North Carolina Real Estate & Relocation Guide

Oriental, North Carolina

Population: 875

Located in Pamlico County

Oriental, North Carolina

You've found The Sailing Capital Of North Carolina - Oriental. We're a little village of just 875 people, but over 2,700 boats. Folks visit to enjoy the fine sailing off Oriental and the peaceful village lifestyle. Local sailing clubs hold races throughout the year. Other sailors prefer cruising, using Oriental as a convenient base for sailing trips to nearby towns like Beaufort or Ocracoke. Some just cruise to a calm bay and enjoy anchoring out for the evening.

Oriental is supporting a growing art colony, with offerings in both fine arts and the performing arts. Exhibits are held in town throughout the year and continuously at galleries. The Pamlico County Civic and Cultural Center is housed in the "Old Theater" and serves as the home of the Pelican Players. The Pamlico Music Society hosts visiting musicians at the Old theater too.

Events in Oriental range from regattas to some rather quirky festivals. You won't find a Florida theme park, but you will find a real town with a real harbor and friendly people.

Just walking around the village can lower your blood pressure. The trees on South Avenue will give you some shade as you gaze at the old river homes. A few paces down is Lou Mac Park, complete with a couple (locally made) Adirondack chairs to take in the scenery.

Wander down to the harbor and it is a very different view. Sailboats from all over the world come and go. The classic fishing trawlers that work the sound make Oriental's harbor home. Some folks bring a bike, or rent one in the village. It's a good way to take in the town...breathe the air.

More people are discovering the creeks in and near Oriental are ideal for kayak and canoe paddling. There is now a place to put your boat in on town property next to the wildlife ramp. You can choose to paddle the protected waters of area creeks, or take on the larger and more challenging Neuse River.

Interestingly enough, Oriental is surprisingly affordable, even though many of the homes command waterviews, or are located on the water front itself. A three-bedroom town house with 1,600 square feet of living space costs only $170,000, while even land is inexpensive. If you choose to buy a home that is just a couple of miles from the city center, you can very comfortably fit into a 3,000 square foot home for less than $250,000!

The ocean breezes causing seasonal changes to be less than those experienced in the western part of the state moderate the heat of summer and the cold of winter. Occasionally snow falls but seldom lasts more than a day or two. Temperatures average a mild 44 to 48 degrees in the winter months and rise above 80 degrees in the summer.

If the ocean and the water is calling your name, you would be wise to answer the call, and make Oriental your next port of call!