11 Best Neighborhoods In Fayetteville, NC

Best Places to Live in Fayetteville

Are you looking for the best neighborhoods in Fayetteville, NC? Check out these 11 great places to live in Fayetteville! 

Fayetteville is a large and thriving community in the Sandhills region of North Carolina. As the seat of Cumberland County, people all over move to Fayetteville for the history, vibrant culture, beautiful homes for sale, and small-town feel.

Living here, you will have access to bigger cities like Raleigh and Charlotte but can take advantage of a lower cost of living and affordable housing prices. Fayetteville is conveniently located adjacent to Interstate 95, and the Fayetteville Outer Loop will connect parts of the region and provide direct connections from Fort Bragg to Interstate 95. 

Fayetteville is a great place to live and raise a family. Downtown Fayetteville is very popular among residents since it features many local shops, dining options, entertainment, arts & culture, and fun activities for all ages. The neighborhoods in Fayetteville range from large to small, expensive to affordable, and rural or populous.

So, if you've been looking for neighborhoods in Fayetteville, continue reading.

History of Fayetteville

Fayetteville was formed in 1739 when Scottish immigrants arrived via the Cape Fear River. Several years later, in 1762, the colonial assembly chartered the town of Campbellton, which soon united with the neighboring village of Cross Creek in 1778. From there, the city became known as Upper and Lower Campbellton and then Fayetteville in 1783. 

The town was named after Marquis De Lafayette, a French nobleman who served as a Major General in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Of all the U.S. cities named after Marquis De Lafayette, Fayetteville was the first and is said to be the only city he visited. 

Before North Carolina had an official state capital, the North Carolina Legislature would meet in Fayetteville. A significant part of Fayetteville's history occurs at one of these meetings. During one of their meetings in 1789, the legislature ratified the U.S. Constitution and chartered the University of North Carolina, America's oldest state University. 

Due to Fayetteville's location as an inland port of the hub of the early "plank roads," Fayetteville grew as a center of government and commerce. 

Today, Fayetteville is still known for its history and military presence. Driving through the city, you will see testaments of its proud past and structures that have been preserved to reflect this history in the four designated historic districts. 

• Downtown Fayetteville National Register Historic District
• Haymount National Register Historic District 
• Liberty Point National Register Historic District 
• Market House Square National Register Historic District

Check out these best neighborhoods in Fayetteville

1. Grays Creek 

Grays Creek is a suburb of Fayetteville with a growing population of over 10,000. This beautiful neighborhood offers residents a mixture of suburban and rural living, and most residents own their own homes.

Most homes in the Gray's Creek neighborhood are very affordable single-family homes. The public schools are known to be above average, making it a great place to live for families. The area is highly regarded, and many small businesses, shopping centers, top-rated restaurants, and entertainment venues are found in this neighborhood. 

Local Favorites: 

Airborne and Special Operations Museum Foundation: Learn about U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations history at this family-friendly museum. 

Cape Fear Botanical Garden: Walk around this 80-acre garden with over 2,000 plant varieties. 

2. Spring Lake 

Spring Lake is a beautiful Fayetteville suburb only minutes from Fort Bragg. It is a great place to live if you are in the military because of its easy and convenient location. Spring Lake is surrounded by natural beauty, family-friendly parks, and locally owned businesses. 

Considered a suburb of Fayetteville, Spring Lake has a population of almost 12,000, so you will see people of all backgrounds living here. The residents are friendly and welcoming, which adds to the relaxing feel of the town. Spring Lake is considered one of the best places to live in Fayetteville for its blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. 

Local Favorites: 

Fort Bragg Clay Target Center: Recognized as one of the world's most extensive shotgun shooting facilities in North Carolina. They offer shotgun rentals for on-site skeet and trap shootings, but you may also bring your shotgun. 

MegaPlay: Visit this multi-level play structure with various activities for kids to run around and let out some energy. 

3. Arran Hills

Arran Hills is one of the best places to live in Fayetteville for its sought-after amenities and tight-knit community feel. The homes in Arran Hills are ranch-style and very affordable for many residents.

This established neighborhood, located off Bingham Dr., is down the road from shopping centers, churches, and grocery stores. It's also only minutes from Fort Bragg, which employs many Fayetteville residents.  

Local Favorites: 

Gills Hill Farm: Tour this family-owned historic farm and visit its popular ice cream shop. 

Cape Fear River Trail: Perfect for the whole family, walk along this seven-mile trail alongside the Cape Fear River. 

4. Hope Mills

Hope Mills is a top-rated neighborhood in Fayetteville, NC, and is a safe area for pets, friends, visitors, and families. With a growing population of 17,973, Hope Mills has been ranked as the number two best suburb to live in Fayetteville, NC.

This beloved suburb offers a sparse suburban feel. Residents tend to be families and young professionals who own their homes. Hope Mills's real estate is known to be affordable, which makes it an appealing option for people moving to the area. 

Hope Mills is technically an incorporated area of Fayetteville. Sawmills, gristmills, lumber camps, and pottery ovens anchored the area's economy, and soon after, a textile boom introduced cotton factories and mills. Today, the community is very tight-knit; you will likely have military families as neighbors. 

Local Favorites: 

Hope Mills Municipal Park: Featuring a playground, sports facilities, a splash pad, and picnic areas. 

Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom: Enjoy great food and even better beer. 

