Craven County

406 Craven Street
New Bern NC 28560-4971 252.636.6600
www.co.craven.nc.us

From history to technology, palaces to planes, golf courses to sailing, visitors to retirees, Craven County has very different communities, all contributing to its economy. The major communities in Craven County are detailed here.

Havelock
Havelock, population approximately 22,500, is best known as the home of the world’s largest Marine Corps air station, MCAS Cherry Point. Cherry Point is one of the largest employers of both Craven and neighboring Carteret County. Civilians and military proudly work aboard MCAS Cherry Point. The combined populations of Havelock and all those who live aboard MCAS Cherry Point make up the largest city in Craven County and the 28th largest in the state of North Carolina.

Annual events such as the North Carolina Chili Festival in the fall and the bi-annual air show featuring the US Navy Blue Angelsg, a tourist and event center, and the natural attractions of the Croatan National Forest and the Neuse River are just some of the reasons residents and visitors alike enjoy Havelock’s charm. Contact the City of Havelock, 1 Governmental Avenue, Havelock, NC 28532, 252.444.6400, www.cityofhavelock.com. Details, Havelock Chamber of Commerce, 252.447.1101, www.havelockchamber.net.

New Bern
Steeped in history and Southern tradition, New Bern (population approximately 25,000) charms residents and visitors with its old-fashioned values, interesting landmarks and riverside living. Swiss Baron Christopher de Graffenried founded New Bern, the second oldest town in North Carolina. He named the city after Bern, the Swiss capital, and so began a longstanding bond between the two cities that share notable features and a proud symbol.

While providing all the shopping and dining selections associated with larger cities, New Bern thrives on its small-town charm. The downtown area provides a scenic place to stroll, shop, dine and see the sites, and also features a spacious waterfront park. History lingers on every corner. New Bern is the proud birthplace of Pepsi, developed by local pharmacist Caleb Bradham. New Bern was also North Carolina's colonial capital. Tryon Palace Historic Sites & gardens in the heart of the downtown area is an impressive reproduction of the original mansion and features 14 acres of incredible gardens. Contact the City of New Bern, 248 Craven Street, New Bern, NC  28563-1129, 252.636.4000, www.ci.new-bern.nc.us. Details, New Bern Area Chamber of Commerce, 252.637.3111, www.newbernchamber.com.

River Bend
The town of River Bend, population approximately 2,783, is located a few miles south of New Bern and is bordered by the Trent River on the south and a navigable canal system on the east. Founded in 1980 as the City of River Bend Plantation, it was renamed the Town of River Bend in 1981.

River Bend offers a variety of lifestyles from those who choose to live in townhomes to owners who prefer to build or buy custom private homes. Most residences offer views of either the water or the golf course.  Fishing, sailing and kayaking are just some of the other popular River Bend pastimes. Contact the Town of River Bend, 252.638.3870, www.ci.river-bend.nc.us. Details, Craven County Convention & Visitors Bureau, P.O. Box 1713, New Bern, NC 28563, 800.437.5767, www.visitnewbern.com. 

Trent Woods
Located along the Trent River, the Town of Trent Woods offers a relaxing waterfront lifestyle for everyone, from those starting their families to those ready to retire and enjoy the good life. Incorporated in 1959 with a population of approximately 4,500, the town welcomes new residents with hospitality and a neighbor-helping-neighbor attitude. Contact the Town of Trent Woods, George R. Scott, Jr., Municipal Building, 912 Country Club Drive, Trent Woods, NC 28562, 252.637.9810. Details, Craven County Convention & Visitors Bureau, P.O. Box 1713, New Bern, NC 28563, 800.437.5767, www.visitnewbern.com.

Education
 

Public Schools, K- 12
Craven County Public School System
3600 Trent Road

New Bern, NC  28562
252.514.6300

www.craven.k12.nc.us

 
The Craven County School District is located midway along North Carolina’s coastal fringe serving New Bern, Havelock and the towns Bridgeton, Cove City, Dover, River Bend, Trent Woods, Vanceboro and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. It consists of 22 schools (14 elementary, 5 middle, and 3 high schools) and serves approximately 14,107 students Pre-K to 12. Employees number around 1,780. Advanced degrees are held by 46% of the licensed staff. Information regarding each Craven County school is located on the school system’s website.

Higher Education
Craven Community College
800 College Court

New Bern, NC  28562
252.638.4131
www.cravencc.edu

With approximately 3,000 students a semester, Craven Community College is continuously growing to meet the needs of Eastern North Carolina. The college is a leader in computer technology and offers an ever-expanding registered nursing program. In addition to a college transfer program, credit programs range from criminal justice and education to manufacturing and electronics engineering technology. An Adult Enrichment Academy, fire training, literacy education, and other workforce training courses help round out the college’s offerings to the community.

You'll find more details regarding Craven County utility information, post office information, statistics, workforce information, etc., in the print edition of the NCRELO Guide.