PCSing to Fort Liberty and trying to decide if Harnett County is right for you? You want space, value, and a manageable commute without guesswork. This guide walks you through local towns, housing options, commute tips, schools, BAH planning, and a simple PCS timeline built for real life. You will leave with clear next steps and trusted resources. Let’s dive in.
Why choose Harnett County
If you want a quieter setting and more yard for your budget, Harnett County can work well. You will find newer subdivisions, rural lots, and small‑town convenience compared with more urban options closer to post. Many families choose Harnett for perceived affordability and a balanced commute.
Town snapshots to compare
- Lillington: The county seat with small‑town services and proximity to the Cape Fear River. You will find a mix of established neighborhoods and newer homes.
- Dunn: I‑95 access and a stronger retail corridor. There are more rentals and townhomes near commercial hubs.
- Erwin: Residential feel with established neighborhoods and local amenities.
- Angier: A growing bedroom‑community on the southern end, influenced by nearby Wake County employment.
- Buies Creek: Home to Campbell University. College‑area rentals and short‑term options may be more common.
Each town offers a different mix of price points, commute tradeoffs, and amenities. Start with your must‑haves, then compare options.
Housing options and market basics
Harnett County offers a broad set of home types, which helps if you need flexibility around orders, timelines, or budget.
What you will find
- Single‑family homes in subdivisions and on rural lots (most common)
- Manufactured homes in select areas
- Townhomes and small multifamily near retail corridors
- Short‑term rentals and sublets near college areas
- Active new‑construction communities in growth corridors
Inventory tightens in peak summer PCS months. If you are renting, start early and be ready with documents. If you are buying, get preapproved and plan enough time for inspections and underwriting.
Renting in Harnett County
- Timing: Summer fills fast. Begin searching 60 to 90 days before arrival.
- Lease length: Month‑to‑month or short leases exist but can be limited and cost more.
- Clauses: Some landlords are familiar with military tenants. Confirm any early‑termination language in writing and know your rights under federal law (more below).
Buying with a VA or conventional loan
- VA experience: Many local lenders and agents work with VA buyers. Ask your team about appraisals, required repairs, and closing timelines.
- Condition: Older homes may need HVAC, roof, or septic updates. Build inspection time into your plan.
- Flood and insurance: Homes near the Cape Fear River or creeks can sit in flood zones. Check the exact address in the FEMA Flood Map Service Center before you write an offer.
- Taxes and title: County tax rates and any special districts impact your monthly budget. Use the Harnett County website to review local services and confirm details with the tax office during due diligence.
Commute and transportation
Commutes vary widely by town and time of day. Many areas in Harnett County can offer drives under an hour to Fort Liberty, but construction and peak traffic can add time. Always map your commute during the hours you plan to travel.
Routes and planning tips
- Dunn offers I‑95 access and regional connections.
- Other state routes connect Harnett to the installation and to neighboring counties.
- Park‑and‑ride and transit are limited compared with urban areas, so plan on driving.
- Validate commute times in a mapping app at your actual commute hour.
Vehicle and licensing
If you are new to North Carolina, review registration and licensing requirements and find local office locations through the NC Division of Motor Vehicles. Factor fuel and vehicle wear into your monthly budget if you choose a farther town.
Schools, childcare, and healthcare
Public schools
Harnett County Schools assigns students based on home address. Zones can change, so verify the current assignment for any home you consider and confirm enrollment steps with the district. Start with the Harnett County Schools website and contact the school if you have questions.
Educational quality varies by individual school. Plan to review public information, visit campuses when possible, and compare programs that fit your student.
Childcare and youth programs
Childcare capacity can be tight, especially during summer PCS season. Ask about waitlists and licensing status early. On post, Fort Liberty Child and Youth Services offers childcare and youth programs. Learn more on the Fort Liberty CYS page.
Healthcare
You will find clinics and hospitals in Harnett County and nearby counties. If you use TRICARE or installation facilities, review your enrollment options and confirm which providers are in network.
On‑post vs off‑post housing
On‑post housing
On‑post housing offers a short commute and easy access to installation amenities. Availability shifts with demand and season, so check current wait times and application steps with the installation. Start at the Fort Liberty main installation site and navigate to Housing and Relocation resources. For arrival support, you can also contact the Relocation Readiness Program.
