In a state where Wrightsville Beach homes command $1.5 million and Bald Head Island properties fetch $1.3 million, a remarkable opportunity exists in North Carolina’s northeastern corner. Here, tucked away from the coastal wealth and mountain retreats, ten towns offer an increasingly rare combination: genuine affordability and significant growth potential. These communities, all with median home values under $75,000 – less than 5% of their wealthy coastal counterparts – paint a compelling picture of rural North Carolina’s housing market.
What makes these towns particularly intriguing is their pattern of appreciation. Rich Square, the most “expensive” of the group at $74,165, has seen values nearly double since 2015 – a 90.7% increase that outpaces many urban markets. Meanwhile, Weldon, though more modestly priced at $50,141, has shown remarkable resilience with a 71% appreciation over the same period. Five of the ten towns cluster in Halifax County, suggesting this area might be an emerging pocket of opportunity for investors and homebuyers alike.
Perhaps most striking is the accessibility to major transportation corridors that these towns share. From Weldon’s position along I-95 to Windsor’s proximity to US-17, these communities offer both affordability and connectivity. Many sit within the historically rich Inner Banks region, providing residents with access to both coastal amenities and inland resources. While some towns like Roxobel and Lewiston Woodville show more modest current valuations, their strategic locations between major highways and their proximity to larger regional centers hint at untapped potential for future growth.
1. Rich Square
Rich Square presents an interesting case study in rural North Carolina real estate appreciation. Home values have shown remarkable growth, starting at $38,891 in 2015 and reaching $74,165 in 2024 – a 90.7% increase over nine years. The town saw particularly strong growth between 2015-2020, with values rising to $55,578, and continued appreciation through 2024. The recent growth rate of 33.4% from 2020 to 2024 indicates sustained market strength.
Where is it?
Rich Square is located in Northampton County in northeastern North Carolina, approximately 17 miles south of the Virginia border. The town sits at the intersection of US Highway 258 and NC Highway 305, making it accessible to larger regional centers while maintaining its rural character.
2. Scotland Neck
Scotland Neck demonstrates stable growth in property values, with current home prices at $73,424 (2024). The town saw relatively flat values between 2015 ($48,345) and 2020 ($48,369), but experienced significant appreciation of 51.8% in the following four years to 2024. This recent growth suggests increasing market interest in the area.
Where is it?
Scotland Neck is situated in Halifax County, northeastern North Carolina. It lies approximately 40 miles west of Rocky Mount and is positioned along NC Highway 258. The town is known for being home to Sylvan Heights Bird Park, one of the world’s largest bird parks.
3. Windsor
Windsor shows the most stable and consistent property values among the top ten affordable towns. Values progressed from $53,107 in 2015 to $56,242 in 2020, reaching $71,429 in 2024. The total appreciation of 34.5% over nine years, with 27% occurring since 2020, indicates steady but modest growth.
Where is it?
Windsor serves as the county seat of Bertie County in northeastern North Carolina. The town is situated along the Cashie River, approximately 30 miles inland from the Albemarle Sound. Its location on US Highway 17 connects it to larger coastal regions.
4. Enfield
Enfield’s property values have shown strong appreciation, rising from $40,160 in 2015 to $63,613 in 2024. The town experienced steady growth through 2020 ($47,728) and accelerated in recent years, with a 33.3% increase from 2020 to 2024. The total appreciation of 58.4% over nine years demonstrates significant market improvement.
Where is it?
Enfield is located in Halifax County, in the northeastern region of North Carolina. The town sits at the intersection of NC Highway 481 and US Highway 301, approximately 12 miles northeast of the county seat of Halifax.
5. Hollister
Hollister’s current home values stand at $62,289 (2024). While 2015 data is unavailable, we can track growth from 2020 ($55,794), showing an 11.6% increase over the four-year period. This moderate growth rate suggests a stable market environment.
Where is it?
Hollister is situated in Halifax County, in the northeastern part of North Carolina. The community lies approximately 15 miles east of Warrenton and is positioned near the Franklin County line, offering residents access to both rural amenities and nearby larger communities.
6. Parmele
Parmele currently shows home values at $55,865 (2024). While historical data from 2015 and 2020 is not available, the current pricing positions it as a notably affordable option in North Carolina’s housing market.
Where is it?
Parmele is located in Martin County in the eastern region of North Carolina. The small town sits approximately 10 miles northeast of Williamston, the county seat, and is part of the broader Inner Banks region.
7. Kelford
Kelford’s current home values are $52,541 (2024). Though historical data is not available for comparison, this price point makes it one of the more affordable communities in North Carolina.
Where is it?
Kelford is situated in Bertie County in northeastern North Carolina. The town lies approximately 10 miles southeast of Ahoskie and is positioned in the historically rich Inner Banks region of the state.
8. Weldon
Weldon shows strong appreciation in property values, rising from $29,326 in 2015 to $50,141 in 2024 – a 71% increase. The town saw steady growth through 2020 ($33,270) and experienced accelerated appreciation of 50.7% from 2020 to 2024, indicating increasing market interest.
Where is it?
Weldon is positioned in Halifax County along the Roanoke River in northeastern North Carolina. The town sits at the intersection of Interstate 95 and US Highway 158, making it a significant transportation hub in the region.
9. Lewiston Woodville
Lewiston Woodville’s current home values are $47,872 (2024). While historical data from 2015 and 2020 is not available for comparison, this price point represents one of the more affordable options in North Carolina’s housing market.
Where is it?
Lewiston Woodville is located in Bertie County in northeastern North Carolina. The town is positioned approximately 20 miles southeast of Ahoskie and sits near the intersection of NC Highway 308 and NC Highway 11.
10. Roxobel
Roxobel currently shows the most affordable home values among the analyzed towns at $41,142 (2024). While historical data is not available for comparison, this price point makes it notably accessible for homebuyers seeking affordability in North Carolina.
Where is it?
Roxobel is situated in Bertie County in northeastern North Carolina. The town lies approximately 15 miles southeast of Ahoskie and is positioned near the intersection of NC Highway 305 and NC Highway 308, offering a quiet rural setting with regional accessibility.
