The North Carolina Coastal region sits alongside the Atlantic Ocean boasting miles of beautiful beaches, national seashores, and charming small towns. One can enjoy sailing the Atlantic, visiting sites rooted in War history, or exploring coastal lighthouses.
The Coastal area features a mild climate for most of the year allowing for festivals and outdoor adventures throughout the year. The mainstays of the economy reside in agriculture and defense sectors. Tourism also helps drive the economy. The Coast is home to some of the bravest service members in the county. They live and work on our coastal area military bases like, Seymour Johnson AFB in Goldsboro and Marine Corps Air station Cherry Point.
NCServes – Coastal Coordination center sits just outside of Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, NC one of the largest Marine Corps bases on the East coast. In addition to a population of active service members and their families, our veteran population increases every year. Many of those service members retire in the coastal community to enjoy quiet living in the countryside or coastline area. Universities and community colleges dot the area for individuals seeking education and port activities are contributing to employment opportunities in marine and industrial trades.
Located along the New River, the City of Jacksonville is the commercial nucleus of Onslow County. Renowned as an All-America City by the National Civic League in 1992, Jacksonville prides itself as being a citizen friendly place to live as characterized by its business, retail, medical, banking, and cultural diversity. The mild climate, warm beaches, natural parks, social scene and welcome atmosphere are a magnet for visitors and tourists alike.
Jacksonville is home to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River. The City continues to flourish due to the same qualities that drew the Marine Corps to choose to build Camp Lejeune, the world’s most complete amphibious base, in Onslow County. According to the 2000 Census, it was projected that the population of the City of Jacksonville would grow to 82,000 with one half of the population living aboard Camp Lejeune and New River Air Station.