Located about 60 miles east of Raleigh, Rocky Mount is a growing city in a prime location in both Nash and Edgecombe counties. “We’re at a crossroads between Interstates 87 and 95—a gateway to the North, East, South and West,” says David Farris, President of Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce and resident of almost 50 years. With seven walkable historic districts and a handful of multi-acre parks, the city offers many spaces to explore. Folks can shop or dine in downtown’s century-old brick buildings near the city’s southeastern pocket or cast a reel in the windy Tar River, which cuts through the city. Major area employers include Pfizer and Cummins manufacturing, and people are moving here for comparably affordable housing. “A lot of my friends are moving back here now that they’re having kids and have family here,” says P.J. Roberson, a Realtor with Foote Real Estate LLC who was raised in Rocky Mount. “I have friends who aren’t from Rocky Mount but moved here for a job or another reason, and they love it just as much.”
Sunset Park features a challenging skate park for Rocky Mount residents' enjoyment.
Pfizer is a major employer in the Rocky Mount area.
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Stable home prices and a mix of styles
In the city’s southern corner, early to mid-20th-century bungalows and ranch-style homes sit on grid streets in subdivisions. Along Rocky Mount’s western border are pine-tree-covered communities with late 20th-century Dutch Colonial and two-story New Traditional homes on large grassy lots. Larger brick Greek Revival mansions are found in affluent neighborhoods like Candlewood and Westridge.
According to Farris, Rocky Mount’s population is growing largely because of its affordability compared to cities like Raleigh, where housing is more expensive. The median price for a single-family home in Rocky Mount is around $325,000, compared to $470,000 in Raleigh. “People can live here and enjoy the amenities of bigger cities for a fraction of the price,” Farris says. With an influx of residents, new housing developments are popping up, including Five Point Crossing, a new affordable housing community downtown that opened in March 2024.
Smaller ranch homes are prevalent in Rocky Mount.
Homes in Rocky Mount come in a wide range of architectural styles.
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Green, open space and access to Tar River
Residents have access to several open-space parks dotted around the city’s southeastern boundary. The popular 25-acre Sunset Park includes athletic fields for youth sports, boat ramp access to Tar River and an amusement center with a train-themed sprayground. Through two local and federal grants, the city plans to renovate the park’s amenities and build a multi-use trail by mid-2025. Nearby City Lake Park offers a half-mile concrete path for joggers and plenty of tall hardwoods around its scenic lake; Rocky Mount’s 7-mile Greenway System weaves through the area towards Battle Park and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park. “People use it to run, ride their bikes or walk their dogs,” Roberson says.
Sunset Park includes athletic fields for youth sports, and boat ramp access to Tar River.
Rocky Mount's Greenway winds its way through Battle Park.
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Rocky Mount's expanding downtown
Downtown’s Main Street showcases two train tracks that connect to the 19th-century old Helen P. Gay station, where passengers can catch Amtrak trains traveling all along the eastern seaboard. Residents can stroll along the street’s wide, brick sidewalks to visit locally owned businesses and specialty eateries. “Over the last five years, there have been a lot of changes like renovated apartments and small shops popping up,” Roberson says. By 2025, city officials will restructure the area’s empty buildings into more retail and living spaces through the New South Ventures Development plan.
A few blocks north of Main, the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences features an active community theatre with regular performances throughout the year, and sports fans can watch regional basketball and volleyball tournaments at the nearby Rocky Mount Event Center. For weekend fun, folks head a mile north toward Tar River for drinks and live music at Rocky Mount Mills venue.
Every fall, the city’s largest event, the Chamber Oyster Roast, draws hundreds for seafood and live music on an outdoor stage downtown; visitors sit and enjoy catered seafood in tents along the pavilion and rock out to Motown hits by the outdoor stage. The chamber of commerce also hosts the Eastern Carolina BBQ Throw Down on the Helen P. Gay station’s front lawn every October, where pitmasters all over the U.S. compete for cash prizes.
Rocky Mount residents enjoy dinner, drinks live music and more at the Rocky Mount Mills venue.
The 19th-century Helen P. Gay Rocky Mount Historic Train Station is a centerpiece of Downtown Rocky Mount..
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Nash County Public Schools' dual-language immersion
Rocky Mount is served by Nash County Public Schools, rated a B-minus by Niche. Starting in late 2024, students living on the Edgecombe County side of the city will transition to the Edgecombe County Public Schools system, which scores an overall C grade. Nash County offers several additional literacy and language initiatives like their Dual Language/Spanish Immersion program, where students are taught by bilingual teachers from kindergarten to middle school. At Rocky Mount High, one of six high schools in the city, students can learn and train for future jobs in family and consumer science or engineering programs. The city also houses North Carolina Wesleyan University.
