Why Jacksonville, NC is a unique market

Jacksonville, NC, is a truly unique place, influenced by market forces that don't apply to the rest of the state or country. This is why hiring a full-time, professional realtor is essential to represent your interests and guide you through the home buying or selling process.

Holly Ridge, NC

Real estate advice is abundant, with about 65% of Americans having owned real estate at some point. However, the amount of outdated or inaccurate advice circulating is astounding. Unless the guidance you receive is current and specific to the neighborhood you're interested in, it is likely to be misleading. Let’s go over some of the market forces that impact Jacksonville and may cause it to be different to other regions of the state or country.  

Jacksonville is one of the last affordable beach towns. When you look at the United States, finding a place within 30 minutes of the beach can be quite costly. Compared to the rest of the Eastern Seaboard, North Carolina offers more affordable options. Within North Carolina, much of the coast consists of the Outer Banks, which are hard to reach, and the area near Wilmington, where prices have already surged. Welcome to the greater Jacksonville area, where you can own a reasonably priced, sizable property close to the beach. However, prices are rising as the rest of the country has caught on.

Proximity to Military Installations: Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune has been a cornerstone of Jacksonville’s real estate market. While broader market forces have diversified demand, the base remains a significant advantage. Over 50,000 military personnel and civilians work at Camp Lejeune, requiring nearby housing. Due to military contracts, many residents move every two to six years, creating a steady influx of buyers and sellers, stabilizing the market.

The Rise of Wilmington, NC: Just an hour south on Highway 17, Wilmington, NC, is a growing metropolis and home to Eastern Carolina University. Wilmington has grown nearly 8% since the 2020 census and is one of the fastest-growing cities in the US. This expansion has driven up prices along Highway 17, influencing Jacksonville's market.

Backlog of Building and Development: Builders have struggled to keep pace with demand for several years, partly due to increased demand and lingering supply shortages from COVID-19. As a result, buyers have less leverage with builders, making additional requests, like extra fencing or specific counter finishes, more challenging.

Natural Disasters and Insurance: Other regions have become less attractive to homeowners and insurance agencies due to natural disasters. Despite being a coastal town, North Carolina has reasonable insurance rates compared to Florida and California. However, it requires local knowledge to know  what areas require wind and hail insurance or flood insurance.  These factors impact the monthly cost of your home and are essential for your agent to consider to keep you within budget.

School Districts: Not all school districts are created equal. Even if you don't have children, living in a good school district is advantageous. School districts are often the top priority for many buyers, and the seemingly arbitrary lines drawn by county governments can impact your home's value by up to $100,000. You may be surprised by which regions of Jacksonville have the best schools; it may not be what you expect.

Jacksonville is a distinct market shaped by its affordability as a beach town, the substantial military presence at Camp Lejeune, the growth of nearby Wilmington, and the ongoing development backlog. These factors create a unique real estate landscape, making it vital to have a professional realtor who can navigate the nuances and provide up-to-date, accurate advice. Natural disasters, insurance variances, and school districts further influence property values, underscoring the importance of local expertise in this dynamic market.