The Village of Pinehurst’s story begins in 1895, when James Walker Tufts, a Boston philanthropist, sold his soda fountain company to build a health retreat in North Carolina’s Sandhills region. He thought the area’s dry climate and the faint yet pervasive smell of the native longleaf pines could cure breathing problems caused by the North’s harsher conditions. Today, Pinehurst is the premier destination in Moore County’s golf country; tourism, recreation and hospitality are primary industries. In 2024, the United States Golf Association moved its headquarters from New Jersey to the south side of town. Bridget Dineen-Carlson, a former Pinehurst resident, says life here revolves around golf, but the town is becoming multifaceted. Keller Williams Realtor Kelly Ward, who has several years of experience working with clients in the area, agrees. “It used to be predominantly retirees, looking to live on the golf courses, but now it’s a melting pot,” she adds, ascribing the change partly to the village’s proximity to Fort Bragg and partly to FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital, both big regional employers. Ward: “We’ve gone from having very few families with kids growing up here to having a lot of kids here—because of the military community. And the nice, new hospital has brought in lots of doctors and residents with young families, so the town has certainly seen tons of growth in terms of shopping, restaurants, schools and things to do in the past 10 years.”
Golf fairways weave through towering pines on a championship course in Pinehurst.
Groups of golfers navigate lush greens and sand traps at Pinehurst’s Cradle course.
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Large, luxurious homes selling for above the national median
Pinehurst’s median single-family home price, at almost $550,000, is well above the national median of $406,100. In private, gated communities like the ones surrounding Pinewild Country Club and the Country Club of North Carolina, homes tend to start at nearly $800,000 and can climb to more than $2 million. “You’re not going to find a lot of homes right in Pinehurst that sell for much less than $450,000,” Ward says, noting that the average price is getting higher and higher every year. She adds that CCNC, in particular, is one of the most expensive parts of town, but homes there tend to sell quickly regardless. “But the most expensive place to live right now is Olde Towne, right down by the village center. Most of the homes there are older, and while most have been renovated, it’s a labor of love to keep up with them. They have lots of wood, so they require painting, and they’re big. They look like old Southern plantations, with columns out front, and they’re just huge.” The average number of days homes in Pinehurst stay on the market before going under contract is 50, slightly over the national average of 44.
A New Traditional home in Pinehurst boasts clean landscaping and modern curb appeal.
A manicured lawn frames this brick colonial in the heart of Pinehurst, North Carolina.
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Pinehurst Resort is known as the “Cradle of American Golf”
“If you want to move here and play golf, you could play a different course every day and not get bored,” Ward says. With almost 40 courses in a 15-mile radius of the Pinehurst/Southern Pines/Aberdeen region, this swath of Moore County is called the “Home of American Golf.” The Pinehurst Resort is among the most famous of local courses. Already a four-time host of the U.S. Open, the “Cradle of American Golf” is set to host the championship another four times between 2029 and 2047. But golfing isn’t the only outdoor recreation available here. 11% of residents live within a 10-minute walk of amenities in at least one of the village’s four public parks, from the Arboretum and ice hockey rink at Rassie Wicker Park to the walking trails and castle-themed playground at Cannon Park. James W. Pinehurst’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is held every March in the central village green, James W. Tufts Memorial Park. And over 7 miles of greenway trails are webbed through town, too, on which motorized vehicles (like golf carts) are not permitted.
Teens play basketball at Rassie Wicker Park in Pinehurst during a sunny afternoon.
A golfer tees off near the water at one of Pinehurst’s iconic championship golf courses.
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Sophisticated small-town shopping and dining on Market Square and Chinquapin Road
The commercial district in the village center stretching between Market Square and Chinquapin Road is where residents and visitors head to shop and dine. “There are no chains allowed there. Pinehurst is trying to preserve that old-world feel with the brick sidewalks, the quaint boutiques and shops, restaurants and bars. I’d compare it to an old New England town,” Ward says. She adds that her favorite eatery is Lisi Italian, one of several businesses located in the historic Theatre building. The walkable district hosts Pinehurst’s annual Barbecue Festival, a three-day summer event with food vendors, whiskey tastings and grilling classes. Grocery stores and other chains are available in the Olmsted Village shopping center about a mile northwest of downtown.
A lively crowd gathers at Drum & Quill to catch the U.S. Open in Pinehurst.
Mannequins model upscale menswear at Gentlemen’s Corner in downtown Pinehurst.
