We can’t take credit for the deep blue skies and the spectacular waterways that are prevalent throughout Craven County. They were here long before the people arrived. We can, however, brag about the community of people who live and work here. We have a rich history dating back to Colonial times where New Bern served as the first state Capital, where Caleb Bradham invented Pepsi Cola, where the Marine Corps established roots in Cherry Point and Havelock, where Babe Ruth spent his time in the hunting field when not on the baseball field, and where a community of proud, hard working and compassionate people were born. Fast forward more than 300 years and we are still a community of proud, hard working and compassionate people who appreciate all that Craven County has to offer. 

Our community is extremely diverse; a good mix of young families and retirees, professional business owners and skilled trade persons, active citizens and those who enjoy simple, easy living. We enjoy a moderate climate 12 months a year, have access to quality health care, solid education opportunities and a multitude of things to do. We also have a relatively low tax rate, available waterfront properties and a thriving and growing economy.

Golfing Lifestyle
Golf can be enjoyed year-round due to our moderate climate and there are plenty of golf courses available throughout the area. From public to private, you’ll have your choice of finding the course that is right for you and will find yourself on that first tee in no time! Our featured golfing communities include:

Carolina Colours 
New Bern Golf & Country Club 
The Emerald Gold Club 
River Bend 
Taberna 
Sound of Freedom Golf Course 

Boating Lifestyle
With so much waterway access, being on the water appeals to most everyone who lives here in some way or another. There are many boating facilities, yacht clubs and marinas that offer our community a variety of boating opportunities. There are several storage options if you prefer the convenience of just hopping in the boat and hitting the river. There are also many loading areas if you prefer to move your boat around and want to test new waters from different access points. The top boating communities include the following:
   > Fairfield Harbour
   > Brices Creek
   > Trent Woods
   > Carolina Pines
   > River Bend

Waterfront Living
There’s something about waking up and looking out on the water while you drink that first cup of coffee. Or watching the sunset as you take in the last bit of sun after a long day. While there are plenty of favorite spots to enjoy water views as frequently as you’d like, some prefer the luxury of living right on the water, which is why Craven County is so appealing. There are opportunities for lakefront and riverfront living as well as larger creeks with more privacy that open up to larger waters. We love how each community offers a different style, but how all of them love to show off one of our biggest attractions in our county. Waterfront areas include:
   > Historic Downtown New Bern
   > Trent Woods
   > Neuse Harbor
   > River Bend

Historic Neighborhoods
Not only does Craven County offer an abundance of boating and golfing opportunities, it also features the first state capital of North Carolina. New Bern is over 300 years old with plenty of historic architecture that reflects the shaping of our landscape. A vibrant downtown community with lots of boutique shopping, delicious dining, art galleries and more!
   > Historic Ghent
   > Historic Downtown New Bern
   > Historic Riverside

Craven County offers a diverse variety of housing options from riverfront condos and apartments to single-family homes and luxury.