Country living in Lillington
Lillington is a rural haven in the heart of North Carolina. At a midway point between Raleigh and Fayetteville, this community has access to big-city shopping, healthcare and the Fort Bragg army base. With a population of 4,700 residents, Lillington offers spacious properties and a Main Street center on the banks of the Cape Fear River. "You get the best of both worlds. It's country living, but you can buy land, and you're close to Wake County," says Shinesha Fallon, an area local and Realtor at NorthGroup Real Estate. "I moved to Lillington last year, and we have no regrets. It's so peaceful."
Boutiques and restaurants on Main Street
Colorful brick boutiques and local restaurants surround Main Street in Downtown Lillington. One of its well-established eateries is Tacos Oaxaca, a family owned Mexican restaurant painted with murals. The County Seat Sports Grille is a local sports bar serving classic American meals. The area's supermarkets are Food Lion and Carlie C's IGA. For additional shopping and dining options, Raleigh is about 30 miles north. "There's so much to offer in Raleigh. It opens the door to more restaurants and healthcare options," Fallon says.
Homes with acreage and spacious lots
Homes are in a gridded layout in the city center, with acreage increasing on the rural outskirts. Housing styles include New Traditional and brick ranch-style homes, typically between 1,000 and 4,000 square feet, and property sizes can reach up to 6 acres. Prices range from $100,000 to $700,000. Townhouses go for $140,000 to $360,000. Manufactured homes cost between $90,000 and $410,000. "Prices are affordable for what you can get," Fallon says. "You have space, so it doesn't feel so congested, and houses will appreciate because of the location."
The residential sector is expanding with new construction to accommodate the area's rapid growth. "We have approved over 11,000 single-family homes in the area," says Alicia Adams, the administrative services director for Lillington. "We're also installing a greenway and around 2,500 residential homes around the river near Campbell University."
Harnett County Schools offer fine arts and JROTC
Lillington-Shawtown Elementary School earns a C from Niche and has a multi-tiered support system (MTSS) for students who need extra assistance. Harnett Central Middle School has a C-plus and offers fine arts classes, such as orchestra, chorus & piano and theater. Harnett Central High School receives a B-minus and features an Army JROTC program that combines academic learning, leadership skills and strategy. Higher education institutions are nearby, including Central Carolina Community College and Campbell University in Buies Creek, about 5 miles east.
Trail recreation and wildlife on the Cape Fear River
The Lillington Botanical Trail is a 1-mile path in the forest with small waterfalls. Lillington River Park has a pirate ship playground and shady trails by the water. There are athletic facilities and four baseball diamonds at the Lillington Ball Fields. One recreational highlight is Raven Rock State Park, which encompasses 4,800 acres and over 30 miles of hiking trails on the Cape Fear River. "You can kayak and enjoy water activities," Fallon says. "Raven Rock State Park is good for hiking, fishing and camping by the river."
Wildlife viewing areas are nearby. The Hawk Manor Falconry is an educational center with trained hawks that engage in flight demonstrations. Exotic animals, such as giraffes and primates, are at the Broadway Zoological Park, about 10 miles west.
Taking the highway to Fayetteville and Raleigh
Lillington has a dial-a-ride service through the Harnett Area Rural Transit System (HARTS) for residents needing medical services or essential transit. Fort Bragg is a U.S. Army base and a significant employer, approximately 25 miles south. The nearest emergency room is Central Harnett Hospital, just 2 miles north of downtown. U.S. Highway 401 is a local expressway leading to metropolitan centers. Raleigh is about 30 miles north on US-401, and Fayetteville is roughly 30 miles south. The Raleigh-Durham International Airport offers worldwide flights, around 40 miles north.
Extreme weather conditions and hazards
This area experiences heat, on average, around 90°F in July. Due to its location in "Tornado Alley," which encompasses much of the south, this part of North Carolina is prone to high winds, which can cause damage. Harnett County has a history of wildfires, particularly during spring, due to high winds and low humidity in nearby forests.
