Tarboro is a small Edgecombe County town resting along the banks of the Tar River in Eastern North Carolina. Life here often includes going to baseball games, enjoying concerts downtown and floating along the river. “You can build your life how you want,” says Tarboro native Mayor Tate Mayo. “It’s a great little cozy place where you can be yourself, relax, and when you need to get out that rambunctiousness, you don’t have far to go.” The town is a few hours’ drive from any beach along the North Carolina coast, and the capital city of Raleigh is roughly 70 miles west. Mayo adds that one of Tarboro’s claims to fame is that it has one of the oldest town commons in the United States. “Technically, by the town charter, you can still graze your animals from sunup to sunset on the Town Common. I haven’t seen anybody do that, but I’d love to see that one day,” Mayo says. Agriculture has long been Edgecombe County's main economic driver, and until the late 1800s, Tarboro was a hub for riverboat trade. Today, manufacturers and healthcare are top industries. A lower cost of living and walkable downtown is helping this community of nearly 11,000 people grow.
The Tar River, in Tarboro, is named after the area's pine forests, which were a source of tar.
War artifacts are on display at Town Common in Tarboro.
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Low home prices and a history of flooding
The median price for a single-family home in Tarboro is around $215,000, roughly half the national median. Historic properties sit in view of the Town Common, while Colonial Revival, Modern Transitional and ranch-style homes are found throughout. Most properties sit along short blocks, but the town’s newest subdivisions break away from the urban grid pattern.
Tarboro has dealt with severe flooding as a riverside town with creeks and a canal. Hurricane Floyd in 1999 left nearly half of Edgecombe County under water. Flooding occurred again following Hurricane Matthew in 2016. As a result, the town, in conjunction with the state and federal government, has purchased most of the flooded lots. Town ordinances were strengthened to limit development in 500-year flood zones. Homeowners are encouraged to purchase flood insurance and register for emergency notifications.
A row of historic homes situated just outside of Downtown Tarboro.
Remains of how high water has risen at time can be seen on this river bank in Tarboro.
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A love for sporting events and a Colonial-era Town Common
A little less than half of Tarboro residents are within a 10-minute walk of a park. These green spaces range from the 15-acre Town Common, popular for pickleball and quiet strolls, to the Indian Lake Sports Complex, which buzzes with baseball and softball tournaments. The Tarboro River Bandits, a summer collegiate baseball team, plays at Tarboro Municipal Stadium.
The town has two public access points for the Tar River. “Folks put in a kayak, canoe or paddleboard and float down the river for the better part of the day,” says Mayo, who adds that the annual Hickory Shad Tournament draws out dozens of anglers of all ages every March to see who can reel in the biggest fish.
The historic Tarboro Municipal Stadium is the former home of minor league teams and current home of the Tarboro High School Vikings and the Tarboro River Bandits.
War artifacts are on display at Town Common in Tarboro.
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Tarboro is home to the largest historic district in North Carolina
The walkable Tarboro Historic District is recognized for its size, stretching north of the Tar River for 45 blocks. Main Street anchors this downtown, where red brick sidewalks pass by small businesses, the county’s first brewery and several restaurants. Next to Tarboro Town Hall is the Edgecombe County Veteran's Military Museum, which explores the region’s military history and honors more than 1,200 area veterans with a wall of portraits. Courthouse Square hosts community events, such as the annual New Year’s Eve Downtown Countdown, which rings in the new year with live music, food and drinks. Shopping centers dot the west side of town for everyday needs, while indoor malls and big-box stores are nearby Rocky Mount and Greenville.
Stop by Tarboro Brewing Company for a cold brew, it's the first brewery in the county.
On The Square is a favorite restaurant among locals in Tarboro.
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Locally made art adorns the Blount-Bridgers House
The Blount-Bridgers House, a Federal-style home from the early 1800s with a wrap-around porch, is the home base for the Tarboro-Edgecombe Public Arts Commission. Inside is the Hobson Pittman Memorial Gallery, which showcases contemporary works and historical artifacts. The town’s art scene includes the Tar River Players, a theater troupe that puts on four shows annually and offers summer theater camps. Happening on the Common is the town’s art festival held each May, and the Downtown Live summer concert series fills Courthouse Square with live music.
The Blount-Bridgers House, in Tarboro, was built in 1808 and has been restored to a museum.
This plaque at the Blount-Bridgers House tells the history of this Tarboro home.
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Edgecombe County Public Schools offers a head start on higher education
Edgecombe County Public Schools serves Tarboro and receives a C-plus overall rating from Niche. It has more than 5,300 students. Of its 20 schools, Edgecombe Early College High stands out. The A-rated school, located within Edgecombe Community College, offers students the ability to earn an associate’s degree and a diploma.
The Tarboro High School is the home of the Vikings.
Edgecombe Community College is a 2 year college, located in Tarboro.
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A short drive to Interstate 95, an increase in crime
Area highways lead to Interstate 95 and larger cities nearby. Rocky Mount is about 15 miles west, and Greenville is about 30 miles south. Pitt-Greenville Airport offers daily flights to Charlotte, but residents typically head roughly 85 miles west to Raleigh-Durham International Airport for most air travel. While there’s no bus system to get around town, Tarboro does have a Greyhound bus station for long-distance trips.
According to FBI data, the number of violent crimes in Tarboro spiked from 23 in 2022 to 73 in 2023. During that same time, the number of property crimes increased from 126 to 274.
