and shop in downtown Goldsboro.
Berkeley Mall in Goldsboro has over 40 stores and is anchored by Belk and JC Penney.
Local and national retailers alike line Wayne Boulevard in Goldsboro, NC.
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Historic and modern homes in Goldsboro
The median home price hovers around $265,000, which is well below the national median. American Craftsman bungalows and Colonial Revivals from the first half of the 20th century fill the blocks just immediately around downtown. Toward the east, these historic homes give way to ranch-style builds from the 1950s through the ‘80s. One- and two-story New Traditional homes are sprouting up on Goldsboro’s north side and fill in the remaining gaps near downtown. A few townhouse and semi-attached home communities sit on Goldsboro’s suburban edges.
Classic bungalow's from the early 1900's are popular around downtown Goldsboro.
Neo-Colonial homes were a popular choice in Goldsboro in the mid-20th century.
Mid-Century ranch homes in Goldsboro were popular with airmen after returning from WWII.
New traditional homes are sprouting up in neighborhoods throughout Goldsboro.
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Convenient highways and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base
The partially completed Interstate 42 passes by Goldsboro, running toward Raleigh, which is approximately 55 miles northwest. Via Interstate 795, Wilson is 26 miles north. Goldsboro-Wayne Transportation Authority buses serve commuters, operating Monday through Saturday during working hours.
UNC Health Wayne, the nearest hospital, is on the northeast side of town and within a 5-mile drive of most homes. Raleigh-Durham International Airport is the closest large commercial airport and about 65 miles to the northwest.
Seymour Johnson Air Force Base sits on the south side of Goldsboro. The facility is a major driving force to Goldsboro both economically and population-wise, and civilian residents try to make military personnel feel welcome. “The B-course is a training program for new pilots when they come into the airbase, and we provide B-course socials where we get community members and soldiers together and thank them for what they do,” Satterfield says.
UNC Wayne Hospital in Goldsboro was recognized as a best maternity care hospital in 2022 and 2023.
Seymour Johnson got its start in Goldsboro, NC as an Army Air Field during WWII.
Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, NC is home to the largest fighter wing of F-15E's in the Air Force.
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Patriotic events and Foodie Week
Reflective of the air force base, many of the town’s events are patriotic in nature. Each September, NC Freedom Fest celebrates the country’s armed forces and first responders with a car show, inflatables, live music and more. Occurring every odd-numbered year in early May, the Wings Over Wayne Air Show is a free performance by The Thunderbirds in their trademark F-16 Fighting Falcons.
Other events recognize local businesses. “Foodie Week happens the second week of May. We highlight local restaurants, culminating in Foodie Friday, where we invite the community to open table gathering where we eat locally grown and produced food,” Satterfield says. “We also raise an auction for kids that may be going into agriculture in the future.”
Wayne County Public Schools and career readiness
The Wayne County Public Schools district earns an overall B-minus from Niche, with about 17,500 students attending 33 schools. Located on the campus of Wayne Community College, Wayne Early/Middle College High School (often abbreviated WEMCHS) dually-enrolls students from freshman year, allowing them to potentially graduate with a tuition-free associate degree. The application-only school receives an A from Niche. The Wayne School of Engineering gets an A-minus, while the Wayne School of Technical Arts is unrated. These schools serve students in grades six through thirteen interested in STEM, allowing them the opportunity to graduate with an associate’s or industry credentials.
Students also have other opportunities to get a head-start finding gainful employment. “The Chamber of Commerce runs STEAM and career fairs at the Maxwell Convention Center to connect employers to kids,” Satterfield says.
Wayne Community College is a public community college in Goldsboro, North Carolina with over 14,000 students.
Dillard Middle School in Goldsboro has a student body of around 350 children.
Andy Griffith used to teach at Goldsboro High School before he became an actor.
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Hiking, fishing and kayaking around Goldsboro
Busco Beach and ATV Park invites residents to drive rentals or all-terrain vehicles of their own through mud trails and sandy beaches. Visitors are also welcome to fish or swim. Situated on bluffs 14 miles south of town, Cliffs of the Neuse State Park features miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as camping sites for tents and RVs and rental kayaks.
