Why Live in Pumpkin Center
Pumpkin Center offers a suburban atmosphere close to Jacksonville, featuring single-family homes with large yards adorned with oaks and pines. The community lacks sidewalks but benefits from proximity to Jacksonville's parks and outdoor attractions. Homebuyers will find a mix of ranch styles, New Traditionals, and split-level homes, with minimal HOA activity except in newer subdivisions. The area attracts retirees and military families, given its location 7 miles north of Camp Lejune. Flooding can be a concern, especially near Northeast Creek, due to hurricanes and severe storms. Residents enjoy nearby parks like Jacksonville Commons Recreation Complex, which features sports courts, baseball diamonds, and soccer fields, and hosts the Jacksonville Jamboree, an annual spring festival. Richard Ray All-America Park offers a meditation labyrinth, amphitheater, and walking paths. Golf enthusiasts can visit Jacksonville Country Club or Paradise Point Golf Course on Camp Lejune. Dining and shopping are concentrated along Western and Marine Boulevards, with options like Wasabi Japanese Sushi & Cuisine, Mi Cabana Mexican Restaurant, and Southern Harvest Soul Food. Grocery stores include Food Lion, Publix, and Aldi, while big box stores like Walmart and Sam’s Club are located at the corner of Marine Boulevard and Western Boulevard. The Jacksonville Mall features multiple retailers and a movie theater. Onslow Memorial Hospital is 4 miles south. U.S. Route 17 connects Pumpkin Center to Wilmington and New Bern, and Albert J. Ellis Airport is 21 miles west. Crime in Onslow County has decreased compared to previous years.
