Picture quiet streets lined with longleaf pines, a charming village green, and world-class golf just down the road. If you are weighing a move to Pinehurst, you want more than pretty postcards. You want to know what daily life feels like, how the seasons flow, and whether the amenities match your lifestyle. This guide walks you through the essentials, from golf culture and parks to schools, healthcare, housing, and getting around. Let’s dive in.
Pinehurst at a glance
Pinehurst sits in Moore County in North Carolina’s Sandhills region. You share the area with neighboring towns like Southern Pines and Aberdeen, which together create a small network of communities with complementary services.
The village is known for Pinehurst Resort & Country Club and historic Donald Ross courses, especially the famed Pinehurst No. 2. The year-round population includes retirees, second-home owners, hospitality and healthcare professionals, and families. The community generally skews older because many people choose Pinehurst for retirement.
Key anchors include the resort, area hospitality businesses, the FirstHealth healthcare system, and Sandhills Community College. These institutions shape both employment and community life throughout the year.
Golf lifestyle, with or without clubs
Golf is part of the fabric of Pinehurst. You see it in the course views, club events, and the energy around championship weeks. If you are a golfer, you will find lessons, leagues, and a deep bench of public and private options.
You do not have to play to enjoy the scene. Many residents walk the resort grounds, meet friends for dinner at club restaurants, or relax at spa and fitness facilities when access is available. Tournament weeks bring a festive feel, with visitors in town and more activity in the village core.
Beyond the fairways
Walkable village core
The heart of Pinehurst is compact and pedestrian friendly. You can stroll to shops, cafes, galleries, inns, and restaurants that cluster around the historic village center. Tree-lined streets and preserved architecture reinforce a small-town pace.
For larger retailers and big-box shopping, you typically drive to Southern Pines or Aberdeen. Many residents split errands between the village and these nearby towns.
Dining and gathering
The dining scene ranges from casual cafes to refined hotel and club dining rooms. You will notice Southern and farm-to-table influences, along with options that cater to both residents and tournament guests. Restaurants are often busiest in spring and fall when the resort calendar peaks.
Parks, lake, and outdoor time
You have plenty of green space for everyday walks, bike rides, and fresh air. Village parks and trails see steady use in all seasons. Lake Pinehurst adds boating and lakeside relaxation, with specific access rules you will want to review before heading out.
Pickleball is growing quickly across the area, and community pools and fitness centers give you additional ways to stay active. You are also close to longleaf pine ecosystems and protected natural areas in the broader Sandhills for hiking and birdwatching.
Arts, culture, and community
Pinehurst supports a steady rhythm of arts and cultural programming. Local galleries and community arts organizations offer shows, classes, and performances. The region’s arts community also extends into neighboring towns, where you find venues such as the Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities and additional nonprofit programs.
Volunteerism is strong. Many residents join civic clubs, historical groups, or charitable organizations connected to community life and the golf tradition.
Seasons and events
Spring and fall are the signature seasons. The weather is pleasant, courses are busy, and visitors arrive for tournaments and special events. You can expect more traffic and fuller restaurants during these weeks.
Outside of major events, you will find farmers markets, concerts in the park, holiday celebrations, and art fairs on the calendar. These recurring gatherings set an easygoing rhythm and make it simple to plug into village life.
What to expect during major events:
- More visitors and limited lodging availability
- Heavier traffic near resort corridors and the village center
- Extra energy and economic boost for local businesses
Housing and neighborhoods
You can choose from a wide mix of home styles. In the historic village core, you will see cottages and bungalows with character details. Around area courses, you find golf-front estates and custom homes. There are also condos and townhomes, gated and country-club communities, retirement-focused options, and newer subdivisions outside the center.
The market blends primary residences with vacation homes and some short-term rentals, especially during tournament weeks. Prices vary based on proximity to courses, the village center, and lot size. If you want a clear picture of active listings and neighborhood nuances, plan a visit and speak with a local expert who knows both the village and nearby club communities.
Cost and everyday expenses
Daily living costs feel similar to other parts of the region for essentials like groceries and utilities. The resort setting can influence pricing for lodging and some dining, especially during peak seasons. Property taxes are county based, so you will want to consult Moore County resources for current tax rates and any exemptions that may apply to your situation.
If you plan to rent your property for short stays, review local occupancy taxes and short-term rental rules in advance so your plans align with village and county guidelines.
Schools and education
Pinehurst is served by Moore County Schools. Attendance zones vary by neighborhood, so confirm assignments for any specific address before you make an offer. Families also consider private school options in nearby towns.
For higher education, Sandhills Community College offers workforce training, continuing education, and cultural events. Many residents use the college for professional development and community enrichment.
Healthcare access
Healthcare is a strong suit. FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital provides acute care and specialist services within Pinehurst. Additional medical offices and clinics are located across Moore County. For more specialized care, residents often travel to larger cities where tertiary facilities are available.
Getting around and travel
Most residents rely on personal vehicles. The village street network is easy to navigate, and you can reach Southern Pines and Aberdeen in a short drive for additional services. Public transit is limited, so plan on driving for most errands.
Roads in and out of Pinehurst connect you to regional highways. During major tournaments, it is wise to allow extra travel time around resort corridors. For air travel, commonly used airports include Fayetteville Regional Airport, Raleigh-Durham International Airport, and Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Passenger rail is not in the village, though there are nearby Amtrak stations in the region.
Who Pinehurst fits best
Here is how different buyers tend to experience the area:
- Retirees: You get resort amenities, organized social options, healthcare access, and a slower pace with a strong sense of community.
- Move-up families and relocators: You will find smaller-town schools, year-round outdoor activities, and quick access to neighboring towns for broader services.
- Second-home owners: You can enjoy seasonal living, proximity to courses, and potential rental demand during tournament periods, with rules to consider for short stays.
- Remote workers: You benefit from a quiet setting and walkable village core. Verify broadband options for your specific neighborhood and home.
A day in the life
Start your morning with a coffee near the village green and a walk under the pines. By late morning, head to Lake Pinehurst or a nearby park for a quick workout or paddle. Lunch might be a casual spot in the village, followed by errands in Southern Pines or Aberdeen.
In the afternoon, meet friends for a round of golf or watch a junior clinic at a course practice area. Evenings are relaxed. You can choose a cozy dinner in the village, a concert on the lawn, or a low-key night at home with porch views and quiet streets.
Next steps
If you are drawn to walkable village charm, deep golf roots, and year-round outdoor living, Pinehurst is worth a closer look. Visit during both peak and quieter weeks to feel the seasonal rhythm, then compare neighborhoods and club options that match your lifestyle.
When you are ready to talk through homes, neighborhoods, and timing, reach out to Kelly Ward KW Realty for local guidance tailored to your goals.
FAQs
Is Pinehurst only for golfers?
- No. Golf is central, but residents enjoy parks, Lake Pinehurst, arts programming, dining, and community events even if they do not play.
How busy does Pinehurst get during tournaments?
- Expect more visitors, traffic near resort routes, and busier restaurants and lodging, especially in spring and fall.
What are common housing options in Pinehurst?
- Choices include historic cottages, condos, townhomes, golf-front estates, gated and country-club communities, and newer subdivisions.
How are schools in Pinehurst for families?
- Pinehurst is served by Moore County Schools; confirm attendance zones for your address, and consider private options in nearby towns.
What airports serve Pinehurst for travel?
- Residents commonly use Fayetteville Regional, Raleigh-Durham International, and Charlotte Douglas, with nearby Amtrak stations outside the village.
