Raeford vs. Fayetteville: Housing, Commute and Lifestyle

Do you want city convenience or more space for your money? If you are weighing Raeford in Hoke County against Fayetteville in Cumberland County, you are not alone. Many buyers live in one and work or shop in the other, especially with the pull of Fort Liberty nearby. In this guide, you will learn how housing, commute, and daily life compare so you can choose what fits your goals. Let’s dive in.

Quick snapshot: Who should consider each

• Raeford/Hoke County: You want a quieter setting with more single-family homes, larger lots, and a small-town feel. Newer subdivisions exist alongside rural acreage and manufactured homes.
• Fayetteville/Cumberland County: You want close-in amenities, a wider mix of housing types, and proximity to a larger job base and services. Apartments, townhomes, and suburban neighborhoods are common.
• Military-connected households: Fort Liberty influences both markets. Rental demand, PCS cycles, and shift-based commutes shape pricing, inventory, and timing across the region.

Housing: Types, budgets, and value drivers

What you will find in Raeford

• Predominantly single-family homes with a mix of older in-town properties and newer subdivisions.
• More opportunities for larger lots and rural settings. Some homes use wells and septic.
• New construction is active but at a smaller scale than in Fayetteville.

What you will find in Fayetteville

• A wider range: single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and larger apartment communities.
• Neighborhoods at different price points and densities, including areas that serve military and civilian renters.
• More frequent new-home communities and in-progress developments.

Affordability and what affects price

• Lot size and density: Larger lots in Hoke County often trade at a lower price per acre than closer-in city neighborhoods.
• Age of homes: Older housing stock in select areas can offer savings, while newer construction and well-located suburbs may command higher prices.
• Proximity to Fort Liberty and major job centers: Shorter commutes and access to retail, healthcare, and services typically increase buyer demand.
• School district boundaries and nearby amenities: These can influence value. Always review neutral, official sources when comparing school options and performance.

Market pace and inventory

• Raeford can feel steadier but with fewer total listings. Days on market may reflect buyer search patterns for space and acreage.
• Fayetteville’s broader pool of buyers, renters, and investors can create faster absorption in certain neighborhoods, especially during PCS seasons.

Rental landscape

• Fayetteville has a large rental and apartment market that serves both military and civilian populations.
• Raeford offers single-family rentals, often appealing to households seeking more space while staying within commuting distance.

Commute: Drive times, routes, and options

How people get around

• Raeford and Fayetteville are linked by main state highways that many residents use daily for work, school, and shopping.
• Fayetteville offers easier access to regional routes and intercity highways for longer commutes.

What to expect with drive times

• Commute times vary by starting point, destination, and time of day. Fort Liberty’s shift changes and school schedules can create peak-hour slowdowns.
• Expect more variability during PCS months and when road work is active. Off-peak trips are typically shorter.

Transit and alternatives

• The Fayetteville Area System of Transit (FAST) serves Fayetteville. Service beyond the city is limited, so most Hoke County residents rely on driving.
• Carpooling and park-and-ride arrangements are common among military teammates and coworkers.
• Biking between communities is limited by distance and roadway design; check local plans if a mixed commute is important to you.

Cost tradeoffs

• Living farther out can lower housing costs while increasing fuel, maintenance, and time costs.
• If you have hybrid or remote work flexibility, you may be able to prioritize lot size and home features without a daily commute burden.

Lifestyle: Schools, healthcare, shopping, recreation

Schools and education

• Districts: Raeford is served by Hoke County Schools. Fayetteville is served by Cumberland County Schools. Boundaries and program offerings differ by district.
• Options: Both areas include public, private, and charter choices. Review official district resources for enrollment, program availability, and transportation details.
• Military families: School liaison resources tied to Fort Liberty can help you navigate transitions.

Healthcare access

• Fayetteville is a regional medical hub anchored by Cape Fear Valley Health. Specialized services and major hospital care are typically found there.
• Raeford residents often use local clinics and urgent care, with quick access to Fayetteville for hospital-based care.
• Military-connected care and VA services are available in the region; check eligibility and locations when planning your move.

