Small river city in North Carolina’s southern coastal plains
Named after the blackwater Lumber River that flows through its heart, Lumberton is trying to capitalize on the natural asset linked to the city’s beginnings. “Back in the day, they’d use the river to transport lumber,” says Sarah Beth Ward, Lumberton’s Downtown Development Coordinator, who says the river is at the center of a redevelopment plan for the city center. “We’re one of the few North Carolina cities that has a river running through its downtown.”
The city is a popular pitstop for road travelers as it’s right along Interstate 95. “It’s a great location because of how close we are to the major cities,” says Ward, who describes the community as humble and diverse. “A lot of people that live here are in retirement age, and they all have family spread out across the state.” With UNC Health Southeastern in town, healthcare is the city’s top industry.
Lumberton got its start in the late 1700s as a shipping point for lumber being guided down the river to Georgetown, SC.
This was this site of the original landing on the Lumber River when Lumberton got its start over 200 years ago.
I-95 runs north-south through Lumberton and I-74 passes the city on its south side for easy east-west travel.
Robeson County is served by a single hospital, UNC Health Southeastern, based in Lumberton.
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Low home prices and hurricane recovery
The median price for a single-family home in Lumberton is $215,000, roughly half the national median. Chelsea Biggs, a Century 21 Real Estate broker and manager of Biggs Park Mall, says the housing market in Lumberton is not as competitive as Raleigh or along the Carolina coast. “When a home does come up on the north side of Lumberton, it can be competitive. Otherwise, it’s pretty easy to get a house here.” Homes primarily rest on dense tree-shaded blocks, but lots are more spacious in the city’s northern end. Architectural styles include Victorian, Colonial Revival and ranch-style homes.
Hurricanes are a reality of living in North Carolina. In 2016 and 2018, Hurricanes Matthew and Florence caused devastating damage in Lumberton when the Lumber River swelled to record levels. Florence ravaged the southern and western parts of the city, leading to an exodus. It’s one of the reasons why Lumberton’s population has been declining. The city of roughly 19,000 has since invested in storm response and preparedness, including constructing a 13-foot berm to protect the water treatment plant that flooded after Matthew.
Midcentury style homes are popular options in neighborhoods on the north side of Lumberton.
Downtown Lumberton holds a variety of older styled homes like this 2-story colonial.
Smaller ranch homes in Lumberton can be found on the south side of town.
A 13 foot dike runs to the north of the water treatment plant in Lumberton as a result of terrible flooding from recent hurricanes - it serves double duty as a greenway trail.
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Restoring the Lumberton Commercial Historic District
National retailers fill shopping centers lining Interstate 95 and Fayetteville Road. Biggs Park Mall offers around 30 name-brand stores. Several museums and the Robeson County Courthouse anchor Downtown Lumberton. This laid-back city center featuring thrift and bookstores, a candy café and local restaurants serving international and American cuisine is being revitalized. “Downtown Lumberton is currently going through it,” Ward says. “We still have a lot of dilapidated buildings, but we also have the most original buildings in the state. It’s all about perspective.” Ward adds that a façade grant program is restoring historic storefronts.
Shoppers can find what they're looking for at Biggs Park Mall in Lumberton.
The Robeson County Courthouse in Lumberton was originally constructed in 1908.
The Potato Barn in Downtown Lumberton sits across from the courthouse on Elm Street.
Lumberton saw a drastic decline in population during the past 10 years, but is starting to experience a resurgence.
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Lumberton’s creative spirit, The Rumba on the Lumber
The city’s art scene brings vibrancy to the downtown area. It serves as the home base for the Robeson County Arts Council, which has a gallery and organizes workshops and art-focused events like the River Voices Concert Series. The Carolina Civic Center Historic Theater draws local talent from around the region to perform in productions, such as the annual Robeson County Christmas Show. When construction is complete in the summer of 2025, this Italian Renaissance-style building from the 1920s will feature a new annex.
The city’s biggest annual event is The Rumba on the Lumber, a family-friendly weekend festival celebrating the best of Lumberton’s food, crafts, and music each March. Along with a chili cook-off, shopping at vendors and romping around a kid’s zone, the event’s big draw is the UNC Health 5K/10K races, organized by the Robeson Road Runners. “We are a runner-friendly community. They have runs downtown all the time,” Ward says.
Creativity is encouraged for those who live in Lumberton.
Lumberton has a population of around 20,000 people and is the county seat of Robeson County.
Located in the heart of historic downtown Lumberton, the Carolina Civic Center facility opened its doors for the first time on June 18, 1928 as a vaudeville and silent film house.
The River Walk in Lumberton is a paved pedestrian/bicycle trail with scenic views of the Lumber River that starts at Luther Britt Park.