Rocky Mount is home to the North Carolina Wesleyan University.
According to Niche.Com, Williford Elementary School has a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1.
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Rocky Mount Police Department community programs and Tar River water quality
Violent crime in Rocky Mount fluctuated throughout 2023, but property crime was consistently above state and national averages. Farris says the Rocky Mount Police Department has held roundtable discussions with community members to spread awareness and better understand problems the community faces. The department also offers a Law Enforcement Explorers program for teenagers and young adults interested in a career in the police force.
In 2024, there were several sewer spills into the Tar River and connecting bodies of water, with around 3 million gallons spilled over a two-week period. The Sound Rivers is a non-profit informing Rocky Mount residents about how this problem could possibly affect their water quality.
Commuting to Pfizer and other nearby employers
Raleigh is about 60 miles west of Rocky Mount, and Greenville is 43 miles southeast via U.S. Route 64. Monday through Saturday, Tar River Transit buses make stops through every part of the city, and Pfizer employees have access to night shuttle buses. By 2025, the city hopes to introduce more van shuttle services for families and individuals who need assistance running errands in the city. For now, Rocky Mount is a car-dependent community, and usually, getting from one side of town to the other takes about 10 minutes. Nash General Hospital is about 5 miles from downtown. Rocky Mount-Wilson Regional Airport is 8 miles south of the city, and for more travel options, Raleigh-Durham International Airport is 70 miles west.
Written By
Joyelle Ronan
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Kris Bates
Video By
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On average, homes in Rocky Mount, NC sell after 87 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Rocky Mount, NC over the last 12 months is $349,500, down 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming Brick Ranch on a corner half-acre lot! Move-in ready, classic 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom brick ranch perfectly situated on a spacious 0.5-acre corner lot. The home features an incredible amount of living space, including a huge great room, a formal dining area, and a den with built-in bookcases. The kitchen boasts ample cabinets, and the show-stopping 4-season sunroom provides a year-round,
Well-maintained, one-owner home offering timeless appeal and a layout that truly works. True hardwood floors and granite countertops set the tone, complemented by a true laundry room, pantry, built-in shelving in the den, and a dining room with a feature wall. The kitchen offers both eat-in space and island seating—easy for everyday living and effortless for entertaining.The primary suite is
Spacious and well-located home offering 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, featuring a formal dining room and a large great room with a cozy fireplace—perfect for gatherings and everyday living. Enjoy additional living space in the bright sunroom overlooking the fenced rear yard. The property includes a detached double carport with storage, a concrete driveway, and ample parking. Conveniently located near
Patio Living with Room to Breathe! Why compromise between low-maintenance living and space to spread out? At 232 Braylock Drive, you get both. Built in 2018, this 2 bedroom, 2 bath patio home offers a smart 1,295 sq ft layout that feels efficient yet open — perfect for right-sizing your lifestyle. Inside, every detail is already done:Luxury vinyl plank & ceramic tile floorsSolid surface
**Seller offering to pay $5,000 towards buyers closing costs with an acceptable offer.**This spacious brick two-story home is located in a well-established neighborhood. This inviting property features three generously sized bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, offering comfort and functionality for everyday living. The home boasts two separate living rooms, perfect for both relaxed gatherings
Nicely renovated brick ranch home with 3 bedrooms and 1 bath. It features a new roof, windows, and an updated kitchen/dining area with new appliances. New carpet, luxury vinyl flooring, and fresh paint enhance the home.
