Moving to Jacksonville, NC? Here’s What You Need to Know

Overview of Jacksonville, NC

Jacksonville, NC, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state, blending a thriving retail hub with a deep sense of community. Best known as the proud home of Camp Lejeune—renowned as “The World’s Most Complete Amphibious Training Base”—the city’s strong military presence contributes to its vibrant culture and economy. Recognized as an All-America City in 1992, Jacksonville serves as the seat of Onslow County, housing its administrative offices and courts. Operating with an annual budget exceeding $305 million, the city employs over 485 full- and part-time staff to deliver efficient services to residents.

For more details, visit the city’s official website at www.ci.jacksonville.nc.us.

Attractions

Jacksonville offers a mix of cultural, recreational, and natural attractions:

Lejeune Memorial Gardens, featuring the Beirut Memorial near Camp Johnson, the Aviation Memorial at New River Air Station, and the Freedom Fountain on Court Street.
Family-friendly spots such as the Lynnwood Park Zoo and Sturgeon City Environmental Education Center.
Historical sites like the Pelletier House, one of the county’s oldest structures, and the nearby Onslow County Museum.
Outdoor activities at Hammocks Beach State Park, New River Waterfront Park, and other scenic locations.
Vibrant shopping and dining opportunities, along with a strong military heritage tied to Camp Lejeune.

Annual events include the Beirut Memorial Ceremony (October), Holiday Parade (November), Taste of the Town (spring), and National Night Out (August).

Essential Services and Amenities

Emergency Services:

Police: Jacksonville Police Department, 910-455-1472 (emergencies: 911 or 910-455-4000).
Fire: Jacksonville Fire Department, 910-455-8080 (emergencies: 911).
Rescue: Jacksonville Rescue Squad, 910-455-8997 (emergencies: 911).

Medical Facilities:

Onslow Memorial Hospital: 317 Western Blvd., 910-577-2345.
Onslow County Health Department: 612 College St., 910-347-2154.
Henderson Family Medicine Clinic: Henderson Drive, 910-347-5103.

Utilities:

Water: Basic residential rate is $0.17 per 100 gallons; $8.48 minimum monthly charge. For service, call 910-938-5248.
Sewer: Basic residential rate is $0.27 per 100 gallons; included in water hookup fee. For emergencies, call 910-938-5234.
Electricity: Jones-Onslow Electric Membership Corp. (910-353-1940) or Progress Energy (800-452-2777).
Telephone: Embarq, 910-347-9011.

Waste Management:

Municipal garbage and recycling services cost $12.65/month (proposed increase to $30.40/month pending approval). Private service options include 910 Sanitation, offering trash-only service for $30/month and trash + recycling for $41/month.
For more information, call 910-938-5338.

Education

Jacksonville is served by Onslow County Schools, which operates 26 public schools:

Elementary Schools: Blue Creek, Bell Fork, Carolina Forest, Clyde Erwin, Jacksonville Commons, Meadow View, Morton, Northwoods, Parkwood, Stateside, Summersill, and Southwest Elementary.
Middle Schools: Jacksonville Commons, Northwoods Park, New Bridge (Magnet), Southwest, and Hunters Creek.
High Schools: Jacksonville, Northside, Southwest, and White Oak, along with Onslow Early College and Onslow Virtual School.

There are also eight private schools, including Infant of Prague Catholic School, Montessori Children’s School, Shiloh Institute of Learning, and Fellowship Christian Academy. For comparisons, visit School Digger’s website.

Government and Administration

City Hall:

Location: 815 New Bridge Street.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays.
Phone: 910-938-5200.

Key Officials:

City Manager: Joshua Ray
Finance Director: Sabrina Adams
Chief Information Officer: Terrance Braxton
Director of Recreation Services: Susan Baptist
City Clerk: Rose Marshburn
Public Services Director: Wally Hansen

City Government:

Jacksonville operates under a council-manager government, with a mayor, two at-large council members, and four ward representatives. Council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7 p.m.

Mayor’s Office: 910-938-5224.
Council Members:
- Mayor: Sammy Phillips
- Mayor Pro-Tem: Jerry Bittner (Ward 2)
- Ward 1 Representative: Brian Jackson
- Ward 3 Representative: Logan Sosa
- Ward 4 Representative: Dr. Angelia Washington
- At-Large Representatives: Cindy Edwards and Robert Warden

Voting and Elections

Polling precincts are managed by the Onslow County Board of Elections:

Brynn Marr Precinct: Fire Station 3.
East Northwoods Precinct: Jacksonville Commons Recreation Center.
Jacksonville Precinct: City Hall.
New River Precinct: Jack Amyette Recreation Center.
West Northwoods Precinct: Northwoods Park Middle School.

For details on your precinct or polling location, visit the North Carolina State Board of Elections website or contact the Onslow County Board of Elections at 246 Georgetown Road, Jacksonville, NC 28540 (910-455-4484). Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Additional Amenities

Library: Onslow County Public Library, 58 E. Doris Ave., 910-455-7350.
Post Office: Main post office, 719 New Bridge St., 910-346-4135, with additional branches.
ABC Stores:
- 2500 Onslow Drive, 910-347-1027.
- 234 Wilmington Highway, 910-346-3026.
- 115 Workshop Lane, 910-455-8121.