Riverfront North Carolina city with culture and strong economic growth
Situated at the confluence of the Neuse and Trent Rivers, New Bern is known for its history and natural beauty, particularly for those who love life on the water. “I’d describe it as the perfect, small waterfront town,” says Colleen Roberts, the city’s public information officer. Founded in 1710 by Swiss and Palatine Germans, the city is the former capital of and second-oldest colonial town in North Carolina. The colonists named the settlement after the Swiss city of Bern, which derived from an old German word for bears, which have become an emblem of the community and even adorn city hall. Historically a center of culture and commerce, the city earned the nickname “the Athens of the South” and is beginning to experience another economic boom. “For generations, New Bern was considered a sleepy retirement town,” says Roberts. “But since revitalization started in the 1980s and ‘90s, more young professionals and families moved here. Those demographics have certainly invited business investment.” Whether it’s by land or by water, the people of New Bern regularly indulge in local art, dining and special community events.
Five Points sits between downtown New Bern and the waterfront.
Sunsets create a scenic backdrop for New Bern’s Footloose on the Neuse concert.
1/2
The acclaimed Neuse River and local museums
The city manages 27 public parks, with Union Point Park being one of the most popular. This 6-acre green space sits at the tip of New Bern’s peninsula where the Neuse and Trent Rivers intersect, featuring a riverfront walking path and gazebo. Boating and fishing are popular activities, with residents docking their vessels at the New Bern Grand Marina or launching them from Lawson Creek Park’s boat ramp. Drake Bratton, broker-in-charge at Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage and lifelong New Bern resident, highlights the Neuse River for its brackish water, which enables anglers to both freshwater and saltwater fish. Bratton further notes that nonprofit American Rivers named the estuary “2022 River of the Year” for the city’s restoration efforts.
Tryon Palace is a reconstruction of the Georgian-style historic residence of North Carolina’s governor. Open for tours, the mansion has become one of the city’s most popular attractions and includes 16 acres of manicured gardens. The Birthplace of Pepsi Cola is a few blocks away, a museum located on site of where pharmacist Caleb Bradham invented the fizzy beverage.
Lawson Creek Park near New Bern offers boat ramps and water access.
The Neuse River borders the New Bern Historic District.
1/2
Homes downtown and near the Neuse River
With more people moving to the area, New Bern’s housing market has become more competitive. The median home price hovers around $320,000. Neighborhoods like Ghent and the New Bern Historic District offer a mixture of newly renovated early 20th- century homes such as American Craftsman bungalows, American Foursquares and Victorians, with prices reaching $1 million. Fairfield Harbour is a gated community on the other side of the Neuse River with marinas and social clubs. Farther south, neighborhoods like Neuse Forest afford more privacy, enclosed within the greenery of Croatan National Forest. These suburbs offer ranch-style and New Traditional builds priced between $200,000 and $500,000. To combat low housing inventory, the city is continuing to build new developments such as Bluewater Rise.
Landscaped yards are common in the New Bern neighborhood.
New Bern features a mix of home styles and designs.
1/2
Shopping and eating locally the New Bern Historic District
The New Bern Historic District has a thriving shopping and dining scene, with pubs, cafes and diners serving various styles of food from Southern comfort dishes to Indian and Italian. “We have been told that we are now a culinary destination,” Roberts says. Additionally, the neighborhood is home to boutiques, antique shops, bookstores and other local businesses. Strip malls and shopping plazas are west down U.S. Route 17 Business, locally known as Dr. M.L.K. Jr. Boulevard. The New Bern Mall is one such destination, anchored by Belk and T.J. Maxx.
Crema Brew is a popular coffee spot in New Bern.
SL Revival Store is a notable shop in New Bern.
1/2
Chrysanthemums and concerts at MumFest
MumFest is arguably New Bern’s premier celebration, taking place downtown over a weekend in the middle of October when the chrysanthemums bloom. Beyond offering a fleet of vendors and carnival rides, MumFest features special programming such as an auto show, 5K run and concerts. Concertgoers bring lawn chairs and blankets to Union Point Park to listen to local bands play on Friday nights as part of the Footloose on the Neuse summer concert series.
Blackbeards in New Bern hosts live music for New Bern locals.
Footloose on the Neuse brings live music to New Bern.
1/2
Craven County Schools
New Bern is in the Craven County Schools district, which earns an overall B-plus from Niche. Out of 26 district schools, B-rated New Bern High is the largest, with over 1,500 students. The New Bern Bears football team has won several state championships since 2007. The Epiphany School of Global Studies is a private, kindergarten through 12th grade institution. The A-minus-rated school has a student-teacher ratio of 7:1 and offers a curriculum with faith-based elements. Craven County Community College sits on the edge of town.
Brinson Memorial Elementary serves students in New Bern.
Grover C Fields Middle School educates local students.