Off‑post housing
Off‑post options in Harnett County can provide more space and a quieter setting. Weigh the longer commute, fuel costs, and utility setup. Confirm whether a property uses county sewer or a septic system, and check internet providers in advance if you work or learn from home.
BAH, budgeting, and legal protections
Check BAH and compare total costs
Use the official BAH Rate Lookup to estimate your housing budget by pay grade. Then compare homes across Harnett towns. Add commute costs, utilities, and potential flood insurance to get a full monthly picture.
Lease termination rights under SCRA
If orders change, you may have protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. Review the DoD overview on Military OneSource’s SCRA page and follow your lease notice requirements. Provide proper documentation to your landlord to avoid disputes.
How to pick your Harnett neighborhood
Use these filters to narrow your search:
- Proximity vs price: Closer usually means higher prices with shorter drives. Farther often lowers price but increases commute and vehicle costs.
- School assignment: Confirm the address‑based school zone with the district before applying or writing an offer.
- Flood risk: If a home sits near the Cape Fear River or a creek, check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and ask your lender about flood insurance.
- Utilities and internet: Verify septic vs county sewer, well water vs municipal, trash pickup schedule, and broadband options.
- Resale and rental potential: Proximity to Campbell University and major highways can help future rental demand.
90‑day PCS timeline and checklist
Use this simple plan to keep your move on track.
90+ days out
- Contact the Fort Liberty Housing Office and Relocation Readiness Program for current guidance.
- Research Harnett towns and school zones. Start with the Harnett County Schools district.
- Check your BAH rates.
- Connect with a local, military‑savvy real estate team to map housing options and timelines.
60–90 days out
- Begin active rental or home search. Line up virtual tours if you are remote.
- If buying, get preapproved and discuss VA requirements with your lender.
- Gather school records, vaccination forms, and medical documents.
- Ask childcare providers about waitlists and openings.
30–60 days out
- Schedule inspections or appraisals as needed.
- Arrange Household Goods shipment and confirm pickup windows with the Transportation Office.
- Reserve temporary lodging if required. Validate entitlements with Fort Liberty.
- Review NC registration and licensing with the NC DMV.
Arrival to 30 days
- Enroll children in school and meet campus contacts.
- Set up utilities and internet. Confirm trash days and service providers.
- Complete change‑of‑address and transfer medical and dental care.
- Finalize your lease or closing and review SCRA documentation for your records.
Ready for a local guide you can trust?
You do not have to navigate this move alone. If you want straightforward advice on towns, commute tradeoffs, school zones, and VA‑friendly options, our veteran‑led team is ready to help. Reach out to HIVE Realty Group by LPT Realty for a focused plan that fits your orders, your budget, and your timeline.
FAQs
How long is the commute from Harnett County to Fort Liberty?
- Commute times vary by town, route, and time of day. Many areas can be under an hour, but traffic and construction can add time. Check live maps during your actual commute window before you choose a home.
Is Harnett County usually cheaper than living closer to Fort Liberty?
- Often yes for housing space and lot size, but compare total monthly costs. Add fuel, vehicle wear, utilities, and any flood insurance when you run the numbers.
Can I use a VA loan to buy in Harnett County?
- Yes, you can use a VA loan anywhere in the county. Work with VA‑experienced lenders and agents, plan for inspections and appraisal timelines, and confirm any repair requirements early.
What are my rights if I need to break a lease due to PCS orders?
- The SCRA provides protections for qualifying orders. Follow your lease notice requirements and provide documentation. Review details on Military OneSource’s SCRA page.
How do I check if a property is in a flood zone?
- Enter the address in the FEMA Flood Map Service Center. If the home is in a designated flood zone and you use a federally backed mortgage, flood insurance may be required.
When should I start house‑hunting for a summer PCS?
- For rentals, begin 60 to 90 days before your arrival. For a home purchase, start 90+ days out to allow time for preapproval, tours, inspections, and closing.
Where can I confirm school assignment for a specific Harnett address?
- Visit the Harnett County Schools website and contact the district or the specific school to confirm the current attendance zone for your address.
