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New Bern,NC Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhoods in New Bern, NC – Data, Lifestyle & Local Insights

Neighborhood Map

Discovering the Best Neighborhoods in New Bern, NC

New Bern, North Carolina, is a charming city filled with history, picturesque waterfront views, and a welcoming community spirit. Known for its friendly atmosphere and rich heritage, the city boasts a variety of neighborhoods that cater to diverse lifestyles. Whether you're drawn to historic districts with quaint homes or modern developments with easy access to amenities, New Bern has something for everyone. For those exploring options, the New Bern neighborhoods map is a great tool to get acquainted with the layout and highlights of each area.

Demographic Insights & Community Composition

The best neighborhoods in New Bern often feature a close-knit community feel, with a mix of families, retirees, and young professionals. Areas like the historic downtown district have a vibrant population interested in arts, culture, and local events. Neighborhoods such as Riverside and Trent Woods tend to attract families and long-time residents who appreciate the serene environment and family-friendly vibe. The city’s demographic composition reflects a balance of age groups and backgrounds, fostering a welcoming and diverse community atmosphere.

Housing, Affordability & Market Conditions

When it comes to housing, New Bern offers a blend of historic homes, charming cottages, and modern townhouses. Neighborhoods like College Park and Fairfield Harbour provide affordable options with waterfront views, perfect for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle near the water. The real estate market remains accessible compared to larger cities, with many homes priced reasonably, making New Bern an attractive spot for first-time buyers and retirees alike. The varied housing stock means there’s something to fit almost any budget and preference.

Crime, Safety & Neighborhood Stability

Safety is a priority for many when choosing a neighborhood, and New Bern’s communities generally maintain a reputation for stability and low crime rates. Neighborhoods such as Forest Park and Glenburnie are known for their peaceful streets and active neighborhood watch programs. While some areas closer to downtown may experience typical urban challenges, local authorities and community groups work diligently to ensure residents feel secure. Overall, New Bern neighborhoods offer a safe environment that supports a high quality of life.

Things to Do: What are Some Popular Attractions and Things to Do

Living in New Bern means having a variety of attractions at your doorstep. The historic district boasts charming shops, cafes, and restaurants like the beloved Persimmons Waterfront Restaurant, known for its fresh local seafood. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy parks like Union Point Park, where the Neuse and Trent Rivers meet, offering boating and fishing opportunities. The city also hosts seasonal events, farmers markets, and art festivals that bring neighbors together. Whether you love history, nature, or good food, New Bern’s neighborhoods have plenty to keep you entertained.

Colleges & Universities: What Neighborhoods Are the Colleges/Universities Located In?

New Bern is home to Craven Community College, which is situated near the heart of the city, close to the New Bern Mall area. This location makes nearby neighborhoods like Glenburnie and City Center convenient for students and faculty, offering easy access to campus and local amenities. The presence of the college adds a youthful energy to these neighborhoods and supports a range of community programs and events. While New Bern doesn’t have major universities within city limits, its community college plays a vital role in education and workforce development.

What Are Some Things People Might Not Know About These Neighborhoods?

Many people may not realize that New Bern’s neighborhoods hold hidden gems beyond their obvious charm. For example, the historic Glenburnie area features century-old oaks and quiet walking trails that are perfect for a peaceful afternoon. Downtown neighborhoods often host ghost tours and historical reenactments that celebrate New Bern’s status as North Carolina’s second-oldest town. Additionally, some neighborhoods have unique local businesses, like small-batch breweries and artisan shops, that give the city a distinctive flair. Exploring the New Bern neighborhoods map can uncover these little-known delights for newcomers and visitors alike.

New Bern Demographics

Population 31,373
Density (People/sqml.) 1,094
Median Age 40.4
Married Couples
51%
51% of the population of New Bern aged 16 years and older are married.
Have Kids
22%
22% of the population aged 16 years or older have children.

Best Neighborhoods

Hood  Med. Age  Kids  Home Price  Med. Income  Affordability 
James City 44.1 23.2% $223,322 $84,760 2.8

New Bern neighborhoods bring their own blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term appeal, and the data in the table above helps highlight what makes each area stand out. By comparing home prices, median income, average age, families with kids, and housing affordability ratios, you can quickly uncover the best neighborhoods in New Bern—those that balance cost, character, and overall livability. For budget-minded buyers, the table also makes it easy to identify the most affordable neighborhoods in New Bern, where lower home prices combined with local income levels create meaningful value. Families can use the children-per-household data to pinpoint the best neighborhoods for families, revealing which areas offer strong community connections and a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, adults looking for quieter, age-friendly surroundings can turn to neighborhoods with higher median ages to find the best neighborhoods for retirees, where comfort, stability, and an easy pace of living tend to define the local experience. This data-driven overview offers a clear starting point for understanding how each neighborhood aligns with the lifestyle you want.

Crime in New Bern

Violent Crime 1% Higher than Nat. Avg.
Property Crime 8% Lower than Nat. Avg.
Total Crime 7% Lower than Nat. Avg.
Crime
 
Reported
 
New Bern
/100k
NC
/100k
National
/100k
Murder 4 12.3 7.5 5.0
Rape 11 33.8 28.0 37.5
Robbery 14 43.0 50.2 60.6
Assault 89 273.4 290.1 256.1
Total Violent Crime 118 363 376 359
Burglary 89 273.4 323.9 229.2
Theft 421 1,293.5 1,390.2 1,272.1
Vehicle Theft 16 49.2 254.1 258.8
Total Property Crime 526 1,616 1,968 1,760
TOTAL CRIME 644 1,979 2,344 2,119

Historical Crime Data

Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.