Life in Havelock is largely centered around the Marine Corps Air Station at Cherry Point, the Marine Corps base that makes up most of this small town’s footprint. It's located between New Bern and North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, and military-affiliated personnel and their families enjoy quick commutes to the base – and quick drives to the beach. “Many people stay here for three or four years, then they are transferred out or promoted,” says John Vesco, owner of John Vesco Inc. Real Estate and retired Marine. “But it's a good little place to live. It’s nice and quiet, and there are affordable houses.”
Small community surrounded by nature
Natural areas surround the town, including the 160,000-acre Croatan National Forest to the west and the Neuse River to the east. The intracoastal waterway takes boaters from Havelock out to the Atlantic. “Some people have big, expensive boats that take you into the ocean,” Vesco says. North Carolina’s Crystal Coast is also just down the road; beachgoers can get to Atlantic Beach in about 30 minutes.
Havelock’s Tourist & Event Center has a collection of military aircraft open to the public, and the venue also hosts conferences and banquets, including the Marine Corps Ball. Next to the event center is Slocum Creek Recreation Area. Here, locals can fish, kayak and walk along the town’s low-lying waterway.
The Neuse River Recreation Area sits along the Neuse River between Havelock and New Bern.
The beautiful beaches and ocean landscapes are just a few minutes drive for Havelock Residents.
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Home prices cheaper than nearby towns
The median house price in Havelock is $260,000, lower than the national average and nearby towns like Morehead City and New Bern. Most properties in Havelock are single-family homes built between 1950 and today. However, new construction is limited due to a lack of space. “That’s what makes housing tough around here: you can’t build on the base, you can’t go into the forest and you get hit by the water,” Vesco says. Common housing styles include modest ranches and new traditional homes with two-car garages.
New Traditional homes grace a street in Cherry Branch, the main neighborhood of Havelock.
Older homes in Cherry Branch are nestled under the city of Havelock's mature trees.
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MCAS Cherry Point dominates the workforce
Havelock's total population is about 16,500 people, some of whom work at the MCAS Cherry Point. The base employs over 9,000 people, including Marines and civilians. It's also in the process of expanding with a new F-35 jet squadron, increasing the number of Marines stationed at Cherry Point. Camp Lejeune, a Marine Corps base with over 60,000 active duty personnel, is about 55 miles west in Jacksonville. “There are people who bounce back and forth [between bases],” Vesco says.
Highway 70 goes through Havelock and connects drivers northwest to New Bern and Southeast to Morehead City and Atlantic Beach. “Highway 70 is expanding with a new bypass to get people quicker to the beach, which will alleviate some traffic,” Vesco says. Coastal Carolina Regional Airport is just outside New Bern and has direct flights to hub airports like Charlotte Douglas International. New Bern is also home to CarolinaEast Medical Center, which is the closest hospital. Havelock has a 1 on the CAP Index, indicating a very low crime score compared to the national average of 4.
Havelock is home to the U.S. Marine Corp Air Station Cherry Point.
Morehead City offers great dining and entertainment options for Havelock residents year round.
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Running errands along Highway 70
There are several businesses and restaurants along Highway 70 in Havelock, including a Walmart and Dollar General. Retired and active military personnel can also use the facilities at Cherry Point, which include a health clinic, commissary, and recreational areas including gyms, pools and a campsite. New Bern, about 18 miles away, has a historic downtown with several bars and restaurants.
Highway 70 is the main corridor Havelock residents use for travel to Morehead City and the coast or North to New Bern.
Five Points residents enjoy going for dinners in downtown New Bern along with other great options in the nearby historic district of Havelock.
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Students in Havelock and on the base attend Craven County Schools
Students living in Havelock and on the MCAS Cherry Point military base are zoned to attend Craven County Schools, which has an overall B-plus grade from Niche. Kids may begin at either Graham A. Barden Elementary or Havelock Elementary, which both have B’s from Niche, before continuing to B-minus-rated Havelock Middle and B-rated Havelock High.
Havelock High School features an 18:1 student to teacher ratio.
Havelock Middle School serves students in grades 6-8.
The Smyrna Elementary School serves just over 289 students of Havelock and the surrounding communities.
Roger Bell New Tech Academy provides education to young learners in Havelock, NC.
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Hot summers and potential flood risks in Havelock
Havelock has flat terrain near sea level on North Carolina’s coast. Although most properties aren’t at risk for flooding, some low-lying areas on the town’s east side and along creeks like Slocum Creek may be at higher risk. The region experiences long, humid summers and cool winters with temperatures rarely below freezing.
Havelock residents can go to the coastal beaches or enjoy smaller and less used beaches along the Nuese River bordering the city.
The beautiful natural landscapes of Havelock are showcased in style by the frequently stunning sunsets.
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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.