Written By
DeeVa Payne
Photography Contributed By
Scott Brotherton
Video By
Samantha Houtchens
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On average, homes in Tarboro, NC sell after 287 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Tarboro, NC over the last 12 months is $104,000, up 420% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Unrestricted .46-acre wooded lot on US 258 South! Build your dream home with complete freedom—no restrictions. Enjoy privacy, a serene setting, and quick access to Tarboro, Scotland Neck, and Pinetops. Perfect location for a custom home or private retreat!
This charming home can be found in the Historic district, downtown Tarboro and is noted on the historic district map as Lichtenstein-Thigpen House. The national registry plaque identifies it as Cotton-Lichtenstein House ca.1875. The current owner purchased this home with vision and determination. Their eye for design and classic style has brought this 'old home' back to life and it is shining
This isn't just a house; it's a sanctuary designed for gracious living and effortless hospitality. Nestled on 1.25 acres of tranquil land, this custom-built, 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom dream home is offered completely furnished, ready for you to begin your new chapter. The Heart of the Home: A chef's kitchen boasts granite countertops, dual cooktops with vent hoods, and a double oven?perfect for
Move-in ready home built in 2022! This beautiful property offers 4 bedrooms and 2 full baths with an open, airy layout perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The spacious primary suite is thoughtfully positioned away from the additional bedrooms for added privacy. Enjoy relaxing evenings on the covered back patio overlooking the fully fenced backyard, perfect for pets, play, or hosting
Welcome to this beautifully maintained, brick ranch home, perfectly situated on a spacious lot and quiet street in the desirable neighborhood of West Hills. Step inside to discover a bright, inviting living space featuring large windows that fill the home with natural light. The traditional ranch-style layout provides dedicated living and bedroom spaces ideal for entertaining and privacy. The
Welcome home to this move-in ready charming brick ranch, nestled in a cozy well-established neighborhood full of character and mature trees. This inviting 3 bedroom home offers comfortable one-level living with thoughtful updates throughout including: new flooring-carpet and vinyl, ceiling fans and light fixtures, entry doors, along with fresh interior paint that gives the entire home a bright,
3 Bed • 2 Bath • Affordable & Move‐In Ready Looking for a modern, budget‐friendly home in a quiet, welcoming community? This 2018 Tru Glory delivers the perfect blend of comfort, space, and value. This home features an open‐concept layout, a spacious kitchen, and a split‐bedroom design that gives everyone room to breathe. Whether you're a first‐time buyer or looking to downsize without
NEW CONSTRUCTION! The Oak Plan is a 2 car garage home with all 4 bedrooms on the 2nd floor along with 2 full bathrooms. The Owners Suite features an On-Suite bathroom with a Walk in Shower with a glass door and a large Walk in Closet. The first floor features LVT throughout the eat in kitchen, family room, laundry room and powder room. The upstairs has LVT in the bathrooms and carpet in the
Spacious and charming 3 bedroom, 1 bath home on corner double lot with detached 2-car garage/workshop. Recent improvements include new roof in 2020, new plumbing, replacement windows, and new siding on both house and garage. Great single family home or investment property.
683.1 acre farm for sale outside of Leggett in Edgecombe County. The property includes two tax parcels (278.8 and 404.3 acres) spanning both sides of Highway 33. The two parcels are also available separately, see MLS 10140897 and 10140896. The farm features 241 acres of cropland, 142 acres of 2019 loblolly pine plantation, 297 acres of mid-aged and mature timber, 6,190 feet of frontage along
Seize this incredible opportunity to invest in a high-demand location! This versatile property spans just under 2 acres and boast over 600 feet of road frontage, making it an ideal site for multi-family housing, an apartment complex, or townhomes. Zoned for high-density residential this property offers endless possibilities for development. With its unbeatable location and strong growth
Discover the charm of country living with this stunning 68.57-acre farm in Edgecombe County! This unique property includes two homes—a classic 1900s farmhouse full of character and a fixer-upper tucked away in the woods, perfect for renovation or retreat.Older model mobile home by horse corral conveysA stocked pond filled with bass offers the ideal spot for fishing and relaxation, while farm
Deerridge offers spacious 1, 2, and 3 bedroom garden-style apartments and townhomes. Enjoy bright, open floor plans, fully equipped kitchens, and a peaceful community setting. Conveniently located near local shops, dining, and major roadways, our community provides comfort and convenience in the heart of Tarboro.
Upscale Townhome with River Views in the Heart of Historic Tarboro Experience elevated small town living in this beautifully appointed Tarboro townhome, where modern finishes meet the warmth and character of one of North Carolina's most charming communities. Thoughtfully designed and impeccably maintained, this residence offers both comfort and convenience just steps from everything downtown has
This property at 701 Henry Ln features 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms within a spacious 1,800 square feet. The living room offers ample space for relaxation and entertainment. The kitchen is equipped with a dishwasher and provides convenient access to the dining area. Each bedroom is designed for comfort, with the master bedroom including an en-suite bathroom. The property also includes a
Quaint two-bedroombungalow just inside the city limits, but close to everything. Five minutes from ECU Health and surrounding clinics, Highway 33, and Main Street restaurants and bars. New LVP flooring just installed. Schedule an appointment today. It will not last long.
This property at 709 Henry Ln features 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms within a total of 1,800 square feet. The living room offers ample space for relaxation and entertainment, while the kitchen includes essential amenities for daily living. The master bathroom is equipped with double vanities and a tub/shower combination for convenience. Each bedroom provides sufficient space for furnishings and
This property at 701 Henry Ln features 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms within a spacious 1,800 square feet. The living room offers ample space for relaxation and entertainment. The kitchen is equipped with a dishwasher and provides convenient access to the dining area. Each bedroom is designed for comfort, with the master bedroom including an en-suite bathroom. The property also includes a
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