Greenville may be home to East Carolina University, but to describe it as simply a college town would do this multifaceted city a disservice. It’s widely recognized as the educational and medical hub of eastern North Carolina, thanks to ECU and the ECU Health Medical Center, the teaching hospital for the university’s Brody School of Medicine and the fifth-largest hospital in the state. Other big employers include Catalent, a multinational pharmaceutical brand, and Grady-White Boats, a fiberglass watercraft manufacturer. “It’s not just ECU contributing to the economy here, which is unique among college towns,” says Realtor Melinda Deigan of United Real Estate East Carolina, a Greenville local. She adds that a wealth of artsy and outdoorsy entertainment options gives the city dimension that most cities which have been taken over by their universities lack. “There’s lots to do even if you’re not a student or into ECU sports.”
Greenville Medical Center is a major employer near the Brook Valley neighborhood.
The Greenville County Museum of Art isn't to far from the Brook Valley neighborhood.
Skinnerville-Greenville Heights locals enjoy Stand-up Night at Pitt Street Brewing Co.
Grady White Boats is a major employer in the Greenville area.
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From student rentals near ECU to golf course communities on the outskirts
Neighborhoods close to ECU’s campus, like The Grid, are student-rental heavy. Many of the bungalows, Colonial Revivals and ranch-style homes around there were converted into multifamily rental properties as the university grew and students needed off-campus housing. Joe Carteret, the CEO and team leader of The Carteret Group at Simply Brokerage, says sales prices for condo units in rental-heavy neighborhoods tend to start at around $175,000, but the median is closer to $230,000. He adds that most buyers are investors interested in renting to students. “It’s a good place for them to get a return on their investment,” he says, observing there’s been an increase in out-of-state investors lately. Small neighborhoods south of ECU and downtown, like Elmhurst-Englewood, are filled with traditional single-family bungalows, split levels, ranch-style homes and Colonial Revivals. Late 1900s and early 2000s-era subdivisions, such as Brook Valley, closer to the outskirts of town, tend to have larger, Traditional and Modern Transitional homes on spacious lots. The median sales price for single family homes in Greenville is nearly $312,000, below the U.S. median of $422,100.
Smaller homes comprise the majority of The Grid residences.
Brook Valley Country Club offers an 18-hole Ellis Maples designed golf course.
Homes in The Grid come in a wide range of architectural styles.
Elmhust-Englewood features a wide range of single story ranch homes.
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Pitt County Public Schools and East Carolina University
Pitt County Public Schools serve about 24,000 Greenville students between preschool and 12th grade, with an average student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1. The district allows open enrollment; students can apply to go to any school in the district, regardless of their home address. Nine Pitt County schools offer magnet programs in subjects such as arts, leadership, global health and wellness, STEM and language immersion. A-rated Oakwood School is the No. 1 best private high school in Pitt County, according to Niche. The secular, co-ed school serves preschoolers starting at age 3 and kindergarten through 12th graders on its campus just northwest of Greenville proper.
East Carolina University’s campus is close to the Tar River on the north side of town. The public university offers more than 165 degree programs, ranging from bachelor’s to doctoral. ECU’s undergraduate nursing program is the university’s largest in terms of enrollment. Its business administration program has the highest enrollment at the graduate level. Diegan says ECU sports are a big deal, but that the most popular sport changes depending on the person. She and her family enjoy baseball, but there are 18 Pirates teams total, including football and basketball.
East Carolina University is central to The Grid neighborhood.
H B Sugg Elementary is a public school located in Farmville, NC near Bell Arthur.
Sam D. Bundy is a public school located in Farmville, NC near Bell Arthur.
Farmville Central High School is ranked 275th within North Carolina.
