Windsor offers small-town living and river recreation
Located on North Carolina’s Cashie River, Windsor is a small town with a walkable downtown and outdoor recreation. “Not many homes are on the market,” says Dalton Nicholson, the owner of Carolina Eagle Real Estate who’s sold homes here for 21 years. “There's not much turnover, and it’s an older population.” Windsor is the seat of Bertie County, a rural area known for peanut farming. Bertie Correctional Institution, a state prison nearby, is one of the area’s largest employers. The river is a popular place for fishing, kayaking or taking a stroll, and it’s also the site of many of the community’s events. Locally owned businesses can be found downtown, and U.S. Route 17 leads to other towns and cities in the region.
Ranch-style and manufactured homes on quiet streets and country roads
Most of the homes here are ranch-style and manufactured houses, though some early 1900s Greek Revival, National and Craftsman bungalows can be found downtown, especially along King Street. Some of the houses here sit close together along narrow streets lined with neat lawns and mature trees, while others have over an acre of land. Farmland and forests surround the town, and homes here are spread out along peaceful country roads. The median home sale price is around $170,000, significantly lower than the national median of roughly $420,000. Low-rise apartments and rental homes are also available.
A variety of locally owned stores and restaurants downtown
As the seat of Bertie County, Windsor has a small downtown where county administration buildings sit next to locally owned businesses and restaurants. Rachel’s Bakery and Café serves breakfast, lunch and desserts. Lasca’s Italian Restaurant serves pizza and pasta in a casual atmosphere. On King Street, Heritage House Restaurant serves Southern comfort food and has an all-you-can-eat buffet. Grocery stores include Food Lion and Family Dollar. National retailers like Walmart are in Williamston.
Water recreation and a mini zoo for outdoor fun
Livermon Park and Mini Zoo is a popular gathering place in Windsor. “They’ve got the basic animals there: a zebra, a buffalo, a lot of goats and a few birds,” Nicholson says. “The family can come out there and have picnics.” The Bertie County Arts Council offers art classes for adults and kids. The Cashie River flows through town and can be accessed via the Cashie Wetlands Walk and the Cashie River Boardwalk. The river is a popular kayaking spot, and the Roanoke Cashie River Center rents out boats to paddlers. “It’s only about an hour and a half from Atlantic Ocean beaches, but there's actually a freshwater beach nearby,” Nicholson says. Bertie Beach is a sandy shore where the Chowan River meets the Albemarle Sound; here, swimmers can enjoy the calm water and cypress trees.
Regular events at the river center
The Roanoke Cashie River Center hosts many of the town’s annual events. At Windsor Riverfest each May, residents gather for food trucks, educational exhibits and boat rides. The annual July 4th Celebration, which is on July 3, features fireworks, vendors and other entertainment.
A car-dependent community along Route 17
U.S. Route 17 is the main thoroughfare in Windsor, leading about 13 miles to Williamston and 22 miles to Edenton. Greenville is a roughly 42-mile drive. Sidewalks downtown make it pedestrian friendly. Houses of worship here include Saint Thomas Episcopal Church and Cashie Baptist Church. ECU Health Bertie Hospital is on Route 17, and Pitt-Greenville Airport, which has commercial flights to Charlotte, is a 41-mile trip.
Bertie County’s public schools earn Bs and Cs
Kids can start school at Windsor Elementary and then go to Bertie Middle; both earn a C from Niche. The C-minus-rated Bertie High is building a new career and technical education center where students can learn careers like carpentry and cosmetology. Students can also attend the B-plus-rated Bertie Early College High, which focuses on biotechnology and agriscience. Martin Community College offers associate degrees and certification programs in topics like information technology and criminal justice.
At risk of flooding and hurricanes
Many areas in Windsor are in high-risk flood zones; homeowners should check flood maps to assess their risk. “The downtown does flood when a major hurricane comes,” Nicholson says. Hurricanes can also cause wind damage, power outages and tornadoes.
Written By
Annie Franklin
