Sneads Ferry is home to Marines, anglers and beachgoers
Some people want to live in an area that’s close to work and the shore, but that can be hard to find. Sneads Ferry in Onslow County, though, attracts Marines stationed at nearby Camp Lejeune and beach lovers for its easy access to base and the East Coast shoreline. “Nine times out of 10, they are military buyers because we’re so close to Jacksonville,” says Stephanie Modlin, a Realtor and senior broker with Streamline Realty Team at Coldwell Banker-Sea Coast Advantage. “It can get a little tricky because Sneads Ferry’s zip code is 28460, and that includes parts of the beach, so you get a mix of military and beach people.” Only the New River separates residents from Camp Lejeune, but the Sneads Ferry Bridge gives commuters a direct path over the water. Anyone who works in downtown Jacksonville can come home after a long day and fish along the river or take a short drive to popular beaches, like North Topsail Beach or Surf City.
Single-family homes along the New River and farther inland
Some waterfront homes with private boat docks have sold for almost $1.7 million, but most subdivisions have ranch-style or Craftsman homes with moderate yards and sidewalk-free streets. Sneads Ferry’s median single-family sale price is $384,000, which is lower than the national median of about $423,000. Anything that sells for $300,000 or less may be a manufactured home, a townhouse or a fixer-upper property. Some homeowners need to purchase flood insurance, depending on how close their homes are to the water. “There are many properties that butt up to an inlet,” Modlin says. “Only the homes on the waterfront need flood insurance.”
Because Sneads Ferry is on the coast, residents should be aware of hurricane season, which usually lasts from June through November. In 2018, residents were evacuated during Tropical Storm Florence due to rising water levels, flooded streets and fallen trees. U.S. Route 17 is a designated evacuation route, and Dixon Middle School is the nearest shelter.
Reporting to work in Jacksonville or Camp Lejeune
Commuters have a 20-mile drive to Jacksonville, though Sneads Ferry is closer to Camp Lejeune, a 6-mile drive. Sneads Ferry Road and Sneads Ferry Bridge lead directly to base, so only permitted personnel use the route and check in at the guarded stop. Sneads Ferry’s churches are mainly off Sneads Ferry Road, including Salem Baptist Church. Downtown Wilmington and the Wilmington International Airport are about 42 miles from Sneads Ferry, a drive that takes about an hour down U.S. Route 17. There are primary care centers in Sneads Ferry and Holly Ridge, but the nearest hospital is Onslow Memorial Hospital, 24 miles away in Jacksonville.
Fishing and boating in the New River or relaxing on the shore
Being near the New River and the Atlantic Ocean, it’s no surprise how popular boating, fishing and swimming are for Sneads Ferry residents. Anglers can launch their boats at nearby marinas, like Pelagic Hunter Fishing Center or the Sneads Ferry Marina. Homeowners with private docks have an even easier time setting out for a day on the water. For some fun on land, Stump Sound Park has baseball fields, paved tennis courts and a playground. The 18-hole North Shore Golf Course offers tee times to guest visitors and members, and the Sneads Ferry Branch Library up the road hosts regular craft events for adults and gaming groups for middle schoolers. One benefit of living in Sneads Ferry is being almost down the road from North Topsail Beach and Surf City.
Rising student populations led to Dixon Middle's campus upgrade
Dixon Elementary School serves prekindergarten through fifth-grade students and earns a B-plus from Niche. Students usually transfer to the B-rated Dixon Middle School. Dixon Middle’s campus was built in 2017, and it’s the largest middle school campus in Onslow County. The new building was needed to fit the expanding student population seen across Onslow County. Dixon High School gets a B-minus, and students can participate in Career & Technical Education programs, including specialized areas like Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.
Fresh-caught seafood, family-owned diners on Route 210
Riverview Cafe is a popular lunch and dinner spot near the New River that has been family-owned since 1946. The restaurant’s specials rotate to highlight the fresh ingredients used each day. Along state Route 210, there are other busy spots, like Cancun Mexican Restaurant and Lo-re-Lei’s Pub & Grill. Midgett & Son's Crab Company sells fresh seafood, from blue shell crab to shrimp, and local vendors set up shop at The Salted Shell Farmers Market next door. For everyday needs, there’s a Dollar General and Food Lion grocery store. Small businesses are scattered throughout the area, like Bayside Thrift. Closer to Surf City, there are classic beach shops, including Shark Attack and Tsunami Surf Shop.
Annual shrimp celebrations and fishing tournaments
Every September, the Sneads Ferry Community Center becomes the Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival, a three-day event with a carnival, parade and fireworks display. Shrimp mascots walk around and dance with visitors enjoying the live music, and buying a plate of fried shrimp and hush puppies is a tradition. The Rotary Club of Sneads Ferry hosts the annual King Mackerel Tournament in August. The day before anglers set out, they meet at the Sneads Ferry Community Center for a dinner and opening ceremony. Participants and the public meet on the third day for the grand award ceremony.