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Barbecue eateries all over town and a walkable downtown district on the river
The commercial corridors on the city’s southwest side, surrounding the Greenville Mall, are lined with national chain retailers and restaurants. Deigan says that while Lexington’s barbecue may be more famous, Greenville’s rivals it, and that barbecue restaurants are scattered all over town. “There’s B’s Barbecue, there’s Sam Jones BBQ, there’s Parker’s Barbecue and there’s R.J.’s Famous Chicken, BBQ & Ribs,” she rattles off, adding that each joint does their East Carolina-style meat a little differently. “I’m not going to comment on my favorite,” she says, joking that calling out just one could start a riot. “Greenville folks care deeply about their grilled meats.”
Downtown Greenville, formerly known as the Uptown District for its location on the river at the city’s north end, has over 35 locally owned eateries, bars and breweries. The walkable, historic downtown district is also the artistic heart of the city, filled with murals, art galleries and museums, including the Greenville Museum of Art, which offers guided tours every Friday and hosts regular seasonal events. The non-profit Pitt County Arts Council provides workshops and showcases work by local artists at the Emerge Gallery & Art Center. Nearby, ECU students put on music and theatre performances in Fletcher Hall and Wright Auditorium. The two venues host concerts, ballets and more during the university’s annual S. Rudolph Alexander Performing Arts Series. Theatre shows at the Magnolia Arts Center, about 3 miles southeast of downtown, flaunt talent source directly from the Greenville community. During monthly First Friday ArtWalks, locals can take a self-guided walking tours of the city or hop on the free trolley service to visit galleries, museums, breweries and restaurants displaying work by local and national artists. Live street musicians perform at each corner along Dickinson Avenue and in local venues throughout the city, too.
Sam Jones Whole Hog BBQ is a Greenville institution.
Downtown Greenville is a short drive from Brook Valley.
The Grid residents enjoy a wide range of grilled treats at Jack Brown's Burger Bar.
Greenville residents can grab a variety of quick cuisine options at The Bodega and Cafe.
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Tar Riverfront parks and Greenville’s annual PirateFest
The city maintains more than 30 public parks and recreational facilities, including the 324-acre River Park North, set just north of the Tar River. The sprawling park has ponds for boating and fishing, and miles of riverside hiking trails where wild birds like great blue herons and bald eagles occasionally make an appearance. The 364-acre Wildwood Park is also on the Tar’s northern bank. It features a sandy beach with a kayak launch, as well as a BMX skills course, several miles of mountain bike trails and a series of pedestrian boardwalks through the wetland. Town Common, on the river’s south bank just north of downtown, is a popular gathering place with over 20 acres of open green space and a playground. Greenville’s annual summer concert series takes place at the Town Common Amphitheater. The city’s annual PirateFest, established in 2006 to celebrate ECU’s centennial, draws crowds from around the region for food, art, live music and, of course, pirate reenactors.
The Greenway at Town Commons Park runs along the Tar River.
Fishing at Town Common Park is a popular pastime for Skinnerville-Greenville Heights residents.
ECU football players greet the crowd at Concert On The Common.
Brook Valley residents flock to Town Common for live music on the riverfront on Thursday's.
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Commuting by bus, car or plane
The G.K. Butterfield Transportation Center serves as the main transportation hub where all local and regional public transportation services connect, including the Greenville Area Transit, Pitt Area Transit, and ECU Transit bus systems. Greyhound and Amtrak also utilize the facility for connections. U.S. Routes 13 and 264, and North Carolina Routes 33, 43 and 903 weave through the city, connecting across, around and beyond. In far north Greenville, off Route 13, there’s the Pitt-Greenville Airport. It’s a public airport used primarily for general aviation, but American Airlines provides three commuter flights to Charlotte every day. Deigan says the lounge and waiting area in the small airport are “very nice,” adding that the daily flights to Charlotte are all that’s necessary, given that the Charlotte airport offers hundreds of direct flights around the country.
Increase in total crime, decline in violent crime
According to the Greenville Police Department’s 2023 Annual Report, there was a 13.67% increase in total crimes committed in the city between 2022 and 2023. During the same year, the department’s data shows the total number of violent crimes declined by more than 7%.
