If you look at a map of Onslow County, you will see a well-worn path: US-17 South, crowded with taillights heading toward Wilmington, and NC-210, packed with beach traffic aiming for Surf City. But tucked quietly between them lies Folkstone—an unincorporated community that savvy military families have quietly claimed as the ultimate strategic foothold.

While Sneads Ferry grabs the headlines for its proximity to the back gate, Folkstone is the "insider's" alternative. It offers the same critical access to Camp Lejeune’s Gate 172 (Sneads Ferry Gate) and MARSOC’s Stone Bay, but with a completely different price point and lifestyle.

Myth vs. Reality: Why Folkstone Wins on Logistics

Myth #1: “It’s just part of Holly Ridge.”
Reality: Folkstone has a distinct identity defined by its "back road" connectivity. While it shares a zip code with Holly Ridge (28445), Folkstone sits at the crucial junction of US-17 and NC-172. This is the "golden triangle" for commuters. Living here means you can shoot straight down NC-172 to the back gate without ever fighting the bottleneck traffic in Sneads Ferry proper. You are minutes from the gate, not stuck in line behind beach tourists.

Myth #2: “There’s nothing to buy but old farmhouses.”
Reality: The new construction boom has arrived, but it’s quieter here. You won't find the massive, sprawling mega-developments of Leland, but you will find targeted, high-value communities like The Landing at Folkstone and Village at Folkstone. These neighborhoods offer modern floor plans—think 2,500+ square feet, fiber internet, and two-car garages—often for $20k–$30k less than comparable homes on the "water side" of Sneads Ferry.

Myth #3: “It’s too far from the beach.”
Reality: You are trading "walking distance" for "driving ease." No, you can't walk to the pier. But because you are already positioned near NC-172 and US-17, you have a straight shot to North Topsail Beach in about 10–12 minutes. You get the beach lifestyle on the weekends without paying the "island premium" on your mortgage every month.

Strategic Advice for the Military Buyer

The MARSOC Advantage: If you or your spouse are stationed at Stone Bay (MARSOC), Folkstone is arguably the most convenient location in the county. You are practically neighbors with the rifle range and Stone Bay facilities, cutting your daily commute to single digits.

The "PCS-Proof" Rental Potential: Because of this hyper-convenience, Folkstone homes hold incredible rental value. When you PCS (Permanent Change of Station), you won't struggle to find a tenant. Marines value time above all else; a home that saves them 30 minutes of driving a day will always be in demand.

School Districts: Folkstone feeds into the Dixon school cluster (Dixon Elementary, Middle, and High). These schools are centrally located and highly regarded in the county, adding another layer of long-term resale stability.

Your Next Step

Folkstone is for the buyer who wants efficiency. It’s for the commuter who calculates their drive time down to the minute and the investor who knows that "proximity to base" is the number one rule of military real estate.

At Aspyre Realty Group, we specialize in finding these pockets of value. We don't just show you houses; we help you map your life—from your morning commute to your weekend beach run—to ensure your new home actually works for you.