Red Springs has a small-town feel close to larger communities
Red Springs, 18 miles northwest of Lumberton, is a quiet Robeson County town of about 3,000 offering ranch-style homes below the U.S. national median price. “Red Springs is a real small town,” says Marty Lanier, a real estate broker with Rock Creek Land Company and over 16 years of experience. A handful of parks and businesses are here, but amenities are limited. “It’s not like they have a Walmart or anything, but there’s small-town stuff,” Lanier says. North Carolina Highway 211 grants easy access to surrounding communities. “I think some people are buying because Fayetteville and Fort Bragg are close by,” Lanier says. “Most people have been there all their lives; there's a lot of family.”
Ranch-style homes priced below the national median
Single-family homes in Red Springs are generally late 20th-century ranch-style, but there are a handful of mid-to-early 20th-century cottages. Most homes are set close together along narrow, residential streets, but a few homes on the outskirts have acreage, allowing for more privacy. “This is not a place where people are building residential developments,” Lanier says. Typical features include covered porches and attached carports; lawns are dotted with mature trees, giving suburban streets a bit of rural character. Single-family homes range from about $50,000 to $350,000, depending on a home’s size and features. The median home sale price in Red Springs is $270,000, compared to the national median of about $420,000.
Students attend Robeson County schools
Red Springs is part of the Public Schools of Robeson County, which serves over 21,000 students and receives a C-plus overall from Niche. Kids may start at Peterson Elementary before moving to Red Springs Middle, both rated C-minus. At the C-plus-rated Red Springs High, teens can prepare for their careers in academic programs tailored to health occupations and consumer sciences. Kids in kindergarten through Grade 12 may also attend the private Highlander Academy, not yet rated by Niche.
Pocket parks and wildlife throughout Red Springs
There are a handful of pocket-sized parks throughout the community. Town celebrations are often held at Chavis & Locklear Park, which offers picnic tables and playing fields. Willie J. Goodyear Memorial Park is the go-to for a playground trip, morning jog or pick-up soccer game, while Tom Cope Park features baseball fields. There are also tennis courts in town, and Red Springs Fitness is the spot to get a workout in. Anglers can cast lines for largemouth bass in the Little Raft Swamp, a stream running through town. Birders may spot rock pigeons, cedar waxwings and blue-winged teals.
Mexican staples, quick bites and ice cream
Most businesses are set along Highway 211. “There’s an old downtown with a little commercial district,” Lanier says. “There’s a grocery store, a car lot and a Kentucky Fried Chicken — things like that.” Food Lion and Piggly Wiggly have everyday groceries, while Tienda Mexicana El Paso has Mexican baked goods and imported treats, including Mexican sweet bread and horchata. For a quick bite, there are a handful of fast-food chains and locally owned restaurants, like Munchie Mike’s for cheesesteaks, burgers and hot dogs. Taqueria El Rey is the spot for authentic Mexican tacos and tamales, while Taqueria Leon has a larger menu with specialties like chimichangas and flan. After dinner, Dairy Ranch is an old-school ice cream parlor with butterscotch sundaes, banana splits and milkshakes.
Holidays and the Red Springs Street Festival
Red Springs celebrates most holidays with town get-togethers. The Juneteenth Celebration includes dancing and live music. In July, dozens of vendors and artisans sell their wares at the Red Springs Street Festival downtown and the community celebrates with live music, games and plenty of fried food. The Christmas Parade at the end of the year features a visit from Santa Claus.
North Carolina Highway 211 leads to nearby towns
Highway 211 passes through Red Springs, granting easy access to Lumberton, 18 miles away, Fayetteville, 27 miles away, and Fort Bragg, 32 miles away. Residents generally drive to get around town, but downtown streets are sidewalk-lined and bike-friendly. UNC Health Southeastern is 17 miles away, and Fayetteville Regional Airport is 24 miles away.
