Raeford is a rural city surrounded by lush, forested foothills in Hoke County, North Carolina. This hamlet is home to around 4,500 residents and is just 24 miles west of Fayetteville. With a historic downtown, sprawling parks and abundant natural scenery, Raeford is a rural escape that’s still within driving distance of big city amenities.
Raeford’s population has remained relatively stable over the last few decades, but surrounding Hoke County has become one of the fastest growing counties in North Carolina in recent years. “Probably 90% of the people moving to Hoke County are military,” says real estate broker Corinne Smith of Coldwell Banker’s Fayetteville office, who has worked in real estate in the area for more than 20 years. Many of its new residents are military workers stationed at Fort Bragg, which is one of the largest military bases in the world.
Raeford’s historic downtown
Historic downtown Raeford offers a glimpse of the past. Many of its buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including some examples of Colonial Revival and Queen Anne architecture built in the early 1900s. It’s also home to the historic Hoke County Courthouse. “It’s small and quaint. It kind of puts you back in time,” Smith says.
Residents or visitors stopping by downtown can grab a bite to eat at Main Street Grill or Stewart’s Tavern. Locals can pick up baked goods and pastries at Kayla Renee Cakes, while everyday essentials are found at Home Food Market and Raeford Hardware. Outside downtown are Family Dollar, Food Lion and Walmart. There are also more than a dozen places of worship in the city, primarily serving Christian congregants.
For everything else, residents can head over to Fayetteville, which has its own bustling downtown district and many shopping centers. Raleigh, the state capital, and the Raleigh Research Triangle are just 90 miles north.
Community parks, equestrian farms
There are several centrally located parks in Raeford, including McLaughlin Park and Robbin Heights Park, both of which offer residents green space, athletic fields and playgrounds. The Hoke County Public Library is also nearby and offers public computers. Indoor swimming and fitness equipment can be found at the James A. Leach Aquatic & Recreation Center, about 5 miles east of the city.
Equestrian enthusiasts will find plenty to appreciate about Hoke County. Horse farms like Heather Ridge Farm, the Carolina Horse Farm Foundation, StoneWall Farm and White Winds Farm Equestrian Center offer a variety of horseback riding lessons, boarding and regional show competitions. These farms are tucked away in forest scenery about 10 miles west of Raeford.
Raeford's housing median is below the national figure
The median single-family home price in Raeford is around $317,000, lower than the national median of about $420,000. Closer to downtown, homes are laid out on a traditional street grid, while those in the outskirts are on winding, country roads with lots of open space. Midcentury-style ranch homes are common throughout the city, but there’s also been a noticeable uptick in new development as well. Most of these homes have large lots dotted with mature trees and foliage that come alive in the springtime. “The housing market has always been good here because of Fort Bragg,” Smith says. “We’re seeing a lot of new builds in Hoke County and Raeford right now.”
Students attend Hoke County schools
Students in Raeford attend Hoke County Schools, which holds a B-minus rating from Niche. Students attend J.W. McLauchlin Elementary School, Upchurch Elementary School, West Hoke Middle School and Hoke County High School. Sandhoke Early College High School is an A-plus-rated, public prep school in Raeford; it’s Niche’s top-ranked public high school in the Fayetteville region.
Getting around Raeford
U.S. Route 401 traverses the city, offering an easy commute to Fayetteville. It’s about 17 miles to the nearest Interstate 95 on-ramp, a major north-south corridor that leads to Rocky Mount and the Raleigh Research Triangle. Raeford is 23 miles from Fayetteville Regional Airport, which offers nonstop flights to destinations like Charlotte, Atlanta and Dallas. The nearest hospitals are FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital and Hoke Hospital, about 6 miles east of the city.
Property crime decreasing
According to data from the FBI, Raeford's reported property and violent crime rates are generally lower than national and state figures. Property crime rates declined slightly in 2023.
Geraldine “Gerrie” Currie is an experienced Associate Real Estate Broker based in Fayetteville, NC, proudly serving her community with ERA Strother Real Estate. With a strong track record of success and a passion for helping clients navigate the home buying and selling process, Gerrie brings dedication, market expertise, and a personal touch to every transaction. Known for her commitment to excellence, she has been recognized with both the Silver Award for sales and the Loyalty and Longevity Award for her years of service. Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading, or investing, Gerrie is your trusted partner every step of the way.
Ready to make your next move? Reach out today and let Gerrie help you turn your real estate goals into reality.
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.
