Picture this: the soft thwack of a morning tee shot, the scent of longleaf pine after a light rain, and a walkable downtown where you can grab coffee and catch live music. If that sounds like your kind of day, Moore County might be your next move. Whether you love golf, want more green space, or need a welcoming place to land a PCS, you’ll find options that fit. In this guide, you’ll learn how daily life flows across Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen, and Carthage, plus what to know about housing, commutes, and community amenities. Let’s dive in.
Why Moore County works
You sit in the Sandhills of central-southern North Carolina, surrounded by rolling terrain and longleaf pines that make the landscape feel calm and open. The county blends small-town charm with resort energy, thanks to a strong golf culture and a steady flow of visitors. Healthcare, education, hospitality, and retail create a balanced local economy. Military moves also shape the market, so you’ll find service-minded businesses and housing options that fit a range of budgets and timelines.
Each town brings a distinct vibe. Pinehurst leans resort-forward with manicured neighborhoods and club amenities. Southern Pines offers a walkable, artsy downtown and an established residential feel. Aberdeen and Carthage deliver more affordability, suburban convenience, and room to grow.
Golf every day
Moore County is nationally recognized for golf, especially around Pinehurst and Southern Pines. You’ll find a deep mix of championship-level clubs, resort courses with lodging, and accessible public tracks. Many residents plan their week around league play, clinics, and clubhouse events. If golf is part of your lifestyle, this area makes it easy to play, practice, and connect.
Course access 101
You can choose between private memberships, resort tee times, and public municipal options. Policies vary by club, so it helps to map your goals: frequent early-morning rounds, junior programs, or social leagues. If you host visitors often, resort settings can be convenient for booking guest play and enjoying on-site dining.
Living near fairways
Homes around courses often come with HOA rules, architectural guidelines, and possible club or amenity fees. In exchange, you may gain access to pools, fitness centers, and dining, plus a steady calendar of social events. If you value quiet mornings, ask about maintenance schedules and seasonal peak periods around your preferred holes.
Peak seasons and traffic
Tournament weeks and high-travel seasons increase dining reservations and lodging demand. Locals adapt by booking earlier and planning errands around event schedules. If you rent out a second home, seasonal demand can be a plus; just confirm local rules for short-term rentals and any HOA requirements.
Green space and outdoor life
Beyond golf, the Sandhills environment shines. The longleaf pine ecosystem brings sandy trails, open understory, and beautiful light. You can hike, trail run, birdwatch, or bike on a variety of local paths and park systems. Equestrian life also runs strong, with riding facilities, shows, and schooling opportunities that create a welcoming community for horse enthusiasts.
Weymouth Woods–Sandhills Nature Preserve offers a close look at the region’s habitat with marked trails and educational programming. Winters are typically mild, and summers are warm, so you can plan outdoor time year-round. If you’re considering rural acreage, learn about seasonal burn guidance and land-care best practices for pine areas.
Town vibes and daily life
Pinehurst Village
This resort-centered village pairs manicured streets with upscale dining, boutique shopping, and club amenities. You can enjoy a leisurely brunch, stroll the village, or meet friends for an evening patio drink. If you prefer a slower daily pace but want top-tier hospitality within reach, Pinehurst fits well.
Southern Pines downtown
Southern Pines offers a walkable downtown with cafes, bakeries, art galleries, and small theaters. Weekends bring live music, markets, and community events. Historic bungalows and tree-lined streets add character, and the area has a robust schedule of recreational programs for all ages.
Aberdeen and Carthage
Aberdeen blends established neighborhoods with growing retail corridors and newer subdivisions. Carthage, the county seat, offers a quieter pace and access to services with a more rural feel nearby. If you want value, space, and easy access to everyday shopping, these towns deliver.
Getting around and access
Most residents rely on personal vehicles, with public transit options limited. A network of U.S. and state highways connects you to nearby regions for work, medical appointments, and travel. Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte serve as the main commercial air hubs for national and international flights. Many families combine local healthcare with trips to larger metro systems for specialized care when needed.
