Teachey encompasses small town living just north of Wallace
Crop fields and pockets of thick forest surround Teachey, a small town in southwestern Duplin County. Mostly residential, locals enjoy a laid-back setting without sacrificing proximity to Wallace directly south. “It’s a more rural extension of Wallace and has a southern feel, where people are out walking around the community,” says Teresa Dixon, broker with Relentless Ventures Realty Group and resident of the community. With its larger counterpart just a few miles south, residents have quick access to various recreation and dozens of local businesses. As the area continues to grow, more housing developments are also on the horizon.
Wallace is home to big-box stores, local shops and restuarants
Locals do all of their shopping and dining in Wallace. Chain restaurants dot the town, and Camino Real is one of many locally owned Mexican eateries. Dixon notes that Sensation Farmhouse Restaurant, which serves southern comfort food buffet style, is a popular spot among locals. Piggle Wiggly covers grocery needs, and The Wells Livestock is open twice weekly. “They have local vendors come and sell produce and new and used products,” Dixon says. “They are busy on Thursdays and have a huge crowd on Thanksgiving." West Main Street offers a handful of independently owned shops, including This Little Pig and The Traveling Gypsy. Small shopping centers include big-box stores like Walmart Supercenter and Dollar Tree.
Ranch-style homes fill the community's quiet streets and new developments
Though there are no sidewalks, Teachey’s residential roads are quiet enough for a walk around the community. Old-growth evergreen and oak trees appear along each, and local houses of worship are also a common sighting. Most of the community’s ranch-style homes are 20th-century builds, but subdivisions like The Farms at Teachey feature properties built over the last five years. “There’s a lot of new development going on,” Dixon says. Depending on size and condition, most homes sell between $160,000 and $250,000. The community also has a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
From the local park to fishing and youth sports, there's plenty to do outdoors
Teachey Park on Boney Street features a playground, gazebo with picnic tables and a trail that loops the green space. Wallace offers more recreation spots, including Farrior Park at Boney Mill. Alongside a recently built dock for licensed fishing, a kayak and canoe launch allows for paddling on the pond. Youth programming is abundant, with Campbell Center running basketball practices and games and Art Meyer Field filling for weekend Little League baseball and softball games. Thelma Dingus Bryant Library has public Wi-Fi, computers and DVDs available with its collection of books.
Wallace-Rose Hill High School partners with Wallace Community College
Duplin County Schools serves the community and has a B-minus rating on Niche. Wallace Elementary School earns a C and enrolls prekindergarten through eighth-grade students. Wallace-Rose Hill High School teaches ninth through 12th grade and scores a C-plus. The high school offers dual enrollment courses through Wallace Community College, allowing students to earn college credit and career certifications.
Residents convene at Teachey Park and local churches for annual events
Residents convene at occasional outdoor movie nights at Teachey Park and other annual events, such as the town’s Christmas Tree Lighting at Teachey Town Hall. The First Baptist Church-Teachey hosts a Juneteenth parade and festival on the weekend of the holiday. Attendees can expect live music, entertainment, food, and activities for all ages.
Commuting around and out of town is a breeze
Interstate 40 passes east of the community and leads south to Wilmington, some 43 miles south. State routes 41 and 117 intersect at the town's center, connecting residents to surrounding cities. “The roads don’t get busy, even during a holiday,” Dixon says. “It’s easy like a Sunday morning.” Railroad tracks cut through the town’s center, so nearby residents may occasionally hear passing trains.
Written By
Matthew Simmons
