As one of the youngest cities in North Carolina, Jacksonville has grown from a small trading post to a vibrant military community, anchored by Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,090, slightly below the North Carolina state average of $1,349. The rental market includes a variety of apartment communities, townhomes, and single-family homes throughout the city's distinct neighborhoods.

Jacksonville's neighborhoods each offer their own character and appeal. The Mill Avenue Historic District preserves the city's heritage with its collection of early 20th-century homes, while waterfront properties along the New River provide peaceful views and water access. Western Boulevard serves as the city's main commercial corridor, featuring apartment communities within walking distance to shopping centers. The Jacksonville Commons area offers rentals near the 50-acre recreation complex, which includes tennis courts, baseball fields, and a senior center connected by walking trails. Residents enjoy easy access to coastal attractions, with just a 15-minute drive to the Intracoastal Waterway and about an hour to Wilmington's beaches.

The city's economy centers around the military presence, healthcare, and education sectors, with major employers including Camp Lejeune, Onslow Memorial Hospital, and Coastal Carolina Community College. Jacksonville's mild winters and warm summers make it ideal for outdoor activities at nearby Hammocks Beach State Park, where visitors can explore pristine beaches and maritime forests, or take the ferry to Bear Island. With an average commute time under 25 minutes and established shopping districts along Western Boulevard and Piney Green Road, Jacksonville offers a balanced lifestyle that honors its military heritage while maintaining its small-town charm.

*Rent prices & data accurate as of publication. Subject to change.