Busco Beach and ATV Park is a recreational riding facility and manmade beach on over 2,000 acres just outside of Goldsboro, NC.
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park lies on over 1,100 acres just south of Goldsboro.
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park near Goldsboro sits on a former fault that shifted the Earth's crust millions of years ago.
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Crime and climate in Goldsboro
According to FBI crime statistics, violent crimes increased 36 percent between 2022 and 2023, while property crimes increased 25 percent over the same period. For the most part, property crimes have been on the decrease since 1996, while violent crimes have remained relatively stable since 2000.
Goldsboro experiences four seasons, with hot, humid summers and cool winters.
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On average, homes in Goldsboro, NC sell after 58 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Goldsboro, NC over the last 12 months is $267,900, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Large builder incentives offered! Ask about how you can use $5,000 towards closing cost! The Lucille is a new plan in East Sillinger and the only Lucille being built in this community, so act fast! This plan offers 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Once inside, you're welcomed by a BEAUTIFUL OPEN FLOORPLAN starting in the FAMILY ROOM and flowing into a LARGE KITCHEN with a HUGE ISLAND and DINING AREA.
Back on the market, not due to any fault of the seller. Welcome to this spacious 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath home with a versatile bonus room that can function as a fourth bedroom, home office, playroom, or whatever fits your lifestyle. Located just minutes from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, this home offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and flexibility. The bonus room sits on its own
Welcome to Sillinger Creek - A LARGE $5,000 BUYER INCENTIVES IS BEING OFFERED!! The Dustin Plan is a Split Bedroom Designs and offers 1372 sqft, 3 Beds and 2 Baths. The Family Room is large and flows to the Sunny Dining Area OPEN to the SMOOTH COUNTERTOP Kitchen w/ A Pantry. You'll love the Separate Laundry Room and Your TWO Car Garage! The Owner's Suite offers Dual Granite Vanities, Walk-In
WOW! Don't Miss This Opportunity!Discover the potential in this spacious 3-bedroom home situated on a rare double lot. Designed for comfort and functionality, it features an oversized bonus room, recently updated appliances, and a screened-in vinyl rear porch—perfect for enjoying the Carolina evenings bug-free. Out back, you'll find a large powered workshop with attic storage, ideal for hobbyists
Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch home situated on a spacious lot. This inviting property features a bright and open living area with masonry fireplace, a kitchen updated with granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances and a primary bedroom with a custom updated en-suite bath. The large, fenced in, backyard with oversized deck is perfect for outdoor activities and
The perfect lot to build your new home. Located in a cul-de-sac in the quiet Garden Walk subdivision off Country Day Rd. Garden Walk features beautiful common areas where each property's yard and shrubs are taking care of through the HOA. This allows the homeowner to live with low to no exterior yard maintance.
Arnold Jones II
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services McMillen & Associates Realty
Welcome to 408 Bunning Dr, a charming 3-bedroom (plus bonus), 2.5-bathroom home available for rent now at $2200/month. This beautiful nearly-new home sits on over half an acre and features a spacious 2-car garage. The versatile bonus room can be used as a 4th bedroom or office. All bedrooms are upstairs for added privacy. Enjoy the convenience of a washer & dryer included, located on the 2nd
The Reserve at Bradbury Place is a luxury apartment community in Goldsboro, NC. With convenient access to I-795, NC-70 and NC-115 you'll find that access to the area's top employers but find yourself in a hidden oasis off of the main roads. The Reserve at Bradbury Place is conveniently situated between Seymour Johnson AFB, Wayne Memorial, and Cherry Hospital. Designed for an all-inclusive
Beautifully renovated home close to downtown Goldsboro. Step inside to find hardwood floors throughout the living areas and bedrooms. Spacious living room with decorative fireplace. Newly remodeled kitchen features granite countertops, updated cabinets, tile flooring, and newer appliances to include built-in microwave, range, dishwasher, and refrigerator. Bathroom updates include new toilet,
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