As the home of our nation’s largest military base, Fort Bragg, Fayetteville is a frequent destination for families relocating from other parts of the U.S. and the world. Many of our clients who call from places like Boston or Germany with the intention of moving here want to know: what’s it like in Fayetteville? To give you an idea, here are five of our city’s greatest features.
1) Wonderful weather
Spring comes early in our area of North Carolina and sticks around, with an annual Dogwood Festival in April that features these classic flowering trees in full bloom. Winters are pretty mild – no long underwear required – though we do have the occasional snowfall and can take weekend trips to find good skiing. Summers here are hot, hot, hot, but you can cool off at public pools, local lakes or at the ocean – we’re just 100 miles from the beach, and North Carolina is known for some pretty fabulous coastal destinations such as the Outer Banks. Fall is another long and mild season here, so your kids won’t have to wear snowsuits under their Halloween costumes; it stays warm well into November. Each of the four seasons is distinctive, with its own cultural and culinary features, so whether you’re a fan of pumpkin pie or strawberry shortcake, you won’t be disappointed.
2) A downtown with history
People who used to live in Fayetteville several decades ago wouldn’t recognize the downtown area today, for it has been thoroughly revitalized, with lots of new businesses including great restaurants, shops, an art-house movie theater, yoga and dance studios, and more. Our Downtown Alliance occasionally runs historical tours.
A small farmer’s market sets up each Wednesday and Saturday outside the Transportation Museum, offering local produce and crafts. Of course, we also have the Airborne and Special Operations Museum, which features fascinating military history and artifacts you won’t see anywhere else.
3) Natural beauty
The Cape Fear River winds through Fayetteville on its way to the coast, offering lots of opportunities for recreation. You can kayak or canoe – try Cape Fear River Adventures if you need to rent a boat – or you can walk, jog or bike along the 5.3-mile Cape Fear River Trail near Methodist University. The city government has just approved a plan to expand city parks and create a riverside promenade downtown, so this is currently in the works.
The Botanical Garden is another great place to get outside, with 80 acres of beautiful plants and seasonal events such as Holiday Lights. Athletes will enjoy the Fayetteville Running Club and the numerous local running races including marathons, while fans of disc golf can perfect their skills at Mazarick Park. Those willing to go slightly farther afield can drive to hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails at Raven Rock State Park (30 miles north) or Uwharrie National Forest (75 miles west).
4) Multi-culturalism
You will be amazed at how many nations are represented among the citizens of Fayetteville, and there’s no better time to witness it than at the annual International Folk Festival held each fall, with a parade featuring national dances and costumes. This massive event, put on by the Arts Council, promises to let you “travel around the world in one weekend.”
World-class film-making will soon come to Fayetteville with the launch of the Indigo Moon Film Festival, taking place from October 7-9, 2016. Not to be missed!
Our city also has restaurants galore; you’ll find a broad range of authentic ethnic cuisines including German, Cuban, West African, Turkish, Japanese, Korean, Italian, and more. For a city its size, Fayetteville really has a lot to offer in terms of culinary adventures. For beer lovers, there are local breweries like Mash House, Huske Hardware, and Dirt Bag Ales.
5) Family fun
Fayetteville is truly a family-centered community, with lots of fun things to do for all ages. There are no less than 18 recreation centers, and the city’s Parks and Recreation department hosts numerous youth and adult athletic programs, classes and summer camps.
Each month, events are held in historic downtown Fayetteville to celebrate 4th Friday, where families can get a taste of the local arts and entertainment scene while enjoying unique offerings at local galleries, bookstores, cafes, and restaurants. These special days often feature live music and seasonal events like the Zombie Walk and “A Dickens Holiday.” They’re safe, fun and free!
Let’s not forget the libraries: there are nine libraries throughout the city, as well as a mobile outreach service that will bring books straight to your door. They have programs for kids, budding entrepreneurs, language-learners, job-seekers, seniors, and more. You can rest assured that there is something for everyone in Fayetteville, NC!
If you’re considering a move, contact us.