5. Clairway

Clairway is a suburban neighborhood in Fayetteville, NC. The homes in Clairway are primarily small—and medium-sized single-family homes, but the community also offers high-rise apartments and condos for sale.

Best known for its convenience and family-friendly environment, the residents love how peaceful and well-maintained this neighborhood is. Most homes here are established but not old and were built between 1970 and 1999. 

Local Favorites:

Luigi's Italian Chophouse and Bar: Beloved for its high-quality cuisine and moderate prices. 

Winterbloom Tea: Serving different varieties of teas and cocktails in a great atmosphere. 

6. Rockfish Township 

Rockfish is a very popular town in Fayetteville, with a population of over 64,000. It is considered one of the best places to live in Fayetteville and offers a suburban and rural feel.

Rockfish Township is mainly a military town, so due to the proximity of Fort Bragg, many neighbors and residents are military personnel. This suburban community is part of the Hoke County Public School District, which provides top-rated education to students. 

Local Favorites: 

Putt-Putt Fun Center: An excellent place for putt-putt, go-karts, batting cages, bumper boats, and laser tag. 

Green Side Up Garden and Gifts: Purchase garden supplies, decorative items, and plants. 

7. Yadkin Acres

Based on population size, Yadkin Acres is a suburban and affordable neighborhood in Fayetteville. The homes in Yadkin Acres comprise small to medium-sized apartment complexes, high-rise apartments, and single-family homes for sale. 

Local Favorites: 

Fayetteville Technical Community College: Offering over 300 degrees, diplomas, and certificates. 

Escapology Escape Rooms Fayetteville: Providing live escape game challenges at an affordable price. 

8. Arran Lakes West 

Arran Lakes West is one of the smaller Fayetteville neighborhoods with roughly 1,008 residents. Although it is a small neighborhood, it is one of the best and is known for its walkability and peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere. It is located close to Arran Hills and Winter Park neighborhoods and has various shops and fun things to do for all ages. 

Local Favorites: 

Lake Rim Park: Featuring nature trails, a playground, ball fields, and picnic areas. 

Clark Park Nature Center: Located along the Cape Fear River, this park has walking trails and a nature center with turtles, fish, and snakes. 

9. Westover 

Westover is just west of Fort Bragg, making it perfect for veterans and active duty personnel. The neighborhood is family-friendly and has an easy commute to the base. It is also highly safe and one of the best areas to live in Fayetteville.

The area has tiny to medium-sized single-family homes and apartment complexes. Best known for its affordable and beautiful real estate, Westover is a great place to raise a family or settle down. 

Local Favorites: 

Mash House Brewing Company: Enjoy craft beer and delicious food in a lively atmosphere. 

Axes and Armor Hatchet House: A fun idea for a date night. 

10. Anderson Creek 

Another one of the best places to live in Fayetteville is Anderson Creek. This diverse community is excellent for young families, professionals, and veterans. The tight-knit and slow-paced community makes it perfect for those looking for a calm and relaxing neighborhood.

The commute to Fort Bragg is only 20 minutes away for veterans and military personnel. Located in Harnett County, Anderson Creek has a population of over 24,000 and is known for its mixture of suburban and urban living. 

Local Favorites: 

Anderson Creek Club: Book a tee time at this 18-hole golf course. 

Anderson Creek County Park: A great place to walk the dog and bring the family. 

11. Eastover 

Eastover is another great suburb of Fayetteville that used to be known as Flea Hill. Eastover is full of homes for sale, green pastures, and farmland, and there are plenty of fun things to do for residents throughout the year.

Eastover is recognized as one of the smaller communities in the area and is located close to the Cape Fear River and the Clark Park Nature Center. With a median age of 44.7, Eastover is a great place to call home for families and retirees. 

Local Favorites: 

Talley Woodland Park: A beautifully landscaped wooded area with cool breezes, wooden bridges, and a cascading brook along the wood's edge.

Eastover Recreation Center: It features a full-size indoor basketball gym, a cardio exercise room, and two additional large activity rooms for hosting music, arts and crafts, parties, exercises, quilting, and more. 

Methodology 

To determine the best neighborhoods in Fayetteville, NC, factors such as crime rate, affordability of homes, schools in the area, and local amenities were considered. Data was sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau and North Carolina History.

FAQs 

Is Fayetteville, NC, a good place to live? 

Yes, Fayetteville is a great place to live. It has an affordable cost of living, a growing housing market, a family-friendly environment, a diverse population, job opportunities, and small-town charm. 

What is the safest neighborhood in Fayetteville, NC? 

Fayetteville, NC, is home to many safe neighborhoods, but the communities of West Over and Spring Lake are among the safest due to their proximity to Fort Bragg and family-friendly lifestyles. 

Is Fayetteville a good place to raise a family? 

Home to many military personnel and their families, Fayetteville is considered a good place to raise a family. Featuring plenty of activities and amenities for all ages, it is no wonder that so many families want to call Fayetteville home. 

Best Neighborhoods in Fayetteville, NC - Final Thoughts 

Fayetteville has many great neighborhoods and areas to live in. Most of the town is safe, making it the perfect place to retire, raise a family, or settle down. 

Fayetteville is approximately 65 miles from Raleigh's best neighborhoods and about 200 miles from Charlotte, which makes it a great place to live near larger metropolitan areas. Interstate Highway 95 makes the commute to other cities safe and easy. 

If you're interested in real estate in the area, you can contact us or visit our website to connect with one of our agents.