What to know when moving to Southern Pines, NC
TL;DR: Southern Pines at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 52.6% hold a bachelor's degree and 43.2% of residents rent.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income of $73,587, providing a comfortable living standard.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 0.7% use public transit, making it a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,137/month in rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Southern Pines presents a community with a strong educational background, as indicated by 52.6% of residents holding a bachelor's degree. The population stands at 15,643, with a median household income of $73,587, suggesting a relatively comfortable lifestyle. With 43.2% of residents renting, there are diverse housing options available. However, the area has a low public transit usage of just 0.7%, indicating that a car is essential for getting around.
Probably not your spot if you rely on public transportation, given the low transit share.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,137, which may be manageable compared to other regions.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $366,600, reflecting the area's real estate market dynamics.
- 52.6% of residents have a bachelor's degree, contributing to a well-educated community.
- 11.7% of the population lives below the poverty line, indicating some economic diversity.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
North Carolina's crime rates reflect a mix of trends, with both property and violent crime rates showing reductions over recent years.
- Violent crime: 321 per 100k residents, slightly below the national rate of 325.3.
- Property crime: 1,780.6 per 100k residents, higher than the national rate of 1,546.9.
- Notable trend: The violent crime rate has decreased by 21.5% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for North Carolina).
Schools & Higher Ed
Access to education options is available in the region, with a notable local institution.
- Postsecondary institutions: 1
- With College Scorecard data: 1
- Notable institution: Sandhills Community College in nearby Pinehurst.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While climate data is unavailable, Southern Pines offers several parks and outdoor spots for residents to enjoy nature and recreation.
- Reservoir Park - Rating: 4.8 (1,073 reviews)
- Weymouth Woods - Sandhills Nature Preserve - Rating: 4.8 (687 reviews)
- Aberdeen Lake Park - Rating: 4.5 (918 reviews)
- Downtown Park - Rating: 4.7 (536 reviews)
Source: Google Places API.