Pumpkin Center provides a suburban atmosphere close to Jacksonville
Single-family homes dominate the community of Pumpkin Center, with the area offering buyers a mix of one- and two-story properties. Homes have large yards with large oaks and pines dominating front lawns and property lines. However, the streets in Pumpkin Center do not have sidewalks. But residents are close to Jacksonville’s parks and outdoor attractions with easy access to local shopping and dining. “I would describe it as having the best of both worlds as you’re not in the city limits, but it’s very close,” says Corinthia Lopes, a real estate agent with Century 21 Coastal Advantage and a native of Onslow County. “You’re less than a mile away from the city, and you don’t have the city taxes.”
Single-family homes with minimal HOA activity
The median housing price is $223,000, lower than the national and state medians. Homes include ranch styles, New Traditionals and split levels. Land is available. Lopes notes that there is not much HOA activity in Pumpkin Center. However, newer subdivisions will have an association. Lopes notes that the community has attracted a mix of retirees and military families, as Camp Lejune is 7 miles south.
Flooding and weather risks
Hurricanes and severe storms can be a factor. According to flood maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, sections of Pumpkin Center are prone to flooding, especially near Northeast Creek.
Parks and attractions are in Jacksonville
Parks outside the community include Jacksonville Commons Recreation Complex, which features sports courts, baseball diamonds and soccer fields. The site is home to the Jacksonville Jamboree, an annual spring festival that features live music, carnival rides and sports competitions. Richard Ray All-America Park has a meditation labyrinth, an amphitheater and walking paths.
The Jacksonville Country Club features an 18-hole golf course, a pool and tennis courts, but is only available to members. Paradise Point Golf Course on Camp Lejune is a public facility with two 18-hole layouts, but a military or civilian DOD cardholder must sponsor visitors.
Attractions in downtown Jacksonville are 6 miles southeast along Marine Boulevard.
Shopping and Dining
Pupils attend Onslow County Schools, which has a B rating on Niche. Elementary, middle and high schools are adjacent to the Jacksonville Commons Recreation Complex. Coastal Carolina Community College, graded B-minus, is 3 miles south of Pumpkin Center.
Dining and shopping on Marine and Western Boulevards
Restaurants are outside the community along Western and Marine Boulevards, and feature a mix of chain and local spots. Wasabi Japanese Sushi & Cuisine serves various sushi dishes along with noodles and fried rice. Mi Cabana Mexican Restaurant serves tacos, burritos and fajitas. Southern Harvest Soul Food serves breakfast and southern classics such as shrimp and grits, pork chops and fried catfish.
Grocery stores such as Food Lion, Publix and Aldi are on Western Boulevard. Big box stores, including Walmart and Sam’s Club, are on the corner of Marine
Boulevard and Western Boulevard. The Jacksonville Mall, also on Western, has multiple retailers, including JCPenney and Belk and a movie theatre.
Onslow Memorial Hospital is 4 miles south of Pumpkin Center along Western Boulevard.
U.S. Route 17 and airport access
U.S. Route 17 runs north of Pumpkin Center and connects the area to Wilmington and New Bern. Albert J. Ellis Airport is 21 miles west and has flights to Atlanta and Charlotte.
Crime in Onslow County
According to the latest data from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, crime in Onslow County has decreased.
Photography Contributed By
Andrew Smith
