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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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%.
1/2
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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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
Rachel Crowe
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Nancy Harris,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Welcome to this inviting former model home located in the highly desirable Carolina Pines community. Offering 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and an additional 550 heated and cooled square feet in the garage and laundry room, this home is thoughtfully designed for comfortable everyday living and flexible space. The open floor plan provides a seamless flow between the main living areas--perfect for both
Nestled on a private 1.2-acre wooded lot, 520 Stately Pines Road offers the perfect canvas for your dream home or next investment project. This spacious 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom ranch features a functional layout with incredible potential for those ready to add a little TLC and personal style.Whether you are a first-time homebuyer looking to build sweat equity or an investor searching for a
Beautifully updated and move-in ready, this home offers a thoughtful blend of modern finishes, flexible living spaces, and a peaceful setting with no HOA.A full home restyling completed in 2022 brings a fresh, cohesive feel throughout, including LVP flooring, updated lighting, and fresh interior paint. The living room features custom faux beams and a refinished fireplace, creating a warm and
Welcome to this spacious home on a large, beautifully landscaped corner lot in desirable Carolina Pines! This 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers plenty of room and charm with thoughtful updates throughout.Step into the large living room featuring a cozy wood-burning fireplace, open to the dining room—perfect for entertaining. The updated kitchen boasts beautiful cabinets, stainless steel
Location is everything! Fresh paint and move in ready! Close proximity to New Bern, MCAS Cherry Point and Crystal Coast Beaches! 3 Bedroom, 2 Full Baths, Bonus Room with open floor plan, formal dining area as well as eat-in kitchen. Roof replaced in 2019, HVAC replaced in 2020. Wired for generator hookup outside. Spacious lot size. Kitchen has plenty of storage and all Kitchen Aid stainless
Step up to the plate with this 4-bedroom, 2-bath lakefront winner that delivers the perfect mix of comfort, space, and outdoor living. From the moment you walk in, the open-concept layout and vaulted ceilings create a wide-open playing field, ideal for both everyday living and hosting your own home team. The primary suite offers a private retreat featuring a walk-in closet, dual vanity, soaking
Positioned on a spacious corner lot, this 2,560 sq ft former model home offers a versatile layout, thoughtful updates, and a location that makes getting where you need to go simple. With 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, and a large bonus room over the garage, the floor plan provides flexibility for all your needs.Inside, the home has been completely repainted and updated with new LVP flooring in the
House is a SHORT SALE. Come take a look at this diamond in the rough. All the bedrooms are on the main floor. The Main Bedroom is large with the ensuite of a large soaker tub and separate shower. There is a bonus room over the garage. The back patio is covered! Add that to there is pond access.
Perched high on a bluff overlooking a breathtaking three-mile expanse of the Neuse River, this exceptional property offers the perfect blend of space, style, and sweeping water views. Situated on over 1.5 acres, the setting alone makes this home a rare opportunity.The contemporary design features striking beamed and wood-planked ceilings, complemented by dramatic wall-to-ceiling windows in
Welcome to this well-maintained three-bedroom home with a versatile bonus room, located in the desirable Carolina Pines community. Offering a functional open floor plan, the main living area features a cozy fireplace and flows seamlessly into the kitchen--complete with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and ample workspace.A heated and cooled sunroom adds valuable year-round
Split level home situated on .802 acres in the desirable neighborhood of Carolina Pines. Home offers 4-beds, 2.5-baths. Enter into this home through the formal entry. Living area is directly off the entry. Make your way to the kitchen with its stainless steel appliances, ample cabinetry and counter space. Enjoy family gatherings around the table in the formal dining room. Large windows make the
Beautiful home in Carolina Pines offers three bedrooms and two bathrooms plus a finished room over the garage (FROG). Located on a cul-de-sac in New Bern, NC, the property includes a sunroom, a separate laundry room, a walk-in closet, and a two-car garage. The kitchen is equipped with a range, refrigerator, and dishwasher. No pets are allowed. This residence combines practical storage and
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.