Life on the outskirts of New Bern
"Naturally Welcoming" is the slogan for the small Jones County community of Maysville, home to a population of roughly 900. The small town sits on the outskirts of New Bern, surrounded by pine woods and farmland between the Hofmann and Croatan Forests. Low crime rates here — which dipped below one report per day back in 2014 — once led Maysville to be recognized as the second safest town in North Carolina. “Things have changed over time, but overall the community retains that safe and family-friendly appeal," says local Realtor Chad Howery says. “It's slow and sleepy — definitely a bedroom suburb. Many residents here are connected to the region’s military presence." Camp Lejeune—one of the nation’s largest Marine Corps bases and a major area employer—is about 35 miles from Maysville. U.S. Route 17 and Highway 58 provide direct access to nearby urban centers such as New Bern and Jacksonville, while Atlantic Beach, Morehead City and the renowned Emerald Isle—with its crystal-clear beaches along the coast—are all within 40 miles.
New traditional homes from the 2000s and '70s ranch-style homes
Newer homes here, built between the early 2000s and the present day, are often New Traditional or Craftsman-style bungalows. Older homes are often 1970s ranch-style homes or farmhouses, typically selling between $200,000 and $400,000. Newer, larger homes are set on the higher end of the price range between $350,000 and $400,000, often having three or four-bedrooms. Older, smaller homes typically sell between $150,000 and $250,000.
Military career readiness at Jones Senior High
Students here might start out at Maysville Elementary, which earns an overall B-minus from Niche, then continue to Jones Senior High School for 6th to 12th grade. Jones Senior earns a B, offering students the chance to explore paid summer work opportunities supporting military aircraft maintenance at Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE).
Cooling off at William H. Frost Park and fishing in the Croatan
William H. Frost Park serves as Maysville’s main gathering spot, home to a splash pad, outdoor fitness center, basketball courts and a Little Library for book exchanges. In the summer, the community comes together at Frost Park for events like movie nights, fireworks on Fourth of July and food trucks. The 160,000-acre Croatan National Forest, which borders Maysville on the east, offers miles of hiking trails, camping areas and fishing spots from the 921-acre Catfish Lake.
Main Street dining and downtown New Bern
The few shopping and dining options here are set along Main Street (Route 17), where Piggly Wiggly and Dollar General anchor local grocery needs. Along the same route, the extensive menu at Farmer's Kitchen includes everything from fried chicken and burgers to ice cream sundaes. For more options, New Bern's Historic District features specialty shops like The Next Chapter Books and Art and well-known dining spots such as Persimmons Waterfront Restaurant, Cypress Hall and Morgan’s Tavern and Grill.
Transportation via U.S. Route 17 and regional airports
U.S. Route 17 runs through Maysville, connecting the town to New Bern, Jacksonville and the coast. CarolinaEast Medical Center in New Bern is the nearest major hospital, located about 23 miles away. Coastal Carolina Regional Airport offers flights to Charlotte and Orlando. Albert J. Ellis Airport, near Jacksonville, provides additional air travel options. Most residents rely on personal vehicles, with typical commutes under half an hour.