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Highly rated Moore County Public Schools and private schools
The Moore County Public Schools system, which earns a B-plus from Niche, serves Pinehurst kids with an average student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1. The village is zoned for Pinehurst Elementary and West Pine Elementary, feeder schools for West Pine Middle and Pinecrest High. Dineen-Carlson notes that the Pinecrest athletic teams, especially golf, are strong. The Pinecrest Patriot’s men’s golf team are eight-time North Carolina High School Athletic Association state champs, winning their most recent title in 2024. While open enrollment is unavailable, Sandhills Theatre Arts Renaissance School and The Academy of Moore County public charter schools are available by application to all district students. STARS is unrated, but The Academy of Moore County gets an A-plus from Niche. Private schools in the region include the B-plus-rated Sandhills Classical Christian School and the A-rated O’Neal School, which Dineen-Carlson says is one of the most prestigious in the area.
Pinecrest High School serves over 2200 students.
The O'Neal School is a private school serving around 500 students.
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Walkable, golf cartable and a quick commute to FirstHealth or Fort Bragg
“It’s a walkable area, especially if you live close to downtown,” Ward says, adding that most of the main roads have 35 mph speed limits, meaning golf carts are also a common mode of transportation. “You can easily take your golf cart from your house to the downtown area, have a bite to eat, grab drinks, walk around a bit, and then drive it home.” She also says one of the best things about Pinehurst is its location in central North Carolina. “We’re an hour from Raleigh and only 2 hours from Charlotte, so if you want big city amenities, you’re not that far away.” Both bigger cities are within about 100 miles of Pinehurst. Commuting to work at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, about 34 miles away, typically takes just 45 minutes. U.S. Routes 1 and 501, as well as North Carolina Routes 2 and 211 are all close by.
Shoppers explore boutiques lining the walkable downtown streets of Pinehurst.
Golf carts cruise beside the iconic clubhouse at Pinehurst’s Cradle course.
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Low crime rates compared to the U.S. and North Carolina
According to the FBI, violent and property crime rates were well below the national and state rates between 2020 and 2024.
Written By
Lia Jones
Photography Contributed By
Scott Davis
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Mark Gentry,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Pinehurst, NC sell after 69 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Pinehurst, NC over the last 12 months is $525,000, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this charming 4-bedroom townhome in the heart of Pinehurst! The first floor offers a spacious living area complete with a cozy wood-burning fireplace, perfect for relaxing evenings, along with a bright kitchen and dining area ideal for entertaining. Upstairs, you'll find all four bedrooms, including a primary suite with a walk-in closet and private bath. Enjoy quiet mornings or
1-0 buy down with Preferred Lender. Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom brick home with a dedicated home office in sought after Doral Woods. Drive your GOLF CART to the Pinehurst Country Club. The front yard is serene and perfect for morning coffee or bird watching. The open concept kitchen is the heart of the home, featuring white soft close cabinets, a large island,
Experience the rare privacy and natural beauty of Clarendon Gardens in this thoughtfully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home on a deep 1.02-acre wooded lot just minutes from the Village of Pinehurst. Step inside to a bright, open living area with vaulted ceilings and a wall of windows that brings the outdoors in, creating a calm, inviting atmosphere from the moment you enter. The split-bedroom floor
Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a breathtaking waterfront home in the heart of Pinehurst! This unique property seamlessly blends timeless charm with modern updates, showcasing cedar shake siding, sleek metal awnings, and expansive decks with stunning water views. The open and airy interior features soaring ceilings and an impressive entry hall, setting the stage for the extraordinary
***$5,000 Concessions to Buyer to ''Use As You Choose'' with acceptable offer*** Welcome to resort-style living in the heart of Pinehurst!This beautiful new construction 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home is perfectly situated in desirable Lamplighter Village at Pinehurst No. 6 and includes a Premier Pinehurst Country Club transferable membership—offering access to world-class amenities including golf,
***$5,000 Concessions to Buyer to "Use As You Choose" with acceptable offer*** Welcome to resort-style living in the heart of Pinehurst! This beautiful new construction 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home is perfectly situated in desirable Lamplighter Village at Pinehurst No. 6 and includes a Premier Pinehurst Country Club transferable membership—offering access to world-class amenities including golf,
This contemporary and charming home is perched high on a cul-de-sac surrounded by nature. Enjoy the privacy and beautiful views from the front porch. Walk into the beautiful foyer to an open concept layout. The unique cathedral ceilings in the main living area offer an airy and bright setting. The wall to ceiling windows offer an abundance of natural light. The main living area does not lack
Step inside this recently renovated, gorgeous townhome located near the Village Of Pinehurst, shopping and restaurants! This home offers a cozy, peaceful atmosphere. The updated kitchen includes granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a stunning backsplash and a breakfast bar. The large and airy living area features new LVP flooring, a gas fireplace and access to the private back patio.
This adorable cottage like home in the new South Pinehurst Cottages subdivision is both modern and sophisticated. This stunning home is like new and has been beautifully maintained. Conveniently located off of Blake Blvd in Pinehurst with easy access to Hwy 5 and Monticello Rd this home is situated in a Cul-de-sac. Walk into a bright and open floor plan. This one story home boasts 3 bedrooms, 2
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