If you are PCSing to Camp Lejeune or New River Air Station in late 2025, you will quickly realize that "where to live" isn't just about the house—it’s about the drive.

The geography of Onslow and Pender counties forces a choice between three distinct lifestyles: the convenience of Jacksonville, the beach life of Sneads Ferry, or the school-district prestige of Hampstead.

To help you decide, we’ve broken down the "Iron Triangle" of military housing: Commute, Cost, and Culture.

Option 1: Jacksonville (The "15-Minute" Life)

Best For: Families who want maximum convenience, lower housing costs, and a short drive to Main Side.

The Commute: Unbeatable. If you work at Main Side or the Naval Medical Center, living in neighborhoods like Carolina Forest or Northwoods puts you 10–15 minutes from the gate.

2025 Traffic Note: The Western Blvd corridor remains busy, but recent synchronization of traffic lights has smoothed the flow during PT hours.

The Cost: This is the most budget-friendly option.

Rent: You can find solid 3-bedroom homes for $1,300–$1,600, well under the E-5 BAH cap.
Buy: Median home prices hover in the mid-$200s, allowing you to buy a starter home with a mortgage payment significantly lower than rent.

The Vibe: It’s a military town. You have Target, Chick-fil-A, and the mall within minutes. But you’re 30–40 minutes from the beach, so coastal life is mostly a weekend activity.

Option 2: Sneads Ferry (The "Back Gate" Beach Life)

Best For: MARSOC/Stone Bay personnel and beach lovers who don't mind paying a premium.

The Commute: Ideal for Stone Bay (5–10 mins) and Courthouse Bay. Getting to Main Side takes about 25–30 minutes via the Back Gate (Hwy 172).

2025 Traffic Note: NC-172 Gate construction is creating intermittent backups during morning colors due to lane closures and new barrier installations.

The Cost: Prices here have risen sharply.

Rent: $1,800–$2,100 for a newer townhome or single-family home in communities like Oyster Landing or Stone Bay.
Buy: Median prices in the high $300s. Strong rental demand from special ops personnel stabilizes values.

The Vibe: “Fisherman meets Marine.” Quiet, growing quickly, and improving every year. The new Topsail Landing development is finally bringing more retail and a grocery anchor to the area.

Option 3: Hampstead (The "School District" Splurge)

Best For: Officers, senior enlisted, and families prioritizing top-tier schools.

The Commute: Longest of the three—35–45 minutes to Lejeune, mostly along Hwy 17.

2025 Traffic Note: The Hampstead Bypass is still under construction. Until the northern section opens (projected 2027), the “Hampstead bottleneck” can be brutal during morning rush.

The Cost: You pay for the zip code.

Rent: Scarce, typically $2,200+.
Buy: Median home prices in the high $400s. Larger homes, mature trees, and Pender County prestige.

The Vibe: “Suburban Golf Cart Life.” Feels more like Wilmington’s northern suburb than a Marine town.

The School Factor: Topsail-area schools are Purple Star designated and consistently outrank Onslow County, improving resale stability and buyer demand.

Summary Table: The Quick Decision Guide

Location	Commute (Main Side)	2025 Avg Rent	Key Feature
Jacksonville	10–15 Mins	$1,350	Budget & Convenience
Sneads Ferry	25–30 Mins	$1,900	Beach & Stone Bay Access
Hampstead	40+ Mins	$2,300	Schools & Lifestyle

The Bottom Line

There is no "wrong" choice, but there is an expensive one if you choose based on outdated info. Don't sign a lease in Hampstead if you aren't prepared for the Hwy 17 commute, and don't buy in Jacksonville if you dream of walking to the ocean.

At Aspyre Realty Group, we help you drive the commute before you sign the contract.