Sneads Ferry, NC
Welcome home to Sneads Ferry, NC. This quaint fishing village is located in Onslow County between Jacksonville and North Topsail Beach. Nestled between the mouth of the New River and the Intracoastal Waterway, it’s easy to see why this is a great place to live. There is a small-town commercial presence in Sneads Ferry, and most locals work in the area or commute to Jacksonville or Camp Lejeune, the enormous Marine Corps base just across the New River. For recreation, head over the high-rise bridge to North Topsail Beach on Topsail Island and enjoy a day in the sun, sand, and surf. Or hop in your boat and cruise to your secret fishing spot. Shhh, we won’t tell!
The real estate market in Sneads Ferry is alive and well. There are many waterfront homes to choose from, with popular neighborhoods including Escoba Bay and Chadwick Acres. The popular golf course community, North Shore Country Club, is the first neighborhood on the mainland from North Topsail Beach. Sneads Ferry has its share of luxury waterfront homes with boat docks and amazing water views. Homes for sale fit any budget, with townhomes, new construction homes, and options for first-time buyers prevalent. Sneads Ferry is growing rapidly while maintaining its small-town charm.
Discover the History and Charm
Sneads Ferry, initially known as the Lower Ferry, was renamed for Robert Snead, an attorney who settled here in 1791. Robert Snead shot and killed Colonel George W. Mitchell, a Revolutionary War Hero, during a political quarrel. He was tried and convicted by a superior court in Wilmington, but when he entered the court for sentencing, he carried a full pardon signed by the Governor.
The first license to operate a ferry here was granted to Edmund Ennett, and the first post road from Suffolk to Charleston crossed here. The post rider, passing through, brought the news of the Battle of Lexington in 1775.
Modern Amenities with Old-World Charm
Visitors to Sneads Ferry will find that it has much to offer, whether their stay is for a few hours or many days. Besides the blue skies, plenty of sunshine, sparkling waters, soft breezes, and friendly people, there are fishing skiffs for rent for fishing and boating in the river and sounds, and charter boats with licensed captains for fishing in the ocean. Sneads Ferry has cabins, trailer space, and several first-class restaurants serving the best seafood in the world and a variety of other foods.
For those who would like to prepare their own picnic lunches, there are up-to-date grocery stores with courteous proprietors and places to obtain fuel, bait, ice, tackle, and other boating and fishing needs.
Community and Conservation
Sneads Ferry is a place of contrasts, combining the old-fashioned and the modern, the slow easy ways of the old South and the fast-moving pace of the new. Here are old-fashioned frame church houses and modern brick ones, but the aims and dedication of the people who enter are the same.
A few years ago, a modern fire station was built with up-to-date firefighting and rescue equipment. It is operated by volunteers who give unselfishly of their time when their services are needed. This unselfishness and care for others is a deep-rooted trait in the hearts of the people of Sneads Ferry.
A Unique Heritage
Sneads Ferry has always been known for its commercial fishing. Many of today’s fishermen are the sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons of fishermen who used flaming lightwood knots for floundering and strong arms and stout oars to reach their fishing grounds.
Many evenings, they rowed long, hard miles to reach the schools of big mullet or in search of the elusive trout. Although they sometimes came home with empty boats, they were never defeated. There was always tomorrow.
Growing but Maintaining Roots
In Sneads Ferry, there are paved roads leading to Highway 17 and dusty lanes where one can wander and dream in the shade of the singing pines and giant oaks. In spring, one can thrill to the beauty of snow-white dogwoods and breathe in the sweetness of golden yellow wild jasmine growing in profusion.
History
In 1728, Edmund Ennett established a ferry on the banks of the New River, which became known as Ennett’s Ferry. It later became a key element in the Post Road linking Suffolk, Virginia, with Charleston, South Carolina. By 1759, two ferries operated there, one from each bank of the New River. Robert Snead was the proprietor of the ferry on the north shore, leading to the community being named “Sneads Ferry.” The village’s economy heavily relies on the seafood industry, annually catching over 385 tons of shrimp, 25 tons of flounder, and approximately 493 tons of other seafood. Sneads Ferry holds an annual Shrimp Festival to honor its local seafood industry.
