Moving to Pitt County? Here Are the Communities to Consider

There are many great places to live in this county nestled in eastern North Carolina.

By Livability on April 4, 2024

COGPIO

For those who are moving to Pitt County, there are a range of great communities to consider, depending on whether you want city living or small-town vibing. Let’s take a tour of what this county has to offer.

City of Greenville

POPULATION: 89,103

As the county seat of Pitt County, Greenville is home to a diverse collection of major companies, such as software developer Grover Gaming, boat manufacturer Grady-White Boats, and biotechnology company Thermo Fisher Scientific. The city’s top industry sectors include advanced manufacturing, food and agriculture, life sciences, logistics and distribution, medical devices and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, Greenville is home to East Carolina University, where 5,800+ faculty members and staff serve 28,000+ students. 

Town of Farmville

POPULATION: 4,475

Farmville is a small town with big options. A wealth of cultural, historical and recreational opportunities beckon right from its backyard. From murals to art galleries and a state-of-the-art library, you’ll never get bored here. Residents and businesses enjoy the town’s proximity to Interstates 587 and 95, and the town boasts a vibrant Main Street, which houses several local businesses, like Lanoca Coffee Company, Farmville Furniture Co. and Wren’s Jewelry Store. The town is also home to the Farmville Community Arts Council, which has worked to make the arts a vital part of the community for over 40 years. Popular recreation spots include Oliver Murphrey Park & Walking Trail, Farmville Disc Golf Course, the Park Street Gym and Splash Pad, and Farmville Country Club, which was founded in 1935. 

Kyle Roebuck

Town of Fountain

POPULATION: 272

Nestled along U.S. Route 258 in the western corner of Pitt County is the beautiful and quaint town of Fountain, which is less than 20 miles from Greenville. The town’s two main roads are Wilson and Railroad streets. Fountain has a mostly rural landscape that features scenic pines and sprawling farms. R.A. Fountain general store is a local favorite that features a used book section and hosts live music.

Town of Winterville

POPULATION: 10,724

Home to Pitt Community College, which has been enabling students to earn degrees, diplomas and certificates since 1961, Winterville is a warm, welcoming community that is roughly 7 miles south of Greenville. Residents enjoy a comfortable quality of life buoyed by an approximately $80,000 median household income. The Parks and Recreation Department offers youth sports programs, yoga and Zumba classes, and a summer movie and concert series. Popular subdivisions in Winterville include Cedar Ridge, Irish Creek and Winterville Crossing.

Kyle Roebuck

Town of Grimesland

POPULATION: 381

While small in population, Grimesland has its own chamber of commerce. The community has about 170 households, and nearly 15% of residents have veteran status. Additionally, nearly 91% of adults are high school grads or higher. For fresh air, exercise or even a picnic, residents venture to Grimesland Park, which features a walking track, a playground, benches and a picnic shelter. 

Town of Bethel

POPULATION: 2,204

Incorporated in 1873, Bethel is known for its old-time charm and family-friendly amenities, including Field of Dreams Park, which offers sports courts/fields and play equipment. Traveling in and out of the area is easy, as several main routes – U.S. 64, U.S. 13 and N.C. 11 – run through town. In terms of education, Bethel School and North Pitt High help prepare students for their futures as well as offer them extracurricular activities, such as FFA, Art Club and a book club called Battle of the Books. 

Kyle Roebuck

Town of Ayden

POPULATION: 5,049

Located 6 miles south of Greenville is Ayden, whose slogan is, “A great place to visit, a better place to live.” The town’s residential neighborhoods provide a range of housing options – many of which are within walking distance of downtown. Ayden boasts a vibrant arts and recreation community, and it hosts the annual Ayden Collard Festival in September and the Kings of Q BBQ Festival in May.

Town of Falkland

POPULATION: 171

One of the county’s smaller communities, Falkland is a quaint town where residents can enjoy a little peace and quiet. Falkland attractions that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places include Spencer Harris House, Dupree-Moore Farm and the Falkland Historic District. The town was incorporated in 1893.

Town of Grifton

POPULATION: 2,448

Situated in both Pitt and Lenoir counties is Grifton, a community nestled along Contentnea Creek. Highway 11 passes just west of town, and the community hosts the Grifton Shad Festival every year. Outdoor recreation options include the quarter-mile John Lawson Track Trail and Mattie’s Mini Park, which is designed for young children. 

Village of Simpson

POPULATION: 383

Simpson is a small village that spans only 0.4 square miles. Its landscape provides residents with a rustic, rural, yet welcoming feel, and the Tar River lies 2 miles north of the community. The village is named after John Simpson, an early settler and a general in the Revolutionary War.