If you are PCSing to Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River, you are headed into the heart of Onslow County, one of the most military-connected communities in the country. Jacksonville, North Carolina, is the primary support city for both installations, and the surrounding area has been shaped by decades of welcoming Marines, sailors, and their families through every PCS season.

Whether this is your first PCS or your fifth, having a clear picture of what to expect in this specific part of North Carolina makes the transition significantly smoother. This guide covers everything from where to live and what schools look like to how the homebuying process works in North Carolina, because it is different here than in most other states. If you have not already started working through a formal PCS checklist and timeline, pair this guide with that resource for a fuller picture of your move.

What You Are Walking Into: Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River

Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is one of the largest Marine Corps installations in the world, covering approximately 156,000 acres along the coast of southeastern North Carolina. It is home to II Marine Expeditionary Force, which includes the 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, and supporting commands. More than 43,000 Marines and sailors are stationed here, making it the primary East Coast power projection platform for the Marine Corps.

MCAS New River, located within the city limits of Jacksonville, serves as the air combat element's rotary-wing hub. Together, these two installations support a massive military population, and the surrounding community has built itself around that reality.

Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune provides comprehensive medical care on the installation, including primary care, specialty clinics, dental services, and emergency care. This is a full-service military medical center, which means most of your family's healthcare needs can be handled without navigating the civilian system.

Where to Live: You Have More Options Than You Think

Onslow County offers a wide range of housing options within convenient commuting distance to both bases. The right fit depends on your lifestyle, budget, school priorities, and which gate you will be using most often. Commute times generally range from 10 to 45 minutes, depending on location and time of day.

Jacksonville

As the city directly surrounding Camp Lejeune, Jacksonville is the most common choice for military families. It offers the widest variety of housing, shopping, restaurants, and services. Within Jacksonville, neighborhoods like Piney Green and Williamsburg Plantation are well-established military communities with family-friendly environments, sidewalks, and easy access to base gates. According to Zillow, the Jacksonville home value index sits at approximately $234,000 as of early 2026, up roughly 8.8% year over year, though individual sale prices vary widely by neighborhood and home size.

Sneads Ferry

Located northeast of base, Sneads Ferry is a quieter fishing town that appeals to families who want a more laid-back, coastal lifestyle. It sits less than 30 minutes from the main gate and offers proximity to North Topsail Beach. If you enjoy water sports, fishing, and a slower pace, Sneads Ferry is worth a serious look. Housing here ranges from affordable older homes to newer coastal construction.

Holly Ridge

Holly Ridge is a growing community about 30 minutes from the main gate that has seen significant new construction in recent years. For families watching their budget carefully, Holly Ridge offers newer homes at competitive price points. The trade-off is a slightly longer commute, but many families find the value worthwhile.

Hubert and Surf City

Situated between the base and the beach, Hubert and the Surf City area appeal to outdoor-oriented families. This corridor puts you close to both your duty station and the coast, which is a combination that is hard to beat for families who want to make the most of coastal Carolina living.

Richlands

If affordability is your top priority, Richlands is an inland community about 20 to 25 minutes from the gate that offers notably lower home prices than the coastal and near-base options. Richlands gives you a more rural, small-town feel while still keeping you within a reasonable commute.

Swansboro

About 20 minutes south of base, Swansboro is a charming coastal town with a historic downtown, waterfront dining, and a strong sense of community. It tends to attract families who are willing to pay a slight premium for the quality of life and character that Swansboro offers.

Looking for help finding the right neighborhood near Camp Lejeune? Connect with Damien Ruggieri, a VeteranPCS agent who knows the Onslow County market.

BAH and the Cost of Living

One of the advantages of being stationed in Onslow County is that the cost of living runs below the national average, which helps your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) stretch further. For 2026, Camp Lejeune BAH rates increased approximately 4.5% over the previous year, according to the Defense Travel Management Office. An E-5 with dependents receives $1,584 per month, while an E-7 with dependents receives $1,995, and an O-3 with dependents receives $2,085. You can check the rate for your exact pay grade using the VeteranPCS BAH Calculator.

Three-bedroom rentals in the area typically run between $1,200 and $1,700 per month in most off-base neighborhoods. For families considering homeownership, a VA Loan mortgage on a home in the $220,000 to $300,000 range can often come in at or below the cost of a comparable rental, especially when you factor in zero down payment and no PMI. That math is one of the biggest reasons military families in Onslow County increasingly choose to buy rather than rent. If you want a full breakdown of how your VA Loan benefit translates into buying power, see our guide to the benefits of a VA Loan.

Buying a Home in North Carolina: The Due Diligence System

If you are thinking about buying a home, the process in North Carolina looks different than in other states, and understanding the differences before you start can save you money and stress. This is where working with a locally experienced VeteranPCS agent really matters.

Due Diligence Fees

North Carolina is the only state that uses a due diligence fee as a standard part of residential real estate transactions. When you make an offer and the seller accepts, you pay a due diligence fee directly to the seller. This fee gives you a defined period, typically two to four weeks, to conduct inspections, finalize your loan, and decide whether to proceed with the purchase.

The critical thing to understand is that this fee is non-refundable. If you walk away from the deal for any reason during the due diligence period, the seller keeps the fee. According to the North Carolina Real Estate Commission, the amount is negotiable between buyer and seller, but typical due diligence fees in Onslow County range from $500 to $5,000 depending on the home's price and market conditions. In a successful transaction, the due diligence fee is credited toward your purchase at closing.

Attorney Closings

Unlike many states where title companies handle closings, North Carolina requires that a licensed attorney oversee every real estate closing. This adds a layer of legal review to the process, which can actually work in your favor as a buyer.

Earnest Money

Separate from the due diligence fee, earnest money is held in escrow by the closing attorney and is refundable if you terminate the contract during the due diligence period. Both the due diligence fee and earnest money are credited to you at closing if the sale goes through.

VA Loans in Onslow County

VA Loans are extremely common in Onslow County, and most sellers and listing agents are familiar with this type of financing. According to VA.gov, your VA Loan benefit includes zero down payment, no PMI, and competitive interest rates. The 2026 VA loan limit in most North Carolina counties, including Onslow, is $832,750 for a single-unit property when partial entitlement applies. With full entitlement, there is no set cap on how much you can borrow with no down payment. If you are unsure whether you qualify, review our VA Loan eligibility requirements guide.