About
The history of Jacksonville dates to the 1700s. What started out as a small fishing village on the Atlantic coast has grown a lot since then. The town, named in honor of President Andrew Jackson, was incorporated in 1842, but this once sleepy settlement really came into its own with the arrival of Camp Lejeune in 1940. Jacksonville has a symbiotic relationship with the massive Marine Corps installation and has even annexed portions of the base into its borders. Jacksonville lies in Lower Onslow County and curves around the northeastern shoreline of the New River. North Carolina’s South Outer Banks and the “Crystal Coast” are easily accessible from Jacksonville, and Wilmington is a little over an hour drive away.
Jacksonville is the largest “city” in the area, and home to most of the big, name-brand retailers like Target, Marshalls, Old Navy, and Walmart. Restaurants are mainly limited to popular chains. Jacksonville has a small commercial airport and a 162-bed medical facility. But whatever it may lack in urban amenities, it more than makes up for in parks and outdoor recreation opportunities. Trails provide ample chance for running, hiking, and biking. The city’s boat landings, marinas and waterway access makes it easy to enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, or boating on the New River, and the beach is just a short drive away.
Neighbors
Because Jacksonville includes most of Camp Lejeune, this is one of the youngest cities in the country! The town is chock-full of Marines and Sailors in all forms: families, retirees, singles, and young married couples. Of course, most locals were born-and-bred in Jacksonville, but they are incredibly hospitable to their military neighbors.
Neighborhood Feel
Jacksonville has a variety of neighborhood styles and “vibes” within its borders, ranging from mid-sized “city/urban” to downright “country.” Apartments and densely packed single family homes are closer to the commercial areas. Newer, master-planned subdivisions begin sprawling outwards from the center of town. You will also find many mobile home communities scattered about. Some of the newer neighborhoods have been built on subdivided farmland and have a distinct lack of trees and established landscaping. Homes with acreage and a more rural feel can be found in the southwest part of town. The historic district is home to some majestic gems that take you back in time.