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Greenville, NC sell after 55 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Greenville, NC over the last 12 months is $259,900, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautiful brick home featuring 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths with the primary suite conveniently located on the main level. Upstairs offers three additional bedrooms and a spacious bonus room, with one bedroom featuring a private full bath—ideal for guests or an in-law suite. The home welcomes you with a two-story foyer, beautiful hardwood floors, and custom trim work throughout. A formal dining room
Welcome to this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath patio home in the highly desirable Providence Place neighborhood—ideal for those seeking a low-maintenance, easy-living lifestyle. Tucked away at the back of a quiet cul-de-sac, this home offers privacy while remaining close to everything Greenville and Winterville have to offer.Enjoy peace of mind with an HOA that maintains the lawn,
Beautiful brick Colonial home defined by classic symmetry, offering the perfect blend of traditional elegance and modern convenience. This gracious residence features 5 spacious bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms. Upon entry, you are welcomed by a true open foyer with a central staircase, coat/storage closet, and rich hardwood floors that flow seamlessly into the formal dining room and front living room,
Experience easy, relaxed living in this airy second-floor end-unit condo in the heart of Breezewood—one of Greenville's most loved communities. From the moment you step inside, the natural light and open feel set the tone for a home designed around comfort and simplicity. The spacious living area offers the perfect spot to unwind, whether you're curling up with a book by the fire or enjoying a
Imagine evenings spent on the covered back porch, gathering with friends under the cathedral ceiling, grilling out, watching the game, or simply unwinding while overlooking the peaceful backyard. Designed with comfort and connection in mind, this home offers the perfect blend of everyday function and inviting spaces to entertain. The main level features a spacious primary suite with a walk-in
Enjoy low-maintenance living with a lifestyle you'll love in this first-floor end-unit condo located in the desirable Forbes Woods community. Designed for comfort and convenience, this 2-bedroom, 2-bath home offers an easy, functional layout ideal for everyday living. The kitchen provides ample counter space and storage, along with a separate dining area perfect for casual meals or entertaining.
Opportunity Knocks again for investor or home owner. Own this one bedroom 2nd level unit in Willoughby Park with a community pool and dog stations. Enjoy close and easy access to everything Greenville has to offer. Minutes away to all shopping centers, grocery stores, restaurants, medical complex, ECU, Pitt Community College, private and public schools plus indoor recreation and fitness clubs.
Beautiful family home in Prudoe Bay on a quiet cul-de-sac in Greenville with no city taxes! This 3BR/2BA home with bonus room features an open floor plan, eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and tile backsplash, formal dining room, and spacious living area with gas fireplace. The primary suite offers a walk-in closet, dual vanity, soaking tub, and separate shower. Finished bonus room over the
Step into the timeless elegance of this stately Georgian-style residence, set on 1.8 acres in the heart of Greenville. Rarely does a property of this caliber come to market — offering over 6,200 square feet, a private tennis court and beautifully landscaped grounds framed by brick privacy walls and wrought iron gates.Arrive through the circular drive and double front doors to a grand
If you enjoy golf, tennis, pickle ball or hosting great parties, look no further! Nestled beside the 9th green tee boxes with a sweeping view of the fairway at Greenville Country Club, this beautiful golf course home is perfectly designed for convenient access to sport, relaxation and lively gatherings. From the moment you step inside the gracious foyer—featuring custom iron stair railings—you'll
Beautiful brick home featuring 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths with the primary suite conveniently located on the main level. Upstairs offers three additional bedrooms and a spacious bonus room, with one bedroom featuring a private full bath—ideal for guests or an in-law suite. The home welcomes you with a two-story foyer, beautiful hardwood floors, and custom trim work throughout. A formal dining room