1/2
Buses and bike lanes serve New Bern residents, plus a regional airport
Roberts notes residents drive, cycle and walk to get around, with bike lanes along the eastern portion of Broad Street. In 2022, the city established a Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee which meets quarterly to discuss walking and cycling improvement projects. Craven Area Rural Transit System (CARTS) buses follow fixed routes and are available by reservation.
U.S. Route 70 runs south from the New Bern Historic Center to the city’s suburbs and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. Coastal Carolina Regional Airport is across the Trent River from downtown. Presently, the facility offers commercial flights to Charlotte; Hartford, Connecticut; and Orlando, Florida. In summer 2024, the airport unveiled a new terminal.
The LeapFrog Group, a nonprofit advocating for quality healthcare, awarded the CarolinaEast Medical Center on the west side of New Bern an “A” in 2023. The hospital is one of the city’s largest employers, along with the BSH Home Appliances and Hatteras Yachts.
Crime and hurricane preparedness
In 2018, Hurricane Florence struck New Bern as a Category 1 on the Saffir-Simpson scale, dumping a historic 16 inches of rainfall on the town. Through the “Know Your Zone” website managed by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, locals can familiarize themselves with evacuation areas and instructions on hurricane preparedness, though Roberts notes that most storms only result in a day of yard cleanup. New Bern experiences four seasons with hot, humid summers and mild winters.
The New Bern Police Department reported a 38.9% decrease in rates of violent crime from 2023 to 2022. During the same period, the property crime rate increased by 3.3%. The department has launched several outreach programs such as the New Bern Noble Knights Chess Club, where youth aged six and up play chess matches with officers.
Written By
Alexander Breuhan
Photography Contributed By
Debbie Giesbrecht
Video By
Matthew Link
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Paige Ferrin,
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
On average, homes in New Bern, NC sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in New Bern, NC over the last 12 months is $333,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Move-in ready new construction in Hickory Run at River Trace! The Bailor floor plan offers 2,688 heated square feet on a spacious .41-acre homesite, combining thoughtful design with comfortable everyday living.This two-story home features 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, including a first-floor primary suite for added convenience and privacy. Every bedroom includes a walk-in closet, providing
*** Up to $10K in closing costs with preferred lender, attorney *** New construction in Hickory Run at River Trace! The Bailor floor plan offers 2726 sq ft on a .44-acre homesite with a thoughtfully designed two-story layout. This home features 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, including a first-floor primary suite. All bedrooms include walk-in closets, and upstairs you'll find a spacious loft area along
This is Adams Homes MODEL HOME in Fairfield Harbour. This is a popular floor plan featuring 4 Bedrooms and 2.5 Bathrooms. This home is on a stemwall foundation with a large covered lanai off the back of the home. We plan to build this same floorplan at 905 Terrapin Ct. and have other similar models under construction or to be built in the future.This home is not actively being sold at this
Buildable city lot located just minutes from downtown New Bern. The property includes an abandoned structure and will require cleanup and work, making it best suited for investors, builders, or buyers looking for a project. City water, city sewer, and electricity are accessible, offering strong potential for new construction. Convenient location close to shopping, dining, and downtown amenities.
Rare Opportunity with River Access & Flexible Zoning! Discover the possibilities on this 1.09-acre, cleared property consisting of three parcels, offering beautiful water frontage along Jack Smith Creek with access to the Neuse River. The property is ready to build and offers a unique opportunity for both residential and commercial uses, providing flexibility for a variety of visions and
SELLER NOW OFFERING $2,500 USE AS YOU CHOOSE CREDIT. From the moment you arrive, the impressive entryway sets the stage for a home that blends classic style with everyday comfort. Step inside to a welcoming foyer and formal dining room with decorative chair rail and crown molding plus elegant architectural columns making a perfect backdrop for holiday dinners and celebrations. This thoughtfully
Wake up to beautiful water views and enjoy a true boater's lifestyle from this beautifully updated waterfront home. With water visible from nearly every room, the setting is just as impressive as the home itself. The 58' deep-water dock features a 32' slip with a 13'4'' beam and can accommodate most sailboats, motorboats, trawlers, and more.Ideally situated just minutes from the Neuse
Corner of US Hwy 17 South & ''Extension'' ofHaywood Farms Road/ Access off Haywood Farms Road Extension, off US Hwy 17 S.ZONED C-3 Commercial District and R-15Residential, with New Bern City Water &Sewer/ 555± ft. frontage on Hwy 17
Investment opportunity, future home, or an easy-care retirement retreat--224 Rankin Court offers wonderful flexibility! This inviting 2-bedroom, 2-bath home is currently leased until December 31, 2026, making it an appealing option for an investor seeking an established rental or for a buyer planning to make it their own home after the current lease expires, subject to the terms of the
Welcome to 105 Norman Court, a thoughtfully designed 3-bedroom, 2-bath home tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac with mature trees and peaceful green space directly behind the property. In addition to the three bedrooms, the home offers a beautiful flex room enclosed by glass French doors, providing valuable extra space that can easily adapt to your lifestyle as a home office, library, playroom,