For military households, Moore County is within driving range of Fort Liberty and other regional installations. Commute times vary by town, time of day, and gate choice, so map your routes during your preferred commute window before you make a final decision.
Schools and healthcare basics
Moore County Schools runs the public school system. You’ll also find private and charter options, plus Sandhills Community College for postsecondary paths and workforce programs. For healthcare, FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital provides local acute care with associated clinics and urgent care locations. For higher-level specialty care, residents often travel to larger hospital systems in regional metro areas.
If schools are a key factor, review current attendance zones and performance reports before you choose a neighborhood. For childcare and extracurriculars, you’ll find the widest range of programs in the larger towns.
Housing options and budgets
Housing types range from historic homes near downtown Southern Pines to luxury and resort properties in Pinehurst, newer subdivisions in Aberdeen, and rural acreage in unincorporated areas. Some golf communities include deed restrictions, club memberships, and HOA dues. Other neighborhoods are conventional subdivisions with smaller or no amenity fees.
Prices shift by town, neighborhood, proximity to courses, and home condition. Resort enclaves tend to command premium pricing while other areas offer more budget flexibility. If you’re comparing across towns, weigh fees, commute times, and lifestyle add-ons like club access or larger lots.
For golf-focused buyers
- Ask about club tiers, guest policies, and reciprocal play.
- Review HOA covenants, course setbacks, and landscaping rules.
- Budget for club dues, assessments, and possible cart storage.
For growing families
- Confirm school boundaries and after-school options.
- Look for nearby parks, community centers, and recreation programs.
- Consider shopping and healthcare access along your daily routes.
For military households
- Prioritize commute windows to Fort Liberty or other posts.
- Explore lease flexibility or short-term rentals if you’re still deciding.
- Work with an agent who understands VA loans, PCS timelines, and remote closings.
Smart buyer checklist
- Define your must-haves: course access, lot size, commute, and budget.
- Decide on membership appetite: private club, resort access, or public-only play.
- Review HOA rules, dues, and any special assessments for your short list.
- Map daily life: school routes, grocery stops, and favorite downtown.
- Get pre-approved and ask lenders about VA options if eligible.
- Plan a scouting weekend to compare Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen, and Carthage side by side.
How Erica helps
Buying in Moore County rewards good planning and local insight. You want a guide who knows the neighborhoods, understands military moves, and can move fast when the right home hits the market. With 200-plus closed transactions across the Sandhills and nearby counties, Erica brings practical, service-first support that makes your move smoother.
- VA and PCS expertise from a military-informed perspective
- Buyer and seller representation for resales, new construction, land, and investor deals
- Virtual tours, remote signings, and negotiation-focused communication
- Staging and pre-list prep when you’re ready to sell
Ready to explore the Sandhills and find your fit? Connect with Erica Mooring for local guidance, fast answers, and a clear plan from first showing to closing.
FAQs
What is daily life like in Moore County?
- It feels small-town and outdoorsy, with resort energy in Pinehurst during peak seasons and a walkable, arts-forward rhythm in Southern Pines.
How easy is it to play golf in Moore County?
- You can choose from private clubs, resort tee times, and public courses; access and pricing vary by club, so align your choice with how often you plan to play.
Are there good school and healthcare options nearby?
- Moore County Schools serves public education, with private and charter options available; FirstHealth Moore Regional offers local hospital care supported by clinics and urgent care.
What are the main housing options in the area?
- You’ll find historic bungalows, resort and luxury homes, newer subdivisions, and rural acreage; some communities include HOAs or club dues, while others do not.
How far is Moore County from major airports?
- Residents typically use larger regional hubs in Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte for commercial flights, planning drives based on town of residence and time of day.
Is Moore County a good fit for a PCS move?
- Many military households choose the area for its housing options and community amenities; map commute windows to Fort Liberty and work with an agent experienced in VA loans and remote closings.