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Recreation along the Lumber River, plans for the Lumberton Loop
The Lumber River divides the city into northern and southern halves and offers a variety of recreation, from fishing for catfish and bass to canoeing and kayaking. James L. Stephens Memorial Park is often used to access the water, while The Riverwalk provides a paved path paralleling the densely forested banks. Lumber River State Park’s Princess Ann Access has camping and hiking trails roughly 20 miles south of the city.
Large community green spaces and pocket parks can be found throughout Lumberton. Several activity centers have programming for all ages. A new accessible playground is now open at Dr. Raymond B. Pennington Athletic Complex, and the Lumberton Loop, an 8-mile trail around the city, is in the planning stages.
James L. Stephens Memorial Park is a good place to access the Lumber River from downtown Lumberton.
The Lumber River offers excellent boating, fishing and outdoor fun at the Lumber River State Park near Lumberton.
Luther Britt Park is a 142-acre park in Lumberton with trails around 2 lakes, plus playground equipment & picnic facilities.
The Dr Raymond B Pennington Athletic Complex in Lumberton has a brand new All Inclusive playground.
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Public Schools of Robeson County and a community college in town
Public Schools of Robeson County serves Lumberton and receives a C-plus overall rating from Niche. The district has more than 21,000 students across 40 schools. PSRC Early College High School at Robeson Community College earns an A rating. Students can graduate with a diploma and an associate’s degree. RCC is a two-year community college on the city’s north side with less than 2,000 students.
Robeson Community College is a public institution in Lumberton, North Carolina with an enrollment of over 1,800 students.
Public Schools of Robeson County with offices in Lumberton serves over 21,000 students at 40 schools.
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Quick access to Interstate 95
Interstate 95, a major north-south route along the East Coast, hugs the city as it heads into South Carolina. The border is about 20 miles away. I-95 heads north to Fayetteville, which hosts the Fort Bragg military installation. U.S. Route 74 heads roughly 80 miles east to the port city of Wilmington, home to Wilmington International Airport. Lumberton Regional Airport is for general aviation and does not offer commercial flights. While there’s no city bus service, Lumberton does have a Greyhound Bus Station.
Violent and property crime rates increase in Robeson County
Crime statistics specific to Lumberton are not readily available. However, according to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation’s Crime In North Carolina 2023 report, crime is increasing in Robeson County. Data shows that the violent crime rate increased by nearly 9% from 2022 to 2023, while the property crime rate rose by less than 2%.
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A great opportunity for investors or first-time buyers, this Lumberton home sits on a quiet street with mature trees and a shady lot that creates a peaceful, welcoming setting. Inside, you’ll find charming built-in shelving in the family room, updated windows throughout, ample counter space, and refreshed light fixtures that add a clean, modern touch. The property also includes a large outdoor
Located in the heart of Robeson County, this flat 0.46-acre lot is ready for your dream home. Minimal prep is needed--just bring your builder. Enjoy quiet country living at its best. Vacant land, ready to go. There are very few vacant lots in the Lumberton area prepared for building. A Perc test is required. This has been a row crop field for over 40 years. 115' of road frontage. County water and
Priced to Sell! Prime .29-acre residential lot; positioned near I-95 corridor and upcoming large-scale Lumbee Tribe development, which may include a resort, casino, and entertainment hub (pending approvals). Strong potential for future growth, and job creation. Build now or make an investment hold in an area with ongoing demand. Surrounded by established homes and mature trees offering natural
This 51+/- acre tract off Warwick Mill Road in Lumberton, NC, offers a prime opportunity for development or private use. This expansive parcel presents outstanding potential for residential development, private estate use, agricultural purposes, or recreational enjoyment.The property features a mix of open land and gentle terrain with great soils, providing an ideal canvas for a thoughtfully
Bring your horses and build the mini farm of your dreams on this 15.68-acre hidden gem! Tucked away off Snake Road and free of restrictions, this peaceful property offers the perfect blend of privacy and conveniencejust minutes from town. Whether you're starting a hobby farm or creating a private equestrian retreat, the possibilities are endless!