Additional Information
What is Sneads Ferry? To some, it is a lazy little fishing village, a small dot on the map. To others, it is the fastest-growing little town in North Carolina. To us, the people who love it, it is the best place in the world. It is Home.
Explore Sneads Ferry and discover a community where the past and present coexist in harmony, offering a unique blend of old-world charm and modern convenience.
Sneads Ferry is a census-designated place (CDP) in Onslow County, North Carolina, United States. It is the second largest municipality in Onslow County, behind Jacksonville, and is part of the Jacksonville, North Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area. Once a rural fishing village, Sneads Ferry has experienced a surge in development since 2000. Based on U.S. Census data, the study area has grown from 5,425 residents in 2000 to approximately 9,750 residents in 2014, an 80% increase. Growth has been primarily driven by accessibility to MCB Camp Lejeune from the gate on NC 172 and the expansion of the United States Marine Corps Special Operations Command (MARSOC) accessed from NC 210. Sneads Ferry is expected to continue growing rapidly at 3.3% annually, adding 17,500 new residents through 2040, reaching a total population of 20,000 by 2030.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 5.8 square miles (15 km²), of which 3.8 square miles (9.8 km²) is land and 2.1 square miles (5.4 km²) (35.79%) is water.
Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Sneads Ferry had a population of 2,548 residents, living in 1,087 households with 775 families. The racial composition of the community reflects its diversity, with 82.77% of the population identifying as White (non-Hispanic), 3.06% as Black or African American (non-Hispanic), 0.39% as Native American, and 0.94% as Asian. A mix of other races and ethnicities make up 7.42% of the population, while 5.42% identify as Hispanic or Latino.
Sneads Ferry’s population is spread across various age groups, contributing to a dynamic community where the old-fashioned charm of a fishing village coexists with the energy of a rapidly growing town. The growth of the area, driven by its proximity to major locations like MCB Camp Lejeune and North Topsail Beach, reflects its appeal to families, professionals, and retirees alike.
Libraries
The Sneads Ferry Branch Library, part of the Onslow County Library system, serves the community with its Environmental Education Center, which opened in April 2014.
Real Estate in Sneads Ferry
Sneads Ferry, NC, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and modern conveniences, making it an attractive option for homebuyers. The real estate market here is thriving, with a variety of waterfront homes, luxury properties, and affordable options to suit different budgets. Popular neighborhoods like Escoba Bay and Chadwick Acres offer beautiful homes with stunning water views, while North Shore Country Club provides a premier golf course community just minutes from North Topsail Beach. Whether you’re seeking a cozy fishing hut, a new construction property, or a luxurious waterfront estate with a private dock, Sneads Ferry has something for everyone.
As a seasoned real estate professional since 1999, I specialize in helping clients navigate the Sneads Ferry market. My approach includes professional photography, comprehensive marketing strategies, and proactive client engagement to ensure your property gets maximum exposure for a swift sale. With extensive knowledge of the area and a commitment to personalized service, I’m here to help you find your dream home or sell your property quickly and efficiently.
If you’re interested in buying or selling a home in Sneads Ferry, please contact me directly at 919-360-6754 or TadScottHomes@gmail.com. You can also fill out the contact form below to get in touch.
Conclusion
Sneads Ferry is a growing community that retains its quaint, fishing village charm while offering modern amenities and a variety of real estate options. Whether you’re drawn to the area’s rich history, scenic waterways, or close-knit community, Sneads Ferry provides an idyllic setting for both living and vacationing. With its rapid growth and proximity to major cities like Jacksonville and Wilmington, now is the perfect time to explore real estate opportunities in this unique coastal town. Let me help you find your perfect piece of paradise in Sneads Ferry.
