Small-town seclusion and acreage in Robeson County
Saint Pauls, 16 miles north of Lumberton, is a Robeson County town surrounded by farmland and rolling landscapes. "A lot of military families live down in that direction," says Anna-Lisa Rowlette, a Realtor with Exp Realty and over 4 years of experience. "They go from Fayetteville to the extended areas, like Saint Pauls, because there's a little more land." The town is anchored by a modest downtown lined with grocery stores, small businesses and locally owned restaurants, but there are parks and schools here, too. "It's very peaceful and very quiet," Rowlette says. "If that's what you're looking for, it's a beautiful area to be."
Housing prices slightly lower than in Fayetteville
Saint Pauls' single-family homes are typically ranch-style or farmhouse-inspired, built from the late 20th century to today. "The homes are either older or brand-new," Rowlette says. Older subdivisions feature mid-sized homes with uncovered driveways, occasional porches and minimal stylings, while 21st-century developments offer larger homes with attached garages and new traditional touches, like cobblestone accents. Properties on the town's outskirts often sit on acreage, allowing for additions like barns, workshops and detached garages. "A lot of people who live out that way want a little bit of land," Rowlette says. "They want to have livestock, grow gardens and be away from city life — enjoy the quiet."
Home prices range from about $50,000 to $500,000, depending on size and features. The median home price in Saint Pauls is roughly $240,000, compared to Fayetteville's median of $250,000. "It's going to be a little cheaper in Saint Pauls," Rowlette says.
Public schools in town
Saint Pauls is part of the Public Schools of Robeson County, which serves over 21,000 students and earns a C-plus overall from Niche. Kids may start at the C-rated Saint Pauls Elementary before moving to the C-minus-rated Saint Pauls Middle. At the B-minus-rated Saint Pauls High, teens can take dual-enrollment courses for college credit at Robeson Community College.
Sports, swimming and wildlife
Saint Pauls District Park is the town's most popular green space, featuring baseball fields, a dog park and a community pool. Saint Pauls Veterans Memorial Park offers a quiet spot to picnic, and Sugar Memorial Park is the go-to playground spot. The Big Marsh Swamp, a stream, flows through Saint Pauls, where anglers can cast lines for rock bass and black bullhead. Birders may also spot common grackles, chimney swifts and American crows in the area.
Broad Street bites
There's a mix of fast-food chains and small businesses clustered around Broad Street, the town's main thoroughfare. Pauline's Place is a favorite for no-frills barbecue, while Tarpackers serves classic comfort food, including pork chops, fried catfish and peanut butter pie. For a quick bite, there's China King and Soul Food on the Go with takeout menus. A handful of Mexican bakeries and restaurants also dot the area. El Rinconsito Taqueria offers seafood specialties like caldo de camarón (shrimp soup), and Taqueria Rosita is known for fresh tamales. Nearby, Sweet Antojito sells sweets ranging from cake pops and churro cheesecake to turnovers and tres leches. Piggly Wiggly stocks the basics for groceries, while La Roca Mexican Store carries specialty ingredients like masa, dragonfruit and imported candies.
Holidays and Saint Pauls traditions
There are a few annual events in Saint Pauls, including holiday celebrations like Fourth of July fireworks and the Christmas tree lighting at Saint Pauls Veterans Memorial Park. In October, the Saint Pauls High School Homecoming Parade marches through town with student-made floats and musical performances in celebration of the graduating class's accomplishments.
Interstate 95 and the nearest hospital and airport
Interstate 95 passes through Saint Pauls, providing a direct route south to Lumberton and 19 miles north to Fayetteville. "It's a short commute to Fayetteville," Rowlette says. Residents generally drive to get around, but Broad Street is walkable. Three Rivers Medical Center is a weekday clinic in town, and UNC Health Southeastern, a 24-hour hospital, is 12 miles away. Fayetteville Regional Airport is a 16-mile drive.