Located on Alamac Road south of Lumberton in Robeson County, North Carolina. Enjoy the best of both worlds with this 10.97 +/- acres rural property located just 5 minutes from downtown Lumberton. This mostly wooded property offers a great opportunity for a home site, hunting or recreational use. Ideal for those seeking space and outdoor enjoyment while remaining close to town. The Lumber River is
Located less than 5 miles from downtown Lumberton, the Lumber River Tract is a unique recreational retreat that's a short commute from town and offers potential future cash flow. The property features +/- 126 acres of bottomland hardwood and almost 3 miles of frontage along the Lumber River. The timber includes +/- 74 acres of2019 planted pines; and +/- 70 acres of upland pine were recently
HOBBY FARM loaded with PECAN trees. A perfect place for your retirement. With easy access to I-74 and I-95 everything special about the Carolina's are in your reach. All the tools and equipment to you need to run your farm is included in this purchase. Enjoy the sunrise on your front porch and sunset on the back with your own freshly roasted pecans and that refreshing southern ice tea. This
Robeson 702 is located in eastern Robeson County in a quiet rural setting surrounded by large private land holdings managed for timber and recreational use. The upland forested acreage consists of a 17-year-old pine plantation that has been recently thinned. This provides proper spacing and maximizes annual growth for continued revenue streams with proper forest management. Multiple decking areas
Reduced!!! Beautiful sandy tract of land right along the Interstate 95 corridor along US 74 ALT in a fast growing area of Robeson County, North Carolina. Tract contains over 1,300 feet of highway road frontage along the heavily-traveled US 74 ALT highway and within sight of Interstate 95. Excellent opportunity along this highly visible tract along the Interstate that could be a real jewel for
Located along Lenards Drive in eastern Robeson County, the Robeson 701 Tract represents a well-positioned, mid-sized timberland asset with long-term productivity andrecreational upside. The tract totals approximately 73% high, usable acreage, a rare characteristic in this region, offering flexibility for future timber management, potentialrural development, or wildlife-based
This 102.02-acre prime commercial property is available for the first time in 70 years and is located at one of the best I-95 locations in the two Carolinas. Exit 22 is the premier exit off I-95 in North Carolina with shopping, hotels, restaurants, medical facilities, car dealerships and Robeson Community College. With 56,000 cars passing the property daily this property provides great visibility
Tom PercivalPercival Land & Timber Consultants, Inc.
Property Id: 2386985Welcome to your new home in Lumberton, NC! This charming single unit property offers modern amenities including an oven, microwave, refrigerator, and washer/dryer hookups. Enjoy central heating, hardwood and tile flooring, and off-street parking. No pets allowed. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity for $1700/month. Contact us today for a showing!
Property Id: 18097913 Bed / 2 Bath Single Family Home. Currently being remolded. Home is in a community park, miles away from town and school district. More Photos will be posted as the remodel is completed.There are only a few rules:-No pets -No smoking indoors-Rent is due on the 1st & paid through the app.Please keep all communication in the
Property Id: 1736693Single wide home perfect for 1 or 2 people. House rent, lot rent and water are include in monthly rent. Deposit and rent are non negotiable. One year lease required. Absolutely no smoking and no pets.
This is a brand new 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom Clayton home available for rent in Rosewood Land Community. The home features a spacious layout, comfortable living areas, and a move-in-ready condition. The application fee is $50 for everyone over the age of 18. First month’s rent along with the security deposit are due at move-in. This property is ready for immediate occupancy. CALL PROPERTY MANAGER
Patriot Place with multiple rentals available is offering 1st-month special for qualified tenants is designed to ease your move-in costs, offering 1/2 off or a free first month\'s rent. This beautifully newly renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers a perfect blend of comfort and modern living. Step inside to find a spacious open layout that seamlessly connects the living, dining, and kitchen
Located in the all ages manufactured home community of Waynesville Estates, this previously owned 2021 Clayton home has 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms at approximately 1,064 square feet. This home comes with a full kitchen, linoleum flooring, washer/dryer hook-ups, and a driveway. Plus, it has a spacious layout, great location and much more! Waynesville Estates offers a friendly atmosphere,
Fully Furnished Rental Available! Great for nurses and residents walking distance to the hospital and shopping!This beautiful two-bedroom, one-bath home is fully furnished and ready for you! Enjoy the convenience of utilities included, plus appliances like a washer, dryer, refrigerator, and microwave. Perfect for short-term or long-term stays. Don't miss out! ??
Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom house located in the desirable area of Lumberton, NC. This home has been recently updated with new paint and new floors, giving it a fresh and modern feel. The spacious living and dining room areas provide ample space for relaxation and entertaining. With its convenient location, this house offers easy access to local amenities and attractions.
Charming 2-bedroom, 1 bath house with lawn care included. Kitchen is equipped with stove and refrigerator. All City of Lumberton utilities. 1 year lease.
Enjoy the simple pleasures of country living at 1992 Henry Hammond Road. Built in 2019, this 2BR/2BA home offers modern energy efficient lighting throughout, satin white walls/ceilings,laminate/vinyl flooring, stove/refrigerator and washer/dryer hookups. Home is surrounded byfarmland with clear beautiful views of the sunset from the front yard and the sunrise frombackyard. Relax
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