New 5-Bedroom Home in Belmont Lake Preserve - Move-In Ready!This beautifully designed 2024 home offers over 2,500 sq ft of stylish living space, featuring 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and an open-concept layout filled with natural light. The main level includes a guest suite or home office, spacious living and dining areas, and a chef's kitchen with stainless-steel appliances, soft-close
Step into easy one-level living in this 2023 carriage-style home with rear-entry garage and alley access. Spanning 2,067 sq ft, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath beauty blends open living with thoughtful design. The heart of the home is a huge kitchen with QUARTZ counters, prep space, and seamless flow into the breakfast nook and great room. Entertain in style with a formal dining room enhanced by a QUARTZ
Welcome home! This classic Colonial has all the space and flexibility you've been looking for. Step inside to discover oversized common areas with beautifully refinished hardwood floors, including a flex room/office and a formal dining room (currently styled as an additional living space).Continue through the updated kitchen into a large family room featuring a cozy fireplace, built-in
Welcome to 625 Powell Street - the perfect blend of classic charm and modern updates! What's better than a traditional brick ranch? One that's been thoughtfully updated in the past few years! This well-maintained home features original hardwood floors that add warmth and character, while large windows flood the space with beautiful natural light. In 2023, major upgrades were completed including a
Discover the potential of this charming brick ranch home, nestled in a welcoming, established neighborhood. Step into the foyer and be greeted by the inviting sunken living room, complete with a warm fireplace, which transitions beautifully to the expansive formal dining room that flows into the kitchen. The spacious den, featuring its own fireplace, built-ins, and wet bar, is perfect for
Across from Rocky Mount Mills and just steps to the city's greenway, parks, and Farmers Market, this brick home (2005) offers 3,456 sq ft of thoughtful living in coveted River Falls. The first floor showcases formal dining, living room with gas fireplace (flip-switch start), office, powder room, and a primary suite with two closets. A Christmas light switch, heavy trim/moldings, vaulted & trey
What a value! Seize the opportunity to build your dream home on lot 52, 135 Montrose, in the coveted Belmont Lake Preserve community. This .33 acre lot is in a prime location (side & back have unbuildable buffer areas) offering the perfect canvas for your vision. Surrounded by the stunning landscapes and amenities of Belmont Lake Preserve, enjoy the 80-acre lake, 18-hole championship golf course,
Come see this charming 2 bed 2 bath home in Westry Crossing! It features a fenced in back yard with 20x20 shop with A/C, There is an Inground pool with retractable cover, and a attached carport There is LVP flooring throughout the home. A gas fireplace for those cool evenings. Updated kitchen appliances. Freshly painted interior. Conveniently located to major highways, shopping and dining
This beautiful 4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home is tucked away in a quiet cul-de-sac and offers both style and functionality. A dedicated space with elegant glass-paned double doors downstairs provides the perfect office or formal dining room, thoughtfully separated from the home's main living areas. Storage is abundant throughout, featuring multiple walk-in closets, a spacious walk-in pantry, and
Updated 3 Bedroom, 1 Bath home located in the Heart of Rocky Mount. Spacious rooms and open layout. Covered back porch. Conveniently located to shopping, restaurants, etc. $1200/month with a $1200 security deposit. $75 application fee. Call today to set up your tour!
Come and see our scenic 2 and 3 bedroom apartment community located in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. We are located minutes from Walmart, Golden East Crossing Mall, and US 64. Our beautiful apartments features wood laminate flooring, cozy kitchen space with tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances, central heating and air conditioning, washer and dryer connections, and very generous floor
Now Available - Fully Renovated 3BR/2BA Home | $1,600/month | 12-Month Lease This beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home is available for a 12-month lease at $1,600 per month with a $1,600 security deposit. Updates include new flooring, updated kitchen and baths, modern lighting, and fresh paint throughout. Applicant Requirements: Minimum 620 credit score (650+ preferred) Verifiable monthly
READY TO MOVE IN 1 bedroom 1 bath on 1st floor. NEW Luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout entire apartment. Washer and dryer hook-ups in apartment, new refrigerator and new dishwasher. Electric stove provided. Large walk in closet, private patio. Applicant's monthly income must be $2,700.00 or higher and credit score of 600 or higher. No pets allowed
This beautifully renovated one-story home is now available for rent, offering a perfect blend of charm and modern convenience. Situated on a spacious corner lot, the property features a pristine white-painted brick exterior and a bright, all-white interior that creates an inviting and contemporary atmosphere. The remodeled bathroom features modern fixtures and stylish finishes, enhancing the
Come home to Tau Valley, where neighborhood living meets city convenience. Ideally located off Winstead Avenue, Tau Valley is steps away from a wide variety of dining, shopping and entertainment. You'll enjoy being only minutes from Nash General Hospital and the I95 and US64 corridors and only a hop, skip and jump from Raleigh and the prominent Research Triangle Park area.
Apartment with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. Located on the 2nd level, living area has NEW luxury wood vinyl plank flooring; carpet in bedrooms. Washer and dryer hook-ups in laundry area, private and secure (fenced) outdoor back patio area. Applicant's monthly income must be $2,850.00 or higher and have qualifying credit score. No pets allowed
Living at Rocky Mount Mills offer a blend of historic and urban living. Enjoy our beautifully landscaped and maintained campus complete with panoramic views of the Tar River. Well-appointed living spaces and soaring ceilings and windows make the lofts an ideal place to enjoy every day.At Rocky Mount Mills, you gain more than just a luxury living space – you gain a community. Our
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