The Benefits of Living in the Fayetteville, NC Area for Military Families

Members of the U.S. military make a lot of sacrifices to serve our country. They deserve the rewards they receive in return for their service. Once servicepeople retire from the services, even more benefits are provided. When you’re considering your next move, consider the benefits of living in the Fayetteville, NC, area for military families. 

Fayetteville boasts the second largest population of military families in the country, making up 14.4% of the city’s population. As you spread out to the surrounding Fayetteville area and counties, you’ll find even more of your fellow servicemembers, veterans, and their families. 

North Carolina has focused on becoming one of the most military-friendly states in the country. Governor Roy Cooper has sponsored initiatives to welcome veterans, active and reserve servicemembers, and military families to join the 720,000 veterans who already live in North Carolina. The Governor’s Working Group on Veterans Affairs is supporting the transition to civilian life through job creation, workforce enrichment, health and wellness, legal and financial services, and benefits for veterans. As a state, North Carolina makes sense for military families. When you’re narrowing your choices for your new home base, Fayetteville presents an option with numerous military family benefits. 

The Surrounding Fayetteville Area is Perfect for You & Your Family 

Fayetteville, NC, home to Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg), is located in the southern region of North Carolina, 59 miles south of Raleigh. For the third time, Fayetteville was the recipient of the All America City Award in 2023, one of only 10 cities across the country to receive the prestigious award. The All America City Award heralded the city’s commitment to engaging young people in civic leadership—a powerful motivation for families to move here. 

Fayetteville has earned other accolades recently. Taking the #1 spot on Best Cities to Live After Service, the proximity to Fort Liberty was noted as a specific benefit. “Its close proximity to Fort Bragg, one of the largest military bases in the United States, fosters a supportive and understanding community for veterans. This familiarity with military life makes the transition for

veterans smoother, as they find themselves surrounded by peers and institutions that understand their unique experiences and needs.” 

In addition to having access to Fort Liberty, the Fayetteville, NC, area offers affordable living, excellent schools, and a robust job market, particularly in business sectors that value veterans’ skills and experience: defense, healthcare, and education. 

For these reasons and many more, Fayetteville and the surrounding area provide military families with exciting choices for a new hometown. 

Tax benefits for veterans 

As part of North Carolina’s initiative to support members of the military, servicepeople living here receive various tax benefits, whether or not they are active or retired, served in a combat zone, or have a disability. 

• Payment for service in a hazardous duty location or combat zone is excluded from state income tax.
• Retirement pay can be deducted from the veteran’s adjusted gross income.
• Military Disability Retirement Pay is excluded from North Carolina taxable income 

Family-friendly Fayetteville area 

What do all these military families do for fun in the Fayetteville area? Between the large city and its many suburbs, there’s no shortage of kid-friendly things to do in Fayetteville, NC, and beyond. 

Fascinate-U Children’s Museum 

You can easily spend a whole day exploring the Fascinate-U Children’s Museum. Designed as a “mini city”, children find inspiration and education through hands-on exhibits and programs, including camps during school holidays, art classes, and special events. 

Rolling, Bowling, Bouncing, Flying, and Climbing 

Do your kids enjoy roller skating, skateboarding, bowling, mini-golf or trampolines? Put their energy to the test at the many locations for these family-friendly activities. Skating centers, parks, and rinks are plentiful, along with bowling lanes, trampoline parks, and miniature golf courses. Rowan Skate Park is the largest outdoor skate park in the region, with 15 acres that caters to skateboarders, inline skaters, BMX riders, and scooter riders at all skill levels.

JP’s Jump Masters is a locally and military owned trampoline park and a popular destination of things to do in Fayetteville, NC. Bounce around the 20,000-square-foot facility’s trampolines, dodgeball courts, foam pits, basketball hoops, and arcade. 

The Climbing Place is the area’s premier indoor climbing facility and bouldering gym. Plan a birthday party here for your active group or join the other climbers for Friday Family Night. 

Have you experienced indoor skydiving? It’s fun AND safe! Paraclete XP treats your whole family—as young as 3 years old—to a truly uplifting experience. 

Parks and Recreation 

North Carolina’s temperate climate beckons residents to spend time outdoors. Take the whole family along to the region’s state parks, local parks, trails, and nature centers. A day outdoors is a definite boredom buster! 

Where is the Best Off-Base Housing for Military Families? 

Whether you’re active military, serving in the reserves, or retired, Dream Finders Homes builds neighborhoods with some of the best off-base housing for military families. Our communities of new homes for sale in Fayetteville and the surrounding area spans several counties, each with its own unique character and offerings. 

Dream Finders Homes selects locations served by excellent schools and with close proximity to the amenities you and your family need—recreation, dining, shopping, healthcare, entertainment, and services. Our floor plans are designed to suit families of all sizes, offering home designs from 1,725 to 3,000 square feet of interior living space. 

Contact Dream Finders Today!