Rustic riverside living in the small farming community of Ivanhoe
Ivanhoe is a small community on the Black River in rural Sampson County. Historically, it was a Scottish settlement funded by the timber industry, but nowadays, more people come to see the trees rather than cut them down. The river is surrounded by old-growth forests, which include some of the oldest wetland trees in the world. In addition to its ecological marvel, visitors also stop in Ivanhoe for locally grown produce from family-owned farms.
Fishing, paddling and ancient trees along the Black River
While the Black River doesn’t bolster the local economy as much as it used to, its slow-flowing dark waters are still ecological and recreational draws to the area. Anglers hook freshwater species like largemouth bass, channel catfish and bluegill. Nature lovers paddle down the river to observe the ancient cypresses along the shoreline, many well over 1,000 years old. Even older growth lies south of Ivanhoe, in the more-than-17,000-acre Black River Preserve. The densely wooded nature park is anchored by Three Sisters Swamp, home to the oldest wetland trees in the world. Local river access points include Black River Camping Ventures on Ivanhoe’s south side and the public boat ramp on the north side. Those with small watercraft can also launch from the shore around Beatty’s Bridge.
Ivanhoe real estate includes large lots and a mix of home styles
Most of what comes up for sale in Ivanhoe is vacant land, and even those listings are rare. Limited available data puts the median sale price at just under $295,000. The community has a variety of homes, from vintage 1930s bungalows to rustic hunting lodges and classic Cape Cods built in the 1990s. Most sit on an acre of land or more. Special flood zones are around the Black River, Cypress Lake, and other low-lying areas. Properties within these zones will require flood insurance for federally backed mortgages.
Ivanhoe students attend Sampson County Schools
Sampson County Schools earn a B-plus on Niche. The district splits up prekindergarten through fifth grade between Union Elementary, graded B, and Union Intermediate, graded B-minus. Union Middle also has a B-minus. Union High receives a C-plus; it offers dual enrollment programs in partnership with Mountain Empire Community College.
Ivanhoe’s fresh produce is close, but stores are farther away
Ivanhoe Blueberry Farms, Inc. is on the community's north side, and up the road, Black River Organic Farm grows heirloom vegetables that are popular at farmers markets in Wilmington. As for buying essentials, the small town of Atkinson, about 5 miles away, has a pharmacy, a couple of local markets and a Dollar General. Anything else, including the nearest hospital, is farther away. Walmart Supercenter, Piggly Wiggly and Food Lion are in Burgaw, a little town about a half-hour east, just under a 25-mile trip. The closest emergency room is also there, within Pender Medical Center.
Airport and city access are roughly within an hour’s drive
Wilmington is close to 45 miles away, and U.S. Route 421 – accessible 9 miles west of the community – takes drivers most of the way. Wilmington International Airport is closer to 40 miles away.
Written By
Micaela Willoughby
