Southern Pines / Fayetteville

Public transport

Fayetteville Area System of Transit (FAST) operates bus routes throughout the region with the downtown transit center as the hub. Routes connect residential areas to Fort Liberty, shopping centers, and major employment corridors for convenient commuting.

Airports

Fayetteville Regional Airport offers some commercial service. For more flight options, the Raleigh-Durham International Airport is just over an hour away and serves as a Delta and Southwest hub for broader flight options.

Cars and driving

I-95 runs through Fayetteville, providing north-south connectivity, while I-295 and US-401 offer regional access. Downtown commutes to Fort Liberty average 15 minutes. Traffic increases during military training cycles and rush hours, but remains manageable compared to larger metros.

Pedestrians & cycling

Downtown Fayetteville offers walkability for dining and entertainment along Hay Street. The Cape Fear River Trail provides 5+ miles of paved paths for cycling and walking. The city is expanding bike lanes throughout downtown neighborhoods for improved connectivity.

Southern Pines/Fayetteville's economy centers on military operations, healthcare, and growing service sectors. Fort Liberty anchors employment as one of the nation's largest military installations, while healthcare systems and educational institutions provide stable careers. The region's location along I-95 supports logistics growth, and Pinehurst's resort economy adds hospitality opportunities throughout the area.

Government

Fort Liberty employs tens of thousands of service members and civilian staff, making it one of the nation's largest military installations and the region's top employer.

Healthcare

Cape Fear Valley Health and FirstHealth Moore Regional employ thousands across hospitals, clinics, and specialized medical centers throughout both cities.

Leisure and hospitality

Pinehurst Resort, championship golf courses, and downtown restaurants create jobs in lodging, dining, event management, and recreation services.

Retail

Cross Creek Mall, downtown districts in both cities, and shopping centers near Fort Liberty provide retail and service positions across the region.

Transportation and warehousing

The I-95 corridor location attracts distribution centers and logistics companies, with growth in warehouse management and freight coordination careers.

Educational services

Cumberland County Schools, Moore County Schools, and nearby universities, including Fayetteville State, employ educators and administrative staff.

Real estate and construction

Military population turnover and residential development create consistent demand for real estate agents, property managers, and contractors. 

Southern Pines/Fayetteville's educational landscape features distinguished school districts and higher education institutions. Cumberland County Schools serves Fayetteville with diverse programs supporting military families, while Moore County Schools in Southern Pines earns recognition for academic achievement. Fayetteville State University offers degree programs, and Methodist University provides career-focused education. 

From military museums and botanical gardens to championship golf and river trails, Southern Pines/Fayetteville offers opportunities to explore military heritage, outdoor recreation, and cultural attractions. Whether seeking historic estates in Southern Pines or entertainment along Fayetteville's Hay Street, the region combines small-town charm with urban amenities. Fort Liberty's presence brings diverse dining and shopping, while the Sandhills landscape provides year-round outdoor access for hiking, golf, and water activities.

Our top picks

Airborne & Special Operations Museum 

Explore America's airborne military history through interactive exhibits, authentic aircraft, and multimedia presentations. This world-class museum honors Fort Liberty's legacy with immersive displays that bring military operations to life for all ages.

Cape Fear Botanical Garden 

Discover 80 acres of themed gardens, walking trails, and natural habitats along the Cape Fear River. The garden features native plants, seasonal blooms, and educational programs that showcase the region's unique ecology and landscape design.

Pinehurst Resort 

Experience championship golf on courses that have hosted major tournaments, including U.S. Opens. The historic resort offers dining, spa services, and recreational activities beyond golf, making it a destination for both players and spectators.

Cape Fear River Trail 

Enjoy 5+ miles of paved trails for cycling, walking, and river access along the Cape Fear. The trail connects parks and natural areas, providing scenic routes for exercise and outdoor recreation throughout the year.

Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve 

Hike through one of North Carolina's last remaining longleaf pine ecosystems. Four miles of trails wind through rare sandhill habitat, and the naturalist museum offers programs about local ecology and conservation efforts.

Southern Pines Historic Downtown 

Browse independent boutiques, galleries, and specialty shops along historic Broad Street. The walkable downtown features local restaurants, coffee shops, and the restored Sunrise Theater, creating a charming district for shopping and dining.

Hay Street - Cool Spring Downtown District 

Explore downtown's entertainment corridor featuring restaurants, breweries, and live music venues. Hay Street blends historic buildings with modern establishments, offering diverse dining and nightlife options steps from the Cape Fear River.