Located in the desirable Irish Creek Subdivision--just minutes from all that Winterville and Greenville have to offer--this stunning new construction home, built by White Construction and Design, delivers 2,748 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space with 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths.Step inside to find engineered hardwoods throughout the downstairs living areas and the primary suite,
The ''Deacon'' plan offers elegant practicality with three bedrooms and spacious living, dining and kitchen all on the first floor. The formal dining room boasts a two-story ceiling height with tons of natural light, flanks a beautifully detailed entry and is open to a large living room. You will love the flow of the kitchen with plenty of extra storage, nice appliances and informal dining space
Charming one-story home situated on approximately 2 acres in a peaceful country setting. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers an open and functional layout featuring granite countertops, a bar ideal for stools, and a spacious pantry. Durable LVP flooring runs throughout the house. The primary suite includes a walk-in tiled shower for added comfort. Additional highlights include a laundry/mudroom,
The Manchester plan features an open layout, three bedrooms, three full baths, a Sunroom, and a bonus room. Finishes include LED recessed lighting, soffit lighting, engineered hardwoods, coffered ceilings, custom built-in bench seat, wainscoting, crown molding, white 42'' stacked with 18'' kitchen wall cabinets with quartz countertops, tile backsplash, drop-in range, Wall oven/microwave and
Welcome to Evolve at the Pines! Evolve at the Pines Apartments is a brand new community, located in Greenville, North Carolina near East Carolina University! We are central to the many great shopping, dining, and entertainment options that the area has to offer, including Greenville Mall, Native Fine Diner, and AMC Fire Tower Theater. With excellent access to major roads, including Fire Tower
The Bower is a community offering a great residential environment, all inclusive amenities and excellent service for our residents. We offer three bedrooms three baths and four bedrooms three bath town-homes along with four bedrooms two baths flat units. If you love East Carolina Athletics, The Bower is where to be. Conveniently located across the street from all athletic fields, you are just a
We have the best to offer you. With two, three, and four bedroom layouts we guarantee that we will have the right fit for anyone. Furnished units also available. Washer and dryer sets in all units are included in the rent. A huge pool brings our residents together and provides a much needed break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Stress easy?You can take advantage of our fitness
3 bedroom, 1.5 bath, close to ECU. All hardwood floors, large backyard with deck. Beside Christys Euro Pub - 1 year lease minimum but will entertain multiple years. Walk to ECU and downtown
Ryan BarloweLee and Harrell Real Estate Professionals
Welcome to Pirates Cove Student Living in Greenville, North Carolina – your new home away from home, designed with the vibrant lifestyle of East Carolina University (ECU) and Pitt Community College students in mind. Our community offers a range of fantastic amenities and features that make student living comfortable, fun, and convenient. In your apartment, you will find everything you need for a
At Sunset Pointe Apartments, you’ll find a family community and features large 3 bedroom and 4 bedroom units, barbecue grills, basketball, playground, a business center with a full sized TV, lounge, and a resort style swimming pool. Stop by the leasing office today to learn everything Sunset Pointe Apartments offers!
Beautiful duplex located in popular Brook Hollow, close to Medical Center, ECU, shopping and amenities. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, open floorplan with ample sized kitchen, dining, and living area. 1 car garage, fenced back yard for privacy. Washer and dryer included. Freshly painted. Available now.
Jason HarrellLee and Harrell Real Estate Professionals
Welcome to Harbor Pointe Apartments! Newly Renovated 1 and 2 Bedroom Town-homes!Looking for apartments to rent in Greenville NC? Come call Harbor Pointe Apartments home! We are in an excellent location that's close to all of Greenville's hubs, including East Carolina University and Vidant Medical Center. Our apartments also offer easy access to many retail stores and restaurants. Our 1 and 2
Very nice rental home in established Englewood neighborhood! Home features 3 bedrooms with bonus/office could be 4th bedroom. Cozy den, large kitchen with breakfast area, formal dining room. Large storage building in back of home. Spacious deck with beautiful landscaping to relax and entertain guests.
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