Black bears and the Roanoke River draw people to Plymouth
Located in northeast North Carolina, Plymouth has long been known for its Civil War history and manufacturing, but today, its growing ecotourism industry is attracting new residents. The Roanoke River is accessible from downtown, and the region is known for having some of the biggest black bears in the world. “I love Plymouth — it’s a cute little place with a historic downtown,” says Jennifer Brinson, a broker with The Brokerage Real Estate Advisors who’s sold homes here for eight years. The downtown has half a mile of riverfront where fishing and boating are popular. It’s also the site of the National Black Bear Festival, and bears are so ingrained in the town’s identity that it sometimes refers to itself as Plymouth, Bearolina. While bears are a common sight in the decorations and businesses here, they’re rarely spotted in residential areas. “They roam mostly in rural areas,” Brinson says. “Just be careful not to leave trash or food out. I've had to stop a couple of times to let bears cross the road, but that’s about it.”
Fishing opportunities, museums and natural areas
The Roanoke River passes through Plymouth’s downtown before emptying into the Albemarle Sound. “A lot of people come here to go fishing,” Brinson says. “You can actually fish downtown. There’s a nice covered deck at the Port o’ Plymouth Museum.” The museum preserves local history and has special exhibits documenting the town’s role in the Civil War; most notable is a replica of the CSS Albemarle, an ironclad ship. There’s a public boat ramp in town, and anglers can fish off the pier at the Roanoke River Lighthouse and Maritime Museum. Kids can burn off some energy on the playground at A. Lloyd Owens Sr. Memorial Park. The Plymouth Country Club is a public nine-hole golf course with memberships available. Nearby natural areas like Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge are known for seeing bears and other wildlife. The Atlantic Ocean beaches of the Outer Banks are 70-mile drive away.
A range of homes for various lifestyles
Plymouth offers a variety of in-town living, suburban neighborhoods and peaceful country retreats. Along the town’s grid of streets, turn-of-the-century styles like Craftsman and Colonial Revival sit next to minimal traditional and Cape Cod homes. Many have driveways, and street parking is also available. Suburban neighborhoods on the town’s outskirts feature ranch-style and split-level homes with spacious lawns shaded by mature trees. Flat farmland and dense wooded areas separate the mostly ranch-style and manufactured homes in the countryside; some of these properties sit on multiple acres. “The houses are more affordable here, and what you get for the money is amazing,” Brinson says. Prices here typically range from around $70,000 to $390,000. Low-rise rental apartment complexes are along U.S. Route 64.
Some properties are in a floodplain where residents might have to buy flood insurance. Homeowners should check flood maps to assess their risk. Like most of eastern North Carolina, Plymouth is at risk of hurricanes, which can cause flooding and wind damage.
Bear-themed businesses and locally owned eateries
Bears feature prominently in the store names in Plymouth’s walkable downtown on Water Street. The Bearolina Welcome Center, topped with sculptures of a bear and its cubs, provides maps for nearby wildlife areas and is also home to the Bird & Bear Shoppery gift shop. The Plymouth Bear Towne Market hosts community events like the First Fridays Music Series and community yard sales. There are also locally owned restaurants here, like Riverview Café, which has an artisan market and a café that serves breakfast and specialty grilled cheese sandwiches. The Garden Spot Café serves Southern cuisine and has a seasonal oyster bar upstairs. Fast food restaurants and national retailers are along Route 64. Grocery stores here include Piggly Wiggly and Food Lion.
The National Black Bear Festival celebrates bears and the river
Thousands come to downtown Plymouth each year on the first weekend in June for the National Black Bear Festival. The event includes bear-themed rides, educational presentations by biologists and photographers, and bear tours. The river also figures prominently in the festival; attendees can take rides on a paddleboat, pontoon boats or jet boats.
Local public schools share a campus
Washington County Elementary, Middle and High share the same campus, which was opened in 2025 and has amenities like two gymnasiums, computer labs and a choir classroom. The elementary school has not yet been rated by Niche, the middle school earns a C-minus, and the high school earns a C. High schoolers can take career and technical education courses in topics like Adobe design, welding and computer engineering.
Route 64 leads to nearby cities
U.S. Route 64 leads about 49 miles to Greenville and Pitt-Greenville Airport, which is the closest airport with commercial flights. Plymouth Municipal Airport is south of town. Washington Regional Medical Center is on Route 64. Sidewalks in town make it pedestrian friendly. Houses of worship here include First Baptist Church and Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church.
Written By
Annie Franklin
