Lumber Bridge is poised for growth
Lumber Bridge is a quiet, rural community in Robeson County, outside of Fayetteville. The area is filled with farms, horse ranches and growing neighborhoods. Dixie Mabe is a Realtor and owner of Dixie Mabe Realty, who was born and raised in the area. She has seen how the area has started to grow as residents leave busy Fayetteville for the quieter Lumber Bridge. “I feel like they’re trying to get away from all the traffic, all the congestion and noise,” Mabe says. “Lumber Bridge is more of a quaint town. There’s a gas station, a post office and a fire department, but there are no stores like McDonald’s or Hardee’s. That’s what people are trying to get away from into a quieter atmosphere.” Commuters heading to Fayetteville and Fort Bragg, the largest military base in the nation, use the Interstate 295 outer loop that opened in 2025. Lumber Bridge offers an escape from busy city life and direct access to shops, restaurants and jobs in surrounding areas.
Growing subdivisions and large lots
Ranch-style homes and farmhouses on large lots are spread throughout Lumber Bridge. There are developing subdivisions that continue to expand with new construction, like Jackson Estates. Properties throughout the area tend to sell for $200,000 to $500,000, and any that sells for less than $200,000 is usually a manufactured home. The subdivisions are often managed by HOAs and come with monthly fees, but there are also homes evenly spaced along streets that are HOA-free.
Nearby access to I-295 and downtown Fayetteville
Lumber Bridge’s city limits circle the town hall, Lumber Bridge Baptist Church and the growing Jackson Estates, but the township covers a much larger area. There are a few employers like Mountaire Farms, but some residents own their own farms or commute about 20 miles to Fayetteville. “You’ve got 295 that just opened up,” Mabe says. “ Parkton and Lumber Bridge are about 8 miles apart, and you can go to Parkton to get on 295 and go straight to Fort Bragg.” Fayetteville is also home to the Fayetteville Regional Airport.
Driving to Parkton and Red Springs for shops and restaurants
Lumber Bridge is highly residential, with only a gas station and a Dollar General, so when residents want to dine out, they take short trips to nearby cities. Nearby Parkton has the Parkton Grill, a destination for classic dishes served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. “I grew up in Lumber Bridge, born and raised there,” Mabe says. “If we wanted to go shopping, we went to Red Springs, which is another town with a lot of features.” Red Springs has clothing boutiques, and Mabe highlights nearby St. Pauls, which has a Walmart Neighborhood Market and chain restaurants.
Students are zoned for Robeson County schools
The Lumber Bridge falls mostly in Robeson County, so residents are often zoned for the Public Schools of Robeson County, which is rated C by Niche. Parkton Elementary School gets a C-minus and feeds into St. Pauls High School, earning a C-plus. Some homes in the far western part of the area may be zoned for the Hoke County School District, rated B-minus.
Playing at Scothurst Golf Course and rodeos at 7 Branch Farm
Lumber Bridge has the public 18-hole Scothurst Golf Course. Golfers can sign up for leagues or the annual Turkey Trot Tournament held every November. The 7 Branch Farm & Arena hosts the annual Ranch Rodeo State Finals and the Bull Riding Championship. The National Day of the Cowboy Benefit Rodeo in July is the largest event in the area. Before the cowboys and cowgirls enter the ring, audiences might see paratroopers parachuting into the arena, trick riders and a live concert.
