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 39 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Goldsboro, NC over the last 12 months is $271,900, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover a home with true room to spread out — inside and out. Offering over 3,100 square feet on almost 1 acre, this traditional property is filled with character, charm, and thoughtful details throughout. Located in an established neighborhood, it's priced under tax value, making it an exceptional opportunity for buyers who want space, convenience, and the ability to make a home their own. Step
Beautifully RENOVATED 4 bed / 2.5 bath home in the DESIRABLE Teakwood Subdivision. The SPACIOUS home has been updated from top to bottom with NEW luxury laminate plank flooring, NEW carpet, fresh paint, updated lighting, ceiling fans throughout. Completely remodeled kitchen with new stainless steel appliances, GRANITE countertops, new cabinets, updated plumbing, new sink and fixture, tile
Welcome to this beautiful home in Mimosa Park West, ideally situated on a 0.45-acre cul-de-sac lot just minutes from shopping, restaurants, and SJAFB. The open-concept main level features durable LVP flooring, a spacious living room with a electric fireplace, and an inviting eat-in dining area. The kitchen offers granite countertops, a white subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and
Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath ranch-style home, perfectly situated on a spacious 1-acre lot offering room to relax, garden, entertain, or simply enjoy the outdoors. Inside, the inviting living room features a cozy fireplace and flows seamlessly into the kitchen, creating a comfortable layout for both everyday living and gathering with friends. The functional floor plan offers easy
Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home located in a peaceful neighborhood just outside the Goldsboro city limits. Conveniently situated minutes from local shopping, dining, and everyday amenities, this home offers comfort, space, and great potential. Inside, you'll find generously sized bedrooms with spacious closets, a formal dining room, and two family rooms, providing plenty of
If you've been dreaming of a true country retreat with land and horse setup, this one is it. Located in the Grantham community of Wayne County, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath, two-story home sits on 16+ acres of rolling pasture and open space — complete with a horse barn ready for your animals and your lifestyle. The home's layout is made for comfort, featuring a main-floor primary suite plus two
*Seller Paid Credits of $6,000* Assumable VA Mortgage available! Newer duplex completed in 2025, offering a rare opportunity for both investors and owner-occupants. This modern property features two well-designed units with contemporary finishes, efficient layouts, and low-maintenance construction throughout. Ideal for house hacking or generating consistent rental income, with strong appeal to
Come see this stellar brick ranch that is move in ready and located in the heart of Goldsboro close to Seymour Johnson Air Force base, downtown and Herman Park. Situated on a large lot (over 1/2 acre) this home provides plenty of space and value. Recent updates include a new roof in 2026, fresh paint throughout, refinished hardwood floors and new carpet and luxury vinyl plank flooring. Kitchen
This beautifully updated ranch home features new engineered wood floors throughout the main living areas and plush new carpet in the bedrooms. The kitchen has been completely renovated with new shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, a stylish tile backsplash, and stainless steel appliances. Bathrooms have been updated with new tile floors and custom quartz vanities, offering a modern and elegant
Formal rooms provide dedicated spaces for both formal living and dining as well as a big den for larger gatherings. First floor primary suite with great ensuite and closet spaces. Upstairs are three more bedrooms plus a flex room for an exercise room or a private office ideal for remote work. This private yard features a variety of diverse out door spaces specifically highlighting a gazebo
Judith McMillen
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services McMillen & Associates Realty
Over 2,000 sq ft of unrestricted elegance on .70 acres with a privacy fence. This split-floor-plan home offers a spacious 12x16 deck and a 12x12 screened-in porch, perfect for outdoor living.The main level features a downstairs primary suite plus two additional bedrooms, while a generously sized bonus room with it own bath upstairs adds flexible living space. Entertain in style with a formal
Judith McMillen
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services McMillen & Associates Realty
Welcome to 615 S Claiborne St., Goldsboro! This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers 1,855 square feet of living space on a generous 0.32-acre lot. Built in 1964, the home blends timeless character with important updates, including a new roof (2026), new furnace, and new water heater, providing added peace of mind for the next owner. Inside, you'll find spacious living areas filled with natural
Charming 3 BR/2 BA with a Bonus Room; quartz countertops, laminate vinyl tile floors Centrally located near the local hospital, doctors' offices , grocery stores, restaurants, SJAFB, Herman Park, shopping, and downtown Goldsboro. There are two outbuildings (as is) with power in a fully fenced backyard
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
In the heart of Goldsboro, NC, on Spence Ave., sit our beautiful Oak Brook Apartments. This high-end rental home community is perfectly located for shopping and dining out. Adjacent to Berkeley Mall, and less than two miles from the front gate of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, the complex is perfect for military families relocating for duty. To live here is to experience Goldsboro's most
Welcome to Sheridan Forest Apartments, your new home in Goldsboro, NC. Our pet-friendly community offers a unique blend of comfort and convenience, with an onsite management and maintenance team ready to cater to your needs. Each apartment is designed with an eat-in kitchen, equipped with a dishwasher for your convenience. The vaulted ceilings add a touch of elegance and spaciousness to your
Pilot Station Place is currently in Phase II of construction with six duplex buildings currently under construction, expected to finish October/November 2026. Pilot Station Place 100-106 is fully leased with all 8 current homes occupied. Join the pre-leasing list for early access to Phase II by visiting our website by a quick online search of FJPB Holdings Goldsboro, NC
At Bramblewood Apartment Community in Goldsboro, North Carolina, we provide more than apartments, we provide homes. We are nestled only half a mile from Hwy 70 and are close to restaurants, shopping, and a movie theatre. Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and Berkeley Mall are only five miles away. We offer our residents garden-style apartments with one, two or three bedrooms and two and three
Our Cuyler Best Apartments are located near the front gate entrances to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, the mighty 3,300-acre home of the USAF’s 4th Fighter Wing. With a wealth of amenities and a welcoming atmosphere, these two- and three-bedroom units are perfect for active duty military relocating to Goldsboro!This small city of around 35,000 sits on the state’s Coastal Plain. It has an
Luxury loft living with a historic past and bright future. The View at Wayne National Bank is now leasing as a luxury loft apartment community with upscale features and amenities. All utilities, cable, and high-speed internet included in rent. Reserve your spot now.Website:
This is a duplex, there is a driveway for each side, the security system is included, it comes fully furnished with the option for us to remove the furniture for you so you can use your own furniture. It comes with a dishwasher and washer/dryer unit. The ADT and lawn care is included. Active Duty Military, Veterans, Traveling nurses all welcome.
This is a duplex, there is a driveway for each side, the security system is included, it comes fully furnished with the option for us to remove the furniture for you so you can use your own furniture. It comes with a dishwasher and washer/dryer unit. The ADT and lawn care is included. Active Duty Military, Veterans, Traveling nurses all welcome.
This is a duplex, there is a driveway for each side, the security system is included, it comes fully furnished with the option for us to remove the furniture for you so you can use your own furniture. It comes with a dishwasher and washer/dryer unit. The ADT and lawn care is included. Active Duty Military, Veterans, Traveling nurses all welcome.
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