|
Welcome to New Bern, North Carolina!
The natural beauty and charm of New Bern truly make it a treasure on one of the largest river plain systems of North Carolina. Unique among towns of comparable size, New Bern offers its residents the opportunities and conveniences of urban life, coupled with the hospitality, comfort, and security of small-town living. A mild four-season climate, state-of-the-art medical care, award-winning schools, a new airport, a regional library, a variety of shops and restaurants, and unlimited social and cultural opportunities are a few of the amenities afforded area residents.
Your style of life in New Bern is limited only by your budget and your imagination. Home options range from the magnificent colonial styles of the downtown historic district to the brand new custom homes of one of New Bern's golf course communities. Whether you buy or rent a home, townhome or condo, the reasonable cost of living keeps real estate affordable for any budget.
You're invited to discover for yourself why TIME Magazine, Where to Retire, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times have featured New Bern as an outstanding place to live.
Talking Points:
New Bern has the distinction of being the first capital of North Carolina and is the second oldest town in North Carolina. The City of New Bern will celebrate its three hundredth birthday in 2010. There is a year long calendar of events planned to mark this important milestone in the cities development. For more information on the celebration visit www.NewBern300.com.
Governor William Tryon had Tryon Palace built in the period between 1767-1770. It served as the first capital of North Carolina but was destroyed by fire in 1798. The current Tryon Palace was rebuilt on the original site using the original plans which where located in England. Tryon Palace attracts one hundred thousand plus visitors each year and has events for locals and tourist year round. Currently you can enjoy free admission to the grounds the first Sunday of the month!
Opening in April 2010 is the North Carolina History Education Center on the corner of South Front and Metcalf Streets. This is a 60.6 million dollar project on the banks of Trent River. It is expected that this addition to the Tryon Palace complex will attract an additional 100,000 visitors by 2012 making the entire Tryon Palace complex a venue destination for 200,000 visitors per year.
While the downtown historic district attracts lots of locals and visitors every day, it is only one part of New Bern. Sky Sail and Trent River Villas river front condominiums are now completed on the banks of the Trent River which flows together with the mighty Neuse River at Union Point Park. Other major developments are close by like River Bend, Green Briar, Taberna, Fair Field Harbour, Carolina Colours, Carolina Pines and Neuse Harbour. Several new major projects have been announced like Bridgeton Harbor Yacht Club & Condominiums.
In August of 2000 the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center opened downtown and hosts conventions, educational and cultural events daily. This 29,800 square foot facility is owned by Craven County and is used continuously by the local citizens as well as visitors from all over the world.
New Bern is growing with a recently remodeled Super Target, Wal-Mart Super Center and Harris Teeter grocery store. Belk’s and Penny’s are located at the recently renovated New Bern Mall.
MCAS Cherry Point is the major economic engine in this area. In addition to it's main responsibility of defending the citizens of the United States, it is also directly responsible for supporting the local economy of eastern N.C. Many businesses are suppliers to the base, it provides jobs for residents, is a large part of the local real estate market and also is responsible for a vast retirement population in the community. Althought Cherry Point is about 20 mile away in Havelock, New Bern would be drastically different if it were not for the influences of MCAS Cherry Point and to a lesser degree Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River which are located about 35 miles south of New Bern in Jacksonville, N.C.
There are 23 public schools for New Bern area students administered by the Craven County Board of Education. Currently 15 elementary schools, 5 middle schools and 3 high schools educate a student body of over 14,000. In addition there are several private schools and one progressive school, Craven Early College. Other contiguous school systems include Jones, Carteret and Pamlico public schools.
Craven Regional Medical Center is constantly building or remodeling. Current expansion work will increase the size of the facility to about 360 beds. Plans for a new emergency care center have been announced. Discussions are ongoing for the construction of a new women’s health center as well.
Transportation in New Bern is a mixed bag. Getting down town is a little taxing right now as the Alfred Cunningham Bridge is being replaced. It is scheduled to re-open in 2009. Also major renovation and design work has started on Broad Street to return it to it’s earlier “green design” with trees and wide sidewalks.
On the other hand Coastal Carolina Regional Airport located in James City, minutes from downtown New Bern,has nine flights daily including direct flights to Atlanta and Philadelphia.
The first phase of the 43 Connector has been completed ahead of schedule. It opened several weeks ago. This is the start of our first outer loop. Phase two is being planned now.
Another project is the four lane expansion/by-pass of US Hwy 17. This North-South artery is long overdue for being upgraded in eastern North Carolina. The “Super Corridor” US Highway 70 Project passing through Craven County, is being developed and implemented as well.
New Bern is a southern river town. The downtown part of New Bern is situated where the Trent River and Neuse Rivers join as they move water into the Pamlico Sound. Fishing, water sports and sailing are some of the best in the country.
You'll love calling New Bern home!
|