Downtown New Bern, Havelock, Trent Woods, River Bend or out in the country? Answer 7 quick questions about how you live and we will match you with the Craven County community that fits.
How the Craven County town quiz works
Every community in the quiz gets a score on eight things people weigh when they move to Craven County: how close the water is, how affordable it is, how family friendly it is, how much room you get, the drive to Cherry Point, the drive to downtown New Bern, how close the stores and restaurants are, and how much small-town feel it has. Your answers set what you want on each one, and the quiz ranks the towns by how close they come. Use it as a starting point and read up on your top three before you choose.
The Craven County towns at a glance
New Bern
North Carolina’s second-oldest town, where the Neuse and Trent rivers meet. A walkable historic downtown, Tryon Palace, the birthplace of Pepsi and MumFest every October, with most of the county’s shops, restaurants and services.
Havelock
Home of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, on US 70 next to the Croatan National Forest. The shortest commute to base, plenty of rentals and some of the most affordable homes in the county.
Trent Woods
A small, leafy residential town on the Trent River right next to New Bern. Quiet streets, larger homes and lots, and a few minutes to downtown.
River Bend
A planned town on the Trent River with canals running through the neighborhoods, so many homes have water out back and room for a boat. Calm, tidy and a short drive to New Bern.
Fairfield Harbour
A resort-style community on the north shore of the Neuse River with marinas, canals and golf. Popular with retirees and boaters who want the water without the beach crowds.
James City
Just across the Trent from downtown New Bern, near the airport and US 70. Founded as a freedmen’s settlement after the Civil War, it is now an easy, central spot between New Bern and Havelock.
Brices Creek
Wooded neighborhoods along a winding creek south of New Bern, at the edge of the Croatan National Forest. Kayaking out the back door, bigger wooded lots and a quieter pace, with fewer stores close by.
Vanceboro
A small country town in northern Craven County, surrounded by farmland and forest. Big lots, lower prices and a true small-town pace, about a half hour from New Bern.
Before you buy near the rivers
Check the flood zone and get a flood insurance quote before you make an offer, especially on waterfront and canal lots, because Hurricane Florence pushed the Neuse and Trent well inland in 2018. Ask how old the roof and HVAC system are, and look under the house for crawl space moisture and termites. If you work at Cherry Point, drive US 70 at rush hour before you pick a side of town.
Moving here? Get free quotes from local pros
River humidity, storms and older homes keep local pros busy here. Before you move in, get the HVAC, roof and crawl space looked at. Tell us what you need and a local pro serving Craven County will reach out. No cost and no obligation.