NWR - Fayetteville??? Help!

FutureMrsTR

Hey there! I live in DE right now, but FI might have a job offer coming from Pope AFB (as a civilian photographer) and I know nothing about the area! I've checked out their tourism website, but of course they're only going to put good things on there. I need an insider's opinion. We're 25 and 26, don't go out partying too much, we like the outdoors (boating, waterskiing, snowboarding, hiking, etc.) and we like live music. We would have to live within 45 minutes of Pope AFB due to FI being on call. We don't need this to be the place we decide to really put down roots, but is Fayetteville a good choice for a couple of years? Thanks so much!!

kgaliger

I hate affirm what you may or may not already know but Fayetteville is pretty horrible...Its often times referred to as the armpit of NC.  That doesn't mean that there aren't places to live around Fayetteville.  FIL runs a location of his company in Raleigh and recently took over the Fayetteville location.  He just commutes in from their place in Pinehurst when he works in Fayetteville.  I would try Pinehurst, Aberdeen, or Southern Pines area.  Big plus if you like golf...they're not big cities but they're really quaint and there's enough to keep you busy there.  Plus there's some lakes around there as well.  Hope this helps!

wlfpkbride

I was born in Fayetteville and lived there until I was in first grade, then we moved to the armpit of NC (Robeson County...about 30 mins from Fayetteville). It's not a place I would be scared to go or anything like that, a lot of it is just run down looking. I have definitely seen worse though. It does have some nice residential areas but nothing amazing. The Southern Pines, Pinehurst and Aberdeen areas are definitely nicer but the commute would be closer to an hour, more with traffic. Most of the areas closer to Pope are about the same IMO.

ajsuperstar

I live in Sanford and it takes 25 to 30 minutes to get to Fayetteville.  We often go there for the mall (we don't have one).  Sanford is nice as well, but I'm a little biased!  Southern Pines and Aberdeen are a wonderful alternative as well.  FI and I are getting married in Pinehurst, so we love it too!  I won't diss Fayetteville, but I certainly will echo PP.  I think your best bet would be to look around at surrounding cities.  Hope that helps!!!!

bagantt

Yea ditto PPs - Fayetteville is not my favorite place in NC.  An ex of mine grew up there and we would go visit from time to time.  Its unique because there are so many military families in the area.  But there is a downtown presence with good restaurants and I'm guessing live music from time to time.  Sanford wouldn't be any better, IMO.  Pinehurst is good but quiet.  Fayetteville would be doable, but not my top choice.  Its close enough to Raleigh (about 1 hour, 15 minutes) though I guess?  And its not far from the coast which is a big plus.  HTH!