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Deep in the heart of the Tar Heel state lies Fayetteville, North Carolina. The city is expanding beyond its reputation as a military town, offering residents and visitors a taste of small town living without sacrificing services or amenities. Located 70 miles south of the state capital of Raleigh, the town of over 200,000 residents lives up to its reputation as an all-American city.
The military has a big presence in town. The local economy depends on Fort Bragg military base and its families for survival, with many businesses and shops catering to all things military. Fayetteville is also home to several colleges and universities. Fayetteville State University, Methodist University and Miller-Motte College have a combined student population hovering above 17,500, bringing a youthful and energetic vibe to town.
Fayetteville is the proud home of Fort Bragg. Founded in 1918, Fort Bragg is now one of the largest U.S. Army outposts in the world, serving as a training and deployment facility for domestic and international needs. The base is currently home to more than 50,000 active duty soldiers and more than 12,500 reserve soldiers. With a population that shows no signs of slowing down, the city of Fayetteville has been emphasizing the development of parks, recreation centers and greenbelts throughout town. Many miles of trails and paths have been created to offer all ages and fitness levels an equal opportunity to hit the road and stay active. Public transportation around town easily connects residents and visitors to hospitals, parks and recreation facilities, as well as to shopping and business districts. The city operates 19 bus routes and tallies over 1.5 million riders annually.
Golf is always a popular option while in town. Visitors and residents never have to wait long for a tee time as the city offers seven courses to choose from. Every September, the International Folk Festival celebrates music, food, cultural arts and crafts, and multinational heritage. The festival is a crowd favorite and has been for nearly 40 years. For those who miss the weekend-long event, the city’s Fourth Friday series is an opportunity to celebrate the arts throughout the year. Local shops and galleries band together to provide free entertainment and enrichment for all age groups.