Neuse Forest sits on the banks of the Neuse River, northwest of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. Boats sail by from port to port along the water, while the community itself branches off a quiet side road from Highway 70. The Croatan National Forest is nearby, providing both a natural backdrop and a local campground. “Neuse Forest encompasses several subdivisions which are dramatically different. There are areas with new constructions, and areas where homes were built in the 1970s," says Chad Howery, a resident and Realtor with Keller Williams who has been selling homes for a decade. “If you don’t live in the area, you probably don’t have much of an idea of where Neuse Forest is.” Residents are about seven miles from the air station, a major local employer, and the neighborhood sits close to the flight path of planes coming and going—though how much of that you hear depends on the exact location of the home. Though Neuse Forest sits on the outskirts of New Bern, Highway 70 makes it easy to reach the city while enjoying the quieter pace of their riverside community.
Neighborhood lakes in Neuse Forest contribute to the area’s natural setting and visual appeal.
BikeMS events near Neuse Forest include memorial tributes honoring national events and causes.
Footloose on the Neuse is a concert series offering live entertainment.
The Cherry Branch Minnesott Beach Ferry provides regional access across the Neuse River near Neuse Forest.
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Homes on Carolina Pines Boulevard
Brick ranch-style homes with classic shingle roofs line Carolina Pines Boulevard, most dating from the 1970s and set on unfenced, multi-acre lots. Small creeks weaving from the Neuse River wind through the neighborhood, often flowing right into residents’ yards. The median sale price stands at $300,000, while homes directly on the river command between $422,000 and $820,000, and multi-story New Traditional or custom-built Midcentury ranch-style homes reaching over $900,000.
Duplex communities in Neuse Forest provide additional housing options within the neighborhood.
Duplex homes in Neuse Forest often include two car garages for parking and storage.
Custom homes in Neuse Forest offer views of the Neuse River and surrounding natural scenery.
Split level homes in Neuse Forest contribute to the area’s varied residential architecture.
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Arthur W. Edwards and Tucker Creek schools
Local kids here can start school at Arthur W. Edwards Elementary, which earns an overall B from Niche, then continue to the A-minus rated Tucker Creek Middle School. Havelock High earns a B, offering extracurriculars like Key Club, History Club, Philosophy and Astronomy Club.
Havelock High School has a total enrollment of 1,017 students.
Tucker Creek Middle School has a Math Proficiency of 61%.
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Adventures in Croatan National Forest
Campers pitch tents within the community at Flanners Beach Campground, where a straightforward setup and easy river access make outdoor getaways effortless. The camp is set on Neuse River Recreation Area, where visitors roam the sandy shoreline, hike a three-mile trail through the pine forest or launch kayaks and cast fishing lines into the Neuse. Golfers who head north on Highway 70 quickly reach Carolina Colours Golf Club, an 18-hole course that ranks among the area’s most popular for its challenging layout and scenic fairways.
Proximity to a national forest provides direct access to outdoor recreation and natural landscapes.
Local parks and open spaces near Neuse Forest support youth sports and outdoor recreation.
Open green spaces near Neuse Forest support casual recreation such as disc sports.
Wildlife such as dragonflies is commonly found along the Neuse River near Neuse Forest.
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Access to New Bern’s Historic District
Residents will have to head about 8 miles up the road to Harris Teeter for grocery shopping and essentials, but those seeking a livelier scene head about 12 miles away to New Bern’s Historic District. Here, locals browse boutiques and settle into pubs, cafes and diners serving everything from classic Southern comfort food to contemporary fare. Diners can find a retro atmosphere, inventive cocktails and specialties like brisket burgers at Cypress Hall. Those wanting a riverside meal choose Persimmons Waterfront Restaurant, where lunch on the deck comes with sweeping views of the Neuse.
MJ’s Raw Bar and Grill in nearby New Bern serves seafood and casual dining options.
The DoubleTree hotel in downtown New Bern features waterfront views and lodging accommodations.
The New Bern Farmers Market offers fresh poultry, pork, and beef near Neuse Forest.
The Chelsea in New Bern offers dining and bar service near Neuse Forest.
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Coastal Carolina Regional Airport features a displayed Marine aircraft as a local landmark.
Connections via Highway 70 and Coastal Carolina Regional Airport
U.S. Highway 70 runs just south of the community, providing a direct route west to New Bern—about 13 miles away—and east toward Havelock, Morehead City, and the Crystal Coast. This highway is a primary east–west corridor in North Carolina, connecting residents to larger cities and coastal destinations. Atlantic Beach and Morehead City are both approximately 25 miles to the south. Healthcare needs are met by CarolinaEast Medical Center, located about 14 miles away in New Bern. For air travel, Coastal Carolina Regional Airport is about 10 miles from Neuse Forest via Highway 70. This small commercial airport offers regular flights to Charlotte, North Carolina; Hartford, Connecticut; and Orlando, Florida, making regional and national connections accessible. Public transportation is available through the Craven Area Rural Transit System (CARTS).
Written By
Braxton Chea
Photography Contributed By
Scott Davis
Video By
EB Fox
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