From lofty scenic byways like Interstate 26 cutting through the Appalachians to cute towns tucked along Atlantic shores, North Carolina is practically a state built for people who love time outdoors. In fact, the state’s headliner destinations — the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway — are the most-visited sites in the National Park Service, clocking in around 30 million visits annually. But how practical is relocating amidst this beauty? One small suburban community near Fayetteville, with a relatively low cost of living, offers a way to enjoy North Carolina’s outdoors close to home: Spring Lake.
Situated near one of the largest military bases in the country, Fort Bragg, and surrounded by natural attractions, Spring Lake offers a quieter pace of life. It also boasts a convenient location — with Raleigh at just over an hour’s drive away and downtown Fayetteville at about 30 minutes away – providing access to urban amenities and job opportunities. And while suburban life may conjure visions of retirement, Spring Lake skews younger. With a median age of 25.4, the town offers affordable housing, lower taxes, a growing dining scene, and outdoor recreation options.
Affordable homes and outdoor activities in Spring Lake
Spring Lake has a population of 11,530 with a suburban atmosphere, yet it delivers well on the affordability front. BestPlaces.net gives it a score of 81.4 for cost of living, meaning it’s around 19% lower than the U.S. average for the combined living costs. The housing market features a range of newer properties with modern exteriors, larger yards, and more spacing between homes, offering a greater sense of privacy. With all that in store, you’re looking at the median home value of $101,300 according to Niche.com, which is about 66% lower than the national average.
Life in Spring Lake also centers on enjoying the outdoors. For starters, this Fayetteville suburb has a great park system, with spots like Flightline Park, where you can watch military planes take off and land as you enjoy time in nature. Mendoza Park features leisure trails, baseball fields, picnic shelter rentals, and a large playground area to keep the young crowd entertained…