Welcome to Camp Lejeune! This 240-square-mile stretch of North Carolina terrain is home to the Marine Expeditionary Forces in Readiness. It’s the largest Marine Corps Base on the East Coast and home to nearly 170,000 active duty service members, dependents, retirees, and civilian employees, creating a strong sense of military community that extends to other nearby bases.
Here's an overview of what you can expect while stationed at Camp Lejeune.
Getting to Know the Camp Lejeune Area
Camp Lejeune is in Onslow County, North Carolina, reaching from Jacksonville to the coast in Sneads Ferry and Swansboro. The location gives military families here the choice between a suburban or beach culture.
With so many families stationed at Camp Lejeune, military housing is split between Hunt Military Communities and Lincoln Military Housing.
Both offer neighborhoods on base with convenience to base amenities, playgrounds, parks, trails, dog parks, swimming pools, and more. But living on base doesn’t guarantee you’ll be close to work. Before searching for housing on or off base, it's essential to know where you'll be working, considering the base's size.
Military installations near Camp Lejeune:
Camp Lejeune Housing and Commuting Options
Many military families choose to live in Jacksonville. Compared to towns like Sneads Ferry, Swansboro, and Cedar Point, which are closer to the beach, Jacksonville offers a lower cost of living. It’s also outside several gates, making for a relatively easy commute.
On the other side of Camp Lejeune, you’ll find charming areas like Sneads Ferry, Swansboro, and Cedar Point, with the latter two being the most popular. They provide quick, easy access to the beach, a bearable commute to work, and a quieter community.
Remember, just because Camp Lejeune isn’t in or near a major city, the base generates enough traffic to cause a rush hour.
Photo by Jewelsy from Getty Images Signature via Canva.com
The median home price in Jacksonville is around $250,000 to $300,000, while the average rent for a single-family home is $1,375. The majority of residents own their homes. As you look into other popular areas closer to the beach, like Cedar Point and Swansboro, you’ll notice that housing prices increase.
Refer to the Camp Lejeune Basic Housing Allowance Rates for an idea of how much house you can afford.
Sample Camp Lejeune BAH rates:
- E-1 with dependents: $1,554
- E-1 without dependents: $1,266
- E-9 with dependents: $2,100
- E-9 without dependents: $1,704
- O-1 with dependents: $1,602
- O-1 without dependents: $1,548
- O-7 with dependents: $2,511
- O-7 without dependents: $2,046
See Camp Lejeune homes for sale and Camp Lejeune Homes for rent.
Photo by kate_sept2004 from Getty Images Signature via Canva.com
Military Spouse Employment
The Onslow County unemployment rate remains lower than the national average. Most job opportunities in the area are within the Onslow Board of Education and the Department of Defense.
There are ample opportunities to dive into the local community through volunteer work. Those wanting to volunteer will find that the Alzheimer's Association of Eastern North Carolina, the American Red Cross, and the USO love welcoming new people. Or, to best serve your immediate community, get involved with fellow military spouse groups.
Those interested in furthering their education will find Mount Olive University, Coastal Carolina Community College, and more nearby.
Things to Do Near Camp Lejeune
With decent weather year-round, you’ll find many activities near Camp Lejeune in the great outdoors. Unlimited parks and beaches mean days filled with kayaking, swimming, fishing, and hiking.
Some attractions near Camp Lejeune:
- Lynnwood Park Zoo
- Lejeune Memorial Gardens
- Beirut Memorial
- Zing Zumm Children’s Museum of Jacksonville
Beyond the adventures nearby, day trip/weekend getaway destinations are diverse and offer a variety of adventures depending on what you’re in the mood for. Take a trip to Myrtle Beach, SC, or Raleigh and Fayetteville, NC.
Don’t underestimate the effectiveness of a staycation in Emerald Isle or the like. A weekend spent unplugged at a beach cottage can do wonders to break up the daily routine and feel reset.
Want more info about the area? Download MilitaryByOwner’s free guide to Camp Lejeune below.