Shopping, dining, and entertainment

• Fayetteville: Larger retail centers, theaters, and more diverse dining scenes. Big-box and specialty stores are widely available.
• Raeford: Small-town businesses, supermarkets, and local restaurants. For specialty shopping and events, many residents drive into Fayetteville.
• Community life: Hoke County hosts local markets, parks programming, and small-town events that reinforce a close-knit feel.

Parks, trails, and outdoor life

• Hoke County offers parks, green space, and access to nearby regional outdoor destinations.
• Fayetteville provides city parks, greenways, and recreation centers. Both areas benefit from proximity to Fort Liberty recreation resources and broader Sandhills attractions.

Public safety

• Review neutral, official sources such as the FBI Crime Data Explorer and local police reports for up-to-date crime statistics.
• Conditions can vary by neighborhood. Compare data at the local level rather than relying on countywide or citywide averages alone.

Practicalities: Taxes, utilities, insurance

Property taxes and fees

• County tax rates differ between Hoke and Cumberland counties, and municipal taxes may apply inside city limits like Fayetteville.
• HOAs are more common in newer subdivisions. Fees and amenities vary by community.

Utilities and septic vs sewer

• Rural parts of Hoke County often use well water and septic. Confirm system type, age, permitting, and maintenance history during due diligence.
• In more urbanized areas of Fayetteville, public water and sewer are more widely available. Always verify utility connections and service providers.

Insurance and hazard risks

• Review FEMA flood maps to identify Special Flood Hazard Areas that may require flood insurance.
• Factor in wind and storm exposure common to eastern North Carolina when comparing premiums and deductibles.

Resale timing and demand

• Military PCS seasons shape buyer traffic and rental absorption across the region.
• Investor activity in Fayetteville and owner-occupier demand in Raeford can create different pricing and days-on-market patterns.

Decision checklist: Compare both communities

Use this list while touring or scouting online:

• Commute fit: Drive your route at your likely start and end times, including a test run to Fort Liberty if relevant.
• Lifestyle priorities: List top three must-haves, such as yard size, garage, or proximity to parks or shopping.
• Utilities and systems: Confirm public water/sewer vs well/septic, age of systems, and typical monthly costs.
• Taxes and fees: Ask your agent to estimate annual property taxes and any HOA fees for each address.
• Insurance: Check whether the property is in a mapped flood zone and get a quote early.
• School logistics: Verify attendance zones, transportation options, and program availability directly with the district.
• Neighborhood data: Review neutral safety and traffic information, then visit at different times of day.
• Resale outlook: Consider the local buyer pool, nearby development, and how seasonal demand might affect timing.

Ready to compare neighborhoods or set up tours in both counties? Our veteran-led team can walk you through tradeoffs, connect you with trusted lenders, and tailor a plan for your move or sale. Reach out to HIVE Realty Group by LPT Realty to get started.

FAQs

How do Raeford and Fayetteville housing options differ?

• Raeford leans toward single-family homes on larger lots, while Fayetteville offers a broader mix that includes townhomes and apartments.

What should I expect for a Raeford-to-Fayetteville commute?

• Drive times vary by route and time of day, with peak-hour slowdowns near Fort Liberty. Test your route during your typical schedule.

Do Raeford and Fayetteville have different school districts?

• Yes. Raeford is served by Hoke County Schools, and Fayetteville is served by Cumberland County Schools. Always verify attendance zones and programs with the districts.

Where do Raeford residents typically go for hospital care?

• Many use local clinics for routine needs and travel to Fayetteville for hospital and specialty services, including Cape Fear Valley Health.

Are there flood or insurance concerns in Hoke County?

• Always check FEMA flood maps for each property and get early quotes for homeowners and flood insurance to understand total costs.

How do property taxes compare between the two areas?

• County and city tax rates differ, and municipal taxes may apply within Fayetteville. Ask your agent to estimate taxes for each specific property.

Is public transit available between Raeford and Fayetteville?

• Fayetteville has FAST bus service within the city. Service to Raeford is limited, so most commuters drive or carpool.