Why You’ll Love Living in Elizabeth City, NC
Elizabeth City has earned the reputation of being the Harbor of Hospitality for a reason. The waterfront community welcomes visitors from near and far and allows residents to build a life they love. A thriving arts and cultural scene, beloved eateries and an abundance of outdoor recreation options give an expansive feel to this bustling community, all while maintaining a small-town, tight-knit atmosphere.
A Hospitable Home
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City made the area a destination for Nicole Hyatt, whose husband was a C-130 pilot when they moved to the region in 2008. While the Hyatts live in nearby Camden, they frequent Elizabeth City for activities, community events and careers.
“I fell in love with Elizabeth City and fought really hard to just stay in the area for our kids’ stability,” Hyatt says.
Hyatt owns two businesses: full-service marketing firm Nicole J and Co. and downtown wine bar 2 Souls, co-owned with Mel Martine. Supporting local companies is a passion of Hyatt’s, who works with 40 clients in the area and calls small businesses “the backbone of Elizabeth City.”
Hyatt also partners with local restaurants and eateries through 2 Souls Wine Bar, bringing in sweet treats from bakeries like The SweetEasy and ingredients from River City Microgreens.
Hyatt’s son and daughter, who grew up in Elizabeth City, chose to stay in the area for school. The opportunities in education were part of what kept the Hyatts in the area, from Elizabeth City State University to the College of The Albemarle and classes through the Arts of the Albemarle School of the Arts. There’s plenty for students to enjoy outside of school, from catching a movie at the R/C Theaters to shopping at clothing stores like Latitude 36.
With so much to offer in terms of education, recreation and entertainment, Elizabeth City still manages to maintain the tight-knit feel of a small town. For Hyatt, being surrounded by supportive and familiar faces is an important part of what keeps her and her family here.
“You can really kind of find the best of both worlds in Elizabeth City,” Hyatt says.
Returning to Roots
Savannah Winslow’s family roots eventually drew her back to the region around 2020. She felt called to return to this area that felt like home after attending school in New York. With grandparents from Hertford in Perquimans County, Winslow always looked forward to visiting the “big city” of Elizabeth City while staying with her family.
Today, Winslow serves as president of the Elizabeth City Area Chamber of Commerce.
When she isn’t working, Winslow enjoys many of the area’s local eateries and outdoor recreation options. With the Pasquotank River running parallel to the city, opportunities for waterfront recreation are abundant. Relaxing at Waterfront Park, walking along the Fenwick-Hollowell Wetlands Trail or enjoying a meal at one of the area’s great eateries are just some of the options available.
For arts and theater lovers, Elizabeth City offers plenty of opportunities to appreciate the arts or even get involved through classes. The College of The Albemarle Performing Arts Center puts on two student performances a year, while bringing in other professional shows throughout the season. The Arts of the Albemarle hosts community classes, concerts and exhibitions for arts lovers of all ages.
“Between the offerings of Arts of the Albemarle and College of The Albemarle, there’s always something going on,” Winslow says.
For Winslow, returning to her roots has allowed her to get more involved in the community she frequented as a child, while still enjoying all the city has to offer. Whether it’s outdoor recreation, arts and culture, sports or visiting local bars and eateries, there’s something in Elizabeth City for everyone.
“Every place you turn, there is a community for you,” Winslow says.
Free Rides Program Available on Weekends
The Elizabeth City downtown district has enjoyed a revitalization recently, but finding a parking spot can be hard, especially along some of the narrower streets.
A company called Curb Rides was launched in June of 2024 to provide free car rides to passengers wanting to visit the downtown area on Friday and Saturday evenings from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Passengers drive and park their vehicles at any of three designated public parking lots on the outside edges of downtown, then Curb Rides transports them from those parking lots to downtown destinations.
“Passengers call or text us for a ride, then we drive them to the restaurant, store, brewery or entertainment destination where they want to visit,” says Ray Turner, who co-owns Curb Rides with his wife, Jill. “Then the customer calls or texts us when they are ready to leave, and we drive them back to their own vehicle in the outskirt parking lots.”
The Curb Rides vehicle is basically a miniature electric car equipped with doors, windows, a windshield, a roof, seatbelts, lights and turn signals. Since the rides are free, Turner says the company makes its money via advertising.
“We sell advertising space on the doors, fenders, front and back of the electric vehicle,” he says.
Turner says the company is getting busier all the time, as more Elizabeth City residents and visitors become aware of the service.
“Businesses in downtown Elizabeth City are also helping promote Curb Rides because we bring customers to them,” he says. “We’re now looking to also expand into the towns of Edenton and Manteo.”