Situated where the Atlantic Plain meets the Pamlico River, Washington is a North Carolina city of almost 10,000 that's popular among retirees seeking low price points, boaters looking for a diverse network of waterways and people craving the conviviality of a small town. Founded in the 1770s as Forks of the Tar, the city was renamed in 1776 to honor the prominent Founding Father. As the District of Columbia was not established until the 1790s, residents of this North Carolina city proudly refer to their community as “the original Washington” or “Little Washington.” Positioned at the confluence of the Tar River and Tranter’s Creek where the Pamlico River begins, the city emerged as an important shipbuilding center through the late 1800s. Several boat builders such as MJM Yachts and Fountain Powerboats continue to operate near Washington, and many homebuyers relocate there to enjoy the benefits of coastal living. “Boaters will go down to Ocracoke, and I’ve had some clients who would sail to the Bahamas from here,” says Maria Wilson, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker who has been working in real estate for almost three decades. The city also retains a close-knit feel, remaining smaller in size than nearby places like New Bern. “We’re not one of those coastal towns where people have moved in and changed the personality of the town," Wilson says. "Everyone is friendly and says hello, and it’s easy to get involved and be active in the community.”
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A resurgent downtown Washington
Wilson reports that Washington’s downtown fell through the cracks during the mall era of the ‘70s, but it has since received a tremendous amount of newfound attention. “During COVID, we completely redid the sidewalks and renovated the streets,” Wilson says. “Downtown has had a huge resurgence because of the community coming together, and now it’s hard to find an empty building.” Bill’s Hot Dog Stand is a mainstay, known throughout eastern North Carolina for its deep-friend hot dogs topped with spicy chili. Wilson also highlights Pitt Street Brewing Co. and Havens Mill Pizza Co., which operate out of an old mill overlooking the Pamlico River. Local artisans and vendors sell their wares, from goat’s milk soap to crocheted scarves, at the Harbor District Market. Shopping plazas with larger stores and supermarkets sit on the city’s periphery.
Many residents commute to Greenville for work, though Washington does have some industry of its own. “We were a big shipbuilding town in the 1700s and 1800s, and we still continue that tradition today,” Wilson says. “There’s a number of boat companies here, like MJM Yachts and Pair Marine.”
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Colorful vintage homes in the Washington Historic District
The city’s oldest homes date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, situated in the Washington Historic District. Bungalows and Queen Anne houses, painted in bright hues such as pink and yellow, overlook tree-shaded, one-way streets just steps from downtown. Ranch-style homes and Cape Cods form the bedrock of the suburbs, perched upon slightly more spacious lots. The median home price stands at about $275,000, which is well below the national median. Homes in need of some additional love start around $60,000, while waterfront homes with over 2,000 square feet of space can approach $1 million in price. Townhouses range from $300,000 to $615,000.
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Recreation revolves around the Pamlico River
The North Carolina Estuarium celebrates the brackish ecosystems of the Pamlico River. Artwork, interactive exhibits and aquariums with species endemic to the river fill the museum, which offers boat tours during the warmer months, though the boardwalk is open year-round. Festival Park next door also overlooks the Pamlico River and features a grassy field, gazebo and playground. Washington has several marinas, including Inner Banks Marina, Moss Landing Marina, and McCotters Marina and Boatyard, and more can be found within a 10-mile drive. Anglers can cast for saltwater fish toward the Pamlico Sound and freshwater species such as crappie and largemouth bass up the Tar River.
The meandering trails of Goose Creek State Park cross over wetlands and cypress swamps. Seafaring visitors can launch their kayaks and paddleboards from the boat ramp or the sandy shore, and overnight guests can stay on campgrounds or at RV sites with electric hookups. “I’ve watched it grow from almost nothing," Wilson says. "They’ve built a wonderful nature center and glamping cabins and offer a lot of educational talks."
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Smoke on the Water and other events at Festival Park
Washington’s Festival Park hosts an assortment of celebrations throughout the year, from summer concert series to movie screenings. Smoke on the Water is one of the city’s premier events, a barbecue competition with a car show and live music each October.
Between the Research Triangle and the Crystal Coast
Via U.S. Route 264, Greenville is 22 miles west. The city is home to the Pitt-Greenville Airport, which is primarily used for general aviation but also offers commercial flights to Charlotte. New Bern sits 38 miles south of Greenville, while Morehead City and Crystal Coast beaches are 70 miles south.
Beaufort Area Transit System (BATS) buses carry passengers around the county and to surrounding areas, going as far as Durham and Chapel Hill. Buses do not follow fixed routes and must be booked in advance. East Carolina University Health Beaufort Hospital can be found on the east side of town.
Beaufort County Schools and nearby colleges
The Beaufort County Schools district receives a B-plus from Niche and serves roughly 6,000 students across 13 schools. Eighth through 10th graders can apply to attend the Health Sciences Academy, geared toward students interested in careers in health care. Participants get to shadow hospital workers at Eastern Carolina University Health facilities. A-rated Beaufort County Early College High School shares a campus with Beaufort Community College 6 miles east of downtown, and high schoolers can pursue dual enrollment and even graduate with an associate degree. East Carolina University is 21 miles west of Washington.
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Washington is well-equipped to face hurricanes
Homes, especially those near the city’s rivers, are at a higher risk for floods, and the city does face occasional hurricanes. But Wilson observes that, among residents, the storms are seen as more of an “inconvenience” than a disaster. "They might come in as a Category 3 wind event, but by the time they reach us, they’re down to a Category 1," she says. "But we have had some Category 3 water events." She adds that homes have been raised or built with the first living floor above the anticipated waterline in the event of a flood. The city also takes extra precautions to reduce the effects of storms. “The utility companies check the electrical system before a storm, so it’s rare for us to have a long-term power outage," Wilson says. "They also cut limbs before hurricane season to minimize damage.”
According to FBI statistics, Washington saw a 24% increase in property crimes and a significant increase in violent crimes between 2022 and 2023. However, property crimes as a whole have been trending downward since around 2008, while the number of violent crimes has remained relatively stable since 2009.
I have worked as a Broker in real estate in 2003 to 2008. I found my passion for selling real estate then. I just re-entered the real estate industry in 2021 again after raising my two beautiful children. I am so happy to be back selling real estate again. I feel this is my second change in life to do what I love doing. Helping my clients find their dream home to helping an investor find the best deal! Life is an adventure every day I have a positive attitude that is contagious. I've been blessed to live a wonderful town of Bath, NC. My favorite things to do in life is fishing and taking my 2 dogs to the Goose Creek Park for exploration.
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