Acreage & Country Living in Southeastern North Carolina
Just inland from the beaches, Southeastern North Carolina opens into farmland, pine forest, rivers, and swamps. Columbus County, western and northern Pender County, rural Onslow County, and parts of Brunswick County offer homes on several acres, small farms, hunting tracts, and wooded land — often at a fraction of coastal prices.
Country living appeals to buyers who want privacy, room for a garden or livestock, a shop or barn, horses, or hunting land. Many rural homes are still within 30 to 60 minutes of Wilmington, Jacksonville, or the beach.
Rural property requires a different kind of due diligence. Septic permits, wells, access easements, wetlands, zoning, and timber all affect what you can do with the land and what it is worth. We help buyers ask the right questions before they commit.
Where to Find Land and Country Homes
Whiteville, Chadbourn & Tabor City
Columbus CountyColumbus County offers some of the best values in the region on land and rural homes, with farming heritage and festivals like the NC Pecan Harvest Festival and the NC Yam Festival.
Lake Waccamaw & Bolton
Columbus CountyRural living near Lake Waccamaw State Park and the Green Swamp area, with land, lake access, and abundant wildlife.
Burgaw, Currie & Atkinson
Pender CountyWestern and central Pender County offer farms, horse property, and wooded tracts near Moores Creek National Battlefield and the Black River.
Rocky Point & Maple Hill
Pender CountyLarger lots and rural homes near the Northeast Cape Fear River and Holly Shelter Game Land, with easy I-40 access to Wilmington.
Richlands & Northern Onslow
Onslow CountyFarmland and country homes north of Jacksonville, convenient to MCAS New River and Camp Lejeune.
Western Brunswick County
Brunswick CountyRural areas around Ash, Longwood, and Supply offer acreage and a quiet setting within about 30 minutes of the beaches.
Life in the Country
Privacy and quiet
No neighbors over the fence, dark night skies, and space to spread out.
Room for hobbies and animals
Gardens, chickens, horses, workshops, and RV or boat storage are much easier with acreage — subject to local zoning.
Hunting, fishing, and nature
State game lands, rivers, and private tracts provide some of the best hunting and freshwater fishing in eastern North Carolina.
Still close to the coast
Most rural communities in the region are within about an hour of the beach and a city.
Due Diligence for Rural Property
Septic permits and soil
For vacant land, a soil evaluation (often called a perc test) through the county environmental health department determines whether, and what kind of, septic system can be installed. For existing homes, inspect the septic system.
Well water
Have the well tested for flow and water quality, and inspect the pump and pressure tank.
Access, easements, and surveys
Confirm legal, deeded access to a public road and get a current survey to verify boundaries and encroachments.
Wetlands, flood zones, and timber
Wetlands can limit building and clearing. Timber can add value. Review flood maps and, for larger tracts, consider a forestry or wetlands evaluation.
Financing and taxes
USDA Rural Development loans offer no-down-payment financing in eligible areas, which include much of rural Southeastern NC. Land actively used for agriculture, horticulture, or forestry may qualify for North Carolina's present-use value tax program.
Internet and utilities
High-speed internet availability varies widely in rural areas. Confirm service at the specific address if you work from home.
Acreage & Country Living: Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find affordable land near Wilmington, NC?
Buyers often find the most land for the money in Columbus County and western Pender County. Rural parts of Onslow and Brunswick counties also offer acreage within commuting distance of Wilmington, Jacksonville, and the beaches.
Can I use a USDA loan to buy a home with acreage?
Often, yes. USDA Rural Development loans offer no-down-payment financing for eligible buyers in eligible rural areas. There are income limits and the property must be primarily residential, so very large tracts or income-producing farms may need other financing.
What is a perc test and do I need one?
A perc test, or soil evaluation, determines whether the soil can support a septic system. If you are buying vacant land without public sewer, it is one of the most important steps in due diligence. In North Carolina, it is handled through the county environmental health department.
What is present-use value in North Carolina?
Present-use value (PUV) is a program that taxes qualifying agricultural, horticultural, and forest land based on its use rather than its market value, which can significantly reduce property taxes. Requirements include minimum acreage and active management. If the land leaves the program, deferred taxes may be due.