About
Raeford is just south of Fort Bragg and borders the Southwestern edge of Fayetteville. This Hoke County city was originally settled by Highland Scots, as was most of the Cape Fear region. The name “Raeford” was adopted by pairing two of the most prominent settlers’ names, McRae and Williford (American pop culture at work even in the 17th century!). Military families flock to Raeford and have concentrated in the Rockfish area, just across the Hoke County line. Though the area is considered fairly rural, or “country”, there are plenty of options for shopping (several Walmarts, supermarkets, and home improvement stores), chain restaurants and fast food, and golf courses, as well as some recreational activities and farms with local produce. The actual city of Raeford is pretty small and not exactly an attraction, so most people rely on nearby Fayetteville.
Neighbors
The Rockfish area has a heavy military representation because of the proximity to post and affordable houses. Farther away from the county line, you’re likely to find farms and homesteads, pockets of multiple generations of interconnected families, alongside members of the Lumbee Tribe that have been moving into the area from Robeson County.
Neighborhood Feel
The area is flat, rural, and the neighborhoods are widely dispersed. There’s a lot of development just across the Hoke County line and is a big draw for those looking to escape Cumberland County taxes yet still be close to Fayetteville. In recent years, farmland has been converted by developers so master planned communities are the norm and offer a range of home sizes and prices.
