The 1990 census for the town of Jacksonville had the population at 30,013 residents. More recently, a 2010 census showed that population had boomed to 70,145, a 133% increase over those twenty years. Many attribute the growing population to nearby military base, Camp Leujene. But can the military base explain why Jacksonville is the fifth fastest growing city in the United States, especially at a time when the military is shrinking?

More Than a Military Town

A population boom of 133% would suggest that there is more going on to keep residents in Jacksonville than just a military town. Jacksonville is in eastern North Carolina, bordering the New River. More people are staying in Jacksonville due to its proximity to Atlantic beaches and recreational areas alongside a stable economy.

Recreation

You can leave Jacksonville and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the shores of the Atlantic in about 30 minutes at North Topsail Beach. A local favorite, Emerald Isle, is only 45 minutes away and offers a beach, kayaks, and boat rentals. Bear Island (located in Hammocks Beach State Park) is nearby as well. The 4-mile island features a maritime forest, shrubs, and marshes on the north side. There are plenty of hiking trails nearby in the Croatan National Forest as well.

There is local family-friendly fun as well for those who settle down in Jacksonville. Wilson Bay Park has picturesque views of the New River alongside picnic areas and playground equipment. There’s even a boardwalk with a gazebo that is a popular place for weddings and family pictures.  The Lynwood Park Zoo has goats, reptiles, and even zebras for both adults and little ones to enjoy. The Beirut Memorial is a military monument that both civilians and special force members can enjoy.

Economy

When the population booms like it has in Jacksonville, it typically indicates that there is a stable economy. The Marine Corps base of Camp Leujene has done a wonderful job of partnering with the city council to make sure that the town has opportunities and housing for both the marine corps and civilians.

There are plenty of jobs supplied by the military base but what about other opportunities? The unemployment rate is around 5.4% which is considerably healthy. There is typically a rate of around 5% that is natural unemployment, or people who are in transition with jobs. Other than military jobs, the three highest concentration of jobs are in public administration, health care and social assistance, and accommodation services.

You won’t find the highest paying jobs in the country in Jacksonville with a median income of $41,293. However, the cost of living makes it an affordable place to live. The average median home price here is $135,500, making housing affordable for residents. This may contribute to why the population tends to be around 23 years old. First time home buyers looking for an affordable mortgage can find it here. Not many other places this close to the coast and other recreational areas offer such an affordable place to live.

If you are a small business owner or are thinking about starting a business, the City of Jacksonville has initiatives to grow economic development. The Jacksonville Business Park was created to encourage businesses and industries to move to the area. It works closely with the Jacksonville Onslow of Economic Development to advocate for business opportunities as well as protect the interest of military affairs that affect the local economy.

As mentioned, many of the jobs are in accommodation services, which means that there are plenty of places to eat and drink. You’ll find plenty of traditional southern fare such as Carolina Barbeque, comfort food, and fresh seafood. There are plenty of bars that are downtown and near the river so you can enjoy live music and drinks with your friends. The bar scene is lively with such a young population in the town.

The city has also invested money in the infrastructure to make sure it is a place that continues to attract people as well as keep current residents happy. Leaders have made sure to maintain city parks and other public areas. Hurricane season tends to damage areas and the local government has spent money recently for upgrading bridges and other infrastructure to reduce the impact of tropical storms. There have also been less exciting projects like improving town sewage and providing enough clean water to residents.

Service members who retire from military duty will find themselves welcomed in the area with plenty of local administration jobs that the town makes sure to help transition them into a new life. Other retirees will find it a great place to enjoy the end of their careers with warm weather and affordable housing.

Growth is in the Future

It doesn’t look like the population boom has any sign of slowing down in the near future. The future looks bright for growth with increasing numbers in opportunities for business owners and current residents. Anyone looking to move to the Coastal Carolina area will flock to Jacksonville with affordable housing and a low cost index. There are an infinite number of recreational activities and residents are close enough to drive to the beach.

The youngest city in the United States offers enough to expect that the city won’t slow down in developing the economy. Prices could rise in the near future with the growing population base, so if you are looking to move to one of the best places to live in North Carolina, you should make plans to do it soon.