This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home blends modern updates with rich history!Built in 1946 by the current owner's father and lovingly maintained by the family ever since, it features an updated kitchen with gas range and refrigerator, stacked washer/dryer, stylish furnishings, and modern décor. Ideal as a starter home, downsizer, investment, or short-term rental.Enjoy the spacious
Judith McMillen
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services McMillen & Associates Realty
Discover the perfect place to build your dream home, tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac in the desirable River Bend community. This vacant lot offers an excellent opportunity to build the home you've always envisioned in a community known for its exceptional amenities and coastal lifestyle. A recorded survey is available, providing added convenience as you begin planning your future
A prized find offering privacy, comfort, and a refined lifestyle in a gated coastal community. This thoughtfully designed open floor plan provides the perfect balance of connection and personal space, featuring three spacious bedrooms and two full baths on the main level, plus a large bonus room with its own full bath--ideal for guests, a home office, or a flex space. Beautiful bamboo and
Prime Development Land / Commercial / Annual Average Daily Traffic on US Hwy 17 - 18,000 vehicles daily / ZONED C-3 - Commercial District and R-15 / New Bern City Water & Sewer / Outstanding Commercial & High Density / Residential Development Opportunity
There are houses that check a few boxes, and then there are houses that make you immediately purchase moving boxes. This is much more the latter, with 5 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, multiple living spaces, and a fantastic backyard. It's in a top school district, surrounding by great real estate and built by the best, local builder JC Jackson.From the street, the home makes a great first
Some homes just have a layout that makes sense and this is one of them. With 4 large bedrooms, 2 living rooms and an additional office, this home gives you room to spread out, spaces that can change with your needs, and updates you won't have to tackle after moving in. Master bedroom and 2 additional bedrooms are upstairs with the 4th bedroom downstairs, adjacent to the full
Tryon Estates offers one , two and three bedroom units, updated appliances, an onsite laundry facility, easy to clean and maintain vinyl plank flooring, allows both our cat and dog members of our families, and does so in a hard to find, quiet residential community in charming, historic New Bern North Carolina. Tenants are also welcomed to enjoy the onsite pool and gym facility.
Great 3 bedroom 2 bath home in convenient location! Nice open living room with easy access to big kitchen and breakfast area. LVP hard floors throughout! Dual sinks in master bath with large walk-in closet. Recent HVAC upgrade. Large fenced backyard. Easy access to Hwy 70, less than 6 miles from Historic downtown New Bern, less than 8 miles from the MLK Blvd with mall and shopping and less than
At Hudson at Carolina Colours, you'll find a welcoming community designed for comfort, connection, and everyday ease. Nestled within New Bern's celebrated Carolina Colours neighborhood, our brand-new upscale apartment homes blend Southern charm with modern convenience.Whether you're relocating for work, seeking a peaceful coastal lifestyle, simplifying your next chapter, or looking for a home
3 bedroom 2 bath home on a cul-de-sac with a semi private back yard. This home has a single car garage and a detached shed. Enjoy the back deck on Summer evenings. This property is located about 10 mins from New Bern & Havelock.
Welcome to Neuse Landing, a brand-new apartment community coming to New Bern. Designed with comfort and connection in mind, Neuse Landing offers modern living in a welcoming, thoughtfully planned environment. Be among the first to call our one, two, and three bedroom apartment homes yours—featuring open layouts, updated kitchens, spacious living areas, and private patios or balconies that make it
Welcome home to Colony Village Apartments in New Bern, North Carolina! Our community offers an outstanding selection of townhomes and garden-style apartments with premium upgrades in selected units and a fantastic amenities package at affordable prices! Residents are invited to choose from one, two and three bedroom garden-style apartments or townhomes. We are confident that we have a unique
Whether you are seeking your first or next residence, a temporary home, or are in the process of building your dream home, Bearfoot Landing offers an exceptional living experience. We provide affordable modern living spaces in a charming environment with a cozy, den-like feel.At Bearfoot Landing, we are not merely competing with other housing options in the area; we are creating a unique
Welcome to Copperfield Apartments in beautiful New Bern, where community and comfort come together. Nestled in a serene, picturesque setting, our vibrant community offers residents a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like home. With thoughtfully designed living spaces, modern amenities, and a host of community events, Copperfield Apartments is more than just a place to live—it's a place to
Live Luxury Life in New Bern is about effortless living with plenty of activities to enjoy with family and friends. A style that feels like home but looks sophisticated and chic. Extreme attention to detail is apparent in each apartment design. From our elevator access buildings, smart locks and thermostats, modern kitchens featuring stainless steel appliances and designer backsplashes
Feel right at home in the lushly landscaped community at Woodland Crossing Apartment Homes. While modern amenities and cozy additions abound, you'll also love the coveted location in a quaint neighborhood just minutes from historic downtown New Bern and a short drive to Union Point Park. Woodland Crossing keeps you close and connected to the shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and major
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.
