In Rocky Mount and the surrounding area, lifestyle choices dictate where residents want to live. You will find housing in and around the city of Rocky Mount as well as the nearby communities of Nashville, Tarboro, Whitakers, and Spring Hope to be reasonably priced while still maintaining an air of eastern Carolina living.

When selecting a new home, many factors should be considered - location of the neighborhood, style of the dwelling, condition of the structure and price. The average price for a home in the Rocky Mount area is $118,000, well below many other areas in North Carolina and one third lower than the Raleigh area. Many neighborhoods are situated in growth centers. Conveniently located near shopping centers and retail sectors, area homes, apartments and condominiums offer the newcomer easy access to schools, health care, churches and shopping. Quiet neighborhoods with the peaceful tranquilityof country living can be found in the outlying sections of the area for those who desire a more relaxed atmosphere. Whether raising a family, pursuing a career, or enjoying their retirement years, residents will find homes and neighborhoods designed with their lifestyle needs in mind. And with eight different financial institutions located in the Rocky Mount area, financing should be easily obtained.

As you tour the Rocky Mount area, notice the variety in architectural design - Colonial, Victorian, Georgian, English Tudor, Contemporary and Modern. Also available are smaller low maintenance patio homes, cluster homes and starter homes in a multitude of subdivisions. There are over 100 residential neighborhoods in Rocky Mount that range from the older Edgemont area on the east side of town to the newer Greystone North and Fairfield II subdivisions on the west side. Edgemont boasts older, impressive, slateroofed homes with distinctive personalities that include winding staircases and beveled glass entries. West Haven, one of the city's most stately areas, lies adjacent to beautiful City Lake and is close to the heart of Rocky Mount. West Haven presents large manors on spacious, elegantly landscaped lots.

Newer subdivisions, offering spacious styles to suit any preference, include Candlewood, Goose Creek, Nob Hill, Brassfield Estates, Belmont Farms, Lamplighter Square, Wedgewood and Greystone. Homes in these areas average over 3,000 square feet and range in price from the low $200,000's. For the water lover, the Rocky Mount Reservoir area is nearby in southern Nash County. Windchase, Fieldstream, Mosleywood, Tar River Cove, Williams Pointe and Bridgeview subdivisions make for a picturesque setting for your home. Reservoir residents enjoy skiing, boating, sailing and jet skiing during the warm months. And there are plenty of fish to be landed all year long. Homes in the Reservoir area range from the low $100,000's to $750,000. These areas offer large waterfront, water view and water area lots averaging 1 to 4 acres in size. Other areas that offer large lots with country charm and city convenience include the equestrian neighborhoods of Shiloh, Creekridge, Old Carriage Estates, Hunter Hill Estates, Collinswood, Jefferson Springs, Windsor Hall, Hidden Path, County Lane Acres and Ricks Plantation.

Alongside the established and popular Englewood area is the Colony Square subdivision, a reproduction of a colonial Williamsburg village complete with gravel paved "cobblestone" streets, cedar shake roofs, picket fences and brick sidewalks. Another unique area is the Castaways, located across from Northgreen County Club. The Castaways homes are nestled among natural terrain, the shade of tall pines and landscaped with contemporary flair.

New subdivisions are opening at a rapid pace to meet the growing need for all prices of housing. One of the newest affordable subdivisions to open is Westry Crossing located between Rocky Mount and Nashville. Prices begin in the low $90,000's. Also new is Cobblestone, a community of elegant multi-story homes off County Club Drive and only a short tee shot from Benvenue Country Club.

There are two full service country clubs with golf, tennis, swimming and dining within the city of Rocky Mount. Northgreen is located on the north side of town and has many fine residential homes situated on its fairways and other developed areas. Benvenue Country Club, an older elegant club, is located on the northwest side of town near the shopping hub of Rocky Mount and close to US Highway 301.

The Rocky Mount area offers a variety of apartments and rental homes in many different locations. Some of the rental properties are located in large developments with amenities such as swimming pools, tennis courts and fitness centers. Options such as condominiums, patio homes and townhouses afford prospective homebuyers a diverse menu of choices. Carrington Woods, Remington Woods and The Groves are area patio home neighborhoods, while Winders Creek, Heritage Townhouses and Harbour West offer condos at reasonable prices. One of the newest apartment complexes is Hampton Village, located just off Hunter Hill Road.

Ten minutes west of Rocky Mount, you will find the charming and growing community of Nashville, the county seat of Nash County. Boasting a small-town atmosphere and a population of over 4,000, Nashville is bordered by the four-laned US Highway 64 making neighboring communities easily accessible. There are over 10 developed neighborhoods in Nashville and more than ample shopping. Prices range from $50,000 for a small home to over $200,000 for a luxury home. The average home is priced around $90,000. Nashville has a full service country club - Birchwood - with golf, swimming, and dining. Attractive housing lines some of Birchwood's fairways while many other residents enjoy a short walk to the facilities.

20 minutes east of Rocky Mount is Tarboro, the county seat of Edgecombe County. Architecturally significant structures abound in Tarboro's 45-block Historic District, one of North Carolina's largest historic districts. This beautiful residential area is adjacent to a cozy and vibrant downtown that is the nucleus of Tarboro. Newer neighborhoods feature a wide variety of styles and prices. Gracious homes located in lovely established neighborhoods and newer subdivisions offer convenience to schools, shopping and recreational areas. Excellent value for the housing dollar is found in Tarboro in addition to a warm village-like feeling that permeates throughout each neighborhood.

For more information, email rmacc@rockymountchamber.org.