118 Old Bridge Street
Jacksonville, NC 28540
910.347.4717
www.co.onslow.nc.us

Onslow County has a variety of communities from the beach to the base, with terrific amenities from surfing to shopping for tourists and residents alike. The county has all the comforts of the city in Jacksonville, and a mix of incredible farmlands and beautiful beaches to boot. Details, Onslow County Tourism, www.onslowcountytourism.com, 800.982.2144 and Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce, 800.626.2780, www.topsailcoc.com.
 
Holly Ridge
Chartered in 1941, Holly Ridge is a small, thriving predominately residential community. With a population of less than 1,000 it’s an amazing thought that about 60 years ago, there were more than 110,000 people living and working in the area known as Camp Davis, an artillery-training base of the US Army during World War II. Today, Holly Ridge is a small thriving town which includes restaurants, shopping, golfing and more. Contact the Town of Holly Ridge, 212 N Dyson Street, Holly Ridge, NC 28445, 910.329.7081.

Jacksonville         
Jacksonville is the commercial hub of Onslow County and home to both Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River. Jacksonville provides all the stores and conveniences associated with larger cities, but it still retains a small-town feel. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is home to an active duty, dependent, retiree and civilian employee population of more than 150,000 people. Marine Corps Air Station New River provides a full array of aviation facilities supporting the Fleet Marine Force and other Department of Defense members. Both bases are vital to Jacksonville’s continued and impressive growth. In return Jacksonville embraces its proud military background, saluting those who serve and their families. Contact the City of Jacksonville, PO Box 128, Jacksonville, NC 28541, 910.938.5200, www.ci.jacksonville.nc.us. 

North Topsail Beach
North Topsail Beach shares a third of the Southern Outer Banks barrier island known as Topsail Island with two other island towns, but distinguishes itself with its locally famous Stump Sound oysters and renowned inlet surf fishing. North Topsail Beach enjoys a certain island exclusivity and is home to picturesque marshes on the sound side and beautiful dunes and beaches on the ocean side. These wonderful natural attractions provide a myriad of activity, including kayaking, beachcombing, boating and more. A wide range of accommodations share the area including luxury resorts and incredible beach homes. Contact the Town of North Topsail Beach, 2008 Loggerhead Court, North Topsail Beach, NC 28460, 910.328.1349, www.north-topsail-beach.org. 

Richlands        
Richlands emerged as an agricultural center and became the site of the first graded school, the first public high school and the first library in the county. Today, Richlands is home to the Onslow County Museum which features changing exhibits reflecting the history of the area. The town also boasts a beautiful historic district and is home to the Albert J. Ellis Airport which offers daily flight service via US Airways Express and Delta serving Onslow and neighboring counties. Contact the Town of Richlands, 118 Hargett Street, Richlands, NC 28574, 910.324.3301.

Sneads Ferry
Sneads Ferry is located on the New River near the northern tip of Topsail Island off NC Highway 172. The river joins the Intracoastal Waterway at Sneads Ferry and access to the Atlantic Ocean is easy. A very active commercial fishing community, Sneads Ferry takes in more fish than any other Onslow County port. Life hummed along quietly until World War II when Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune was established just north of Sneads Ferry. Ever since, active duty Marines and their families have many times selected Sneads Ferry in which to live or to retire. Seafood lovers never miss the Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival each August. Charter boats and headboat fishing is available from Sneads Ferry as well as horseback riding, shopping and great seafood restaurants. Sneads Ferry’s easy-going atmosphere makes it a wonderful place to live.

Swansboro         
Swansboro is located along the majestic White Oak River, a historic town with real waterfront charm. Specialty shops and terrific restaurants on the downtown waterfront are delightful treats. Go antiquing, charter fishing or dine at one of the town’s eateries with the perfect view. Historic Swansboro also offers bicycle trails and plenty of places to put in a boat or kayak. Hammocks Beach State Park is a nearby natural attraction. Swansboro is small-town waterfront living at its best. Contact the Town of Swansboro, 502 Church Street, Swansboro, NC 28584, 910.326.4428, www.swansboro-nc.org or Swansboro Chamber of Commerce, 910.326.1174, www.swansboroncchamber.com.

Education
Public Schools, K-12
Onslow County Public School System
200 Broadhurst Road
Jacksonville, NC 28540
910.455.2211
www.onslow.k12.nc.us

The Onslow County School District is situated on the coast of Eastern North Carolina. The district has 35 schools: 18 elementary schools, one early childhood development school, eight middle schools, seven high schools and one alternative school. The Onslow County School System serves approximately 21,500 students. Information regarding each school can be found on the county school system’s website.

Higher Education
Coastal Carolina Community College
444 Western Boulevard
Jacksonville, NC 28546
910.938.6792
www.coastalcarolina.edu

Coastal Carolina Community College provides services and integrated training solutions to ensure Onslow County’s industries are among the most competitive in the global marketplace. The college’s training professionals work with manufacturers, assembly companies, technology intensive customer care centers, and small businesses to improve their business performance by aligning people strategies with business strategies. The curriculum programs are designed to provide college transfer, technical and vocational education. The continuing education offerings are designed to provide occupational skill training, basic skills and community service education, offering a course for almost every interest and continuing education need.