When people visit the Pinehurst area for the first time, they are always impressed with the unmistakable charm and natural beauty of the area. Many who come here for a golf vacation have been so captivated they have returned as permanent residents. What makes this area so special? Listed below are some of the most frequently asked questions that REALTORS® hear concerning this area.
1. I know Pinehurst is a well-known golf resort, but will it be affordable for me to play golf frequently?
Pinehurst is indeed considered the “Granddaddy of golf resorts” on the east coast, however, we have over forty wonderful golf courses in the area and compared to many sections of the country, the cost is very reasonable. Most of the courses have comparatively low initiation fees and transfer fees. Also most courses have a variety of options on their monthly fees, based on how frequently you plan to play. Even if you don’t join a specific club, there are many golf packages that will make playing golf very affordable.
2. In a resort community, won’t real estate prices be really high?
Actually, most people coming here for the first time are astonished at just how affordable the housing is. They simply can’t believe they can purchase a great home at a much lower price than they would expect to pay in their own home town, especially in a resort community like Pinehurst and the surrounding areas!
3. What about real estate taxes?
Again, this is a very pleasant surprise for most folks considering moving into this area. Our real estate taxes (.56 per thousand of appraised value in the county) are so low compared to other areas of the country that many times they are less than half the amount people are currently paying.
4. Does the area have good healthcare?
We are truly fortunate to have state-of-the-art healthcare available from FirstHealth of the Carolinas. Our hospital consistently ranks in the top 100 hospitals in America and offers a roster of first rate physicians in every specialty. The Health and Fitness Center, owned and operated by FirstHealth of the Carolinas, is not only an important amenity to the community, but also a popular gathering place that combines fitness and fun.
5. What is the weather like?
Many people move to North Carolina for the year-round temperate climate. Although we do have four distinct and enjoyable seasons, the weather is mild enough, even in the winter months, to play golf or to be outdoors. Actually, Pinehurst was originally founded as a health resort because of the mild climate and low humidity, not a golf resort!
6. If I don’t play golf, what else is there to do?
This question often comes up, especially from couples where one is not a golfer. There are many activities in the area for everyone to enjoy. In addition to golfing facilities, there are over 100 tennis courts in Moore County with frequent tournaments that are fun for participants and spectators. This area is also a draw for horse people who bring their horses here for winter training and give us the opportunity for many equestrian events that run the gamut from dressage to Steeplechases. There’s an active cycling community with official races, the Horticultural Gardens at Sandhills Community College to explore, and over 100 civic clubs and community groups that welcome your participation. In addition to such well-known groups as Newcomers Club, there are bridge clubs, quilting clubs, dance clubs, garden clubs, arts groups, historical societies, and many others to cover almost any activity.
7. What about shopping and area restaurants?
We do have great shopping opportunities throughout the county. Many of our small specialty shops have wonderful selections of local crafts and pottery that this area is famous for. There’s also a great selection of women’s and men’s stores that feature wonderful clothes for any budget- and of course that includes extensive selections golf apparel. If you really want to shop till you drop, it’s an easy hour and a half drive to the major metropolitan areas of Raleigh and Greensboro. As for area restaurants, we have a number of truly outstanding establishments that offer tremendous variety, first class service and fabulous food. From classic French cuisine to down home Southern cooking, you won’t be disappointed in your dining choices in Moore County.
8. Does the area have good educational facilities?
With more and more younger families moving into the area, the school system is an important consideration. Moore County offers well regarded public and private schools, as well as Sandhills Community College, one of our area’s finest assets. The Community College offers extensive continuing education opportunities for people of all ages on subjects from computers to gardening.
9. We’ve noticed that there are other communities very close to Pinehurst. Should we consider those areas when looking for a home?
There are several other communities in Moore County that could very well be great choices for many potential homeowners, depending on what you’re looking for. Southern Pines is the community closest to Pinehurst. In fact, many newcomers find it difficult to tell where one town ends and the other one starts. While the Village of Pinehurst surprises and delights with it’s unexpected look and feel of a small New England town in a Southern setting, the Village of Southern Pines is a vibrant, bustling center for shops and business with vintage Southern charm. In Southern Pines, you’ll find a variety of housing choices, from the breathtakingly beautiful farms of Horse Country to pleasant family subdivisions.
The growing area of Seven Lakes has also attracted many new residents in the past few years. Next to Pinehurst, this is the fastest growing community in Moore County. If you’re a “water person,” this is certainly an area you’ll want to consider. Seven Lakes consists of three separate gated neighborhoods, two golf courses and many beautiful spring-fed lakes. The largest of the lakes, Lake Auman, is 1100 acres of pristine water and pure fun for boating, fishing and swimming!
Another community to consider would be Whispering Pines. This area also offers many beautiful lakes and several golf courses. The Whispering Pines County Club has just gone through a compete renovation, much to the delight and enjoyment of it’s members! Although primarily a retirement area, newer and younger subdivisions are springing up on the perimeters of this established Moore County community.
The pleasure of living in a community such as Pinehurst and the surrounding communities of Southern Pines, Seven Lakes and Whispering Pines are many. The important lifestyle components for many people – affordable housing, low property taxes, a low crime rate and a wonderful climate – all combine with the natural beauty of the area to make this an irresistible choice for many people now and in the years to come.
