As winter encourages us to reset and plan ahead, it also opens the door to possibility. The winter blues can become the catalyst for meaningful change, inspiring a move toward brighter days, open horizons, and a home that feels like a year round getaway.
For many Raleigh homeowners, the idea of coastal living starts as a daydream, and slowly turns into a real plan. Whether it’s a second home, a future retirement destination, or a lifestyle-driven relocation, Fairfield Harbour in New Bern, North Carolina consistently stands out as a top choice. With its waterfront setting, resort-style amenities, and attainable home prices compared to other coastal markets, Fairfield Harbour offers something increasingly rare: space, scenery, and value.
At The Coley Group, we regularly work with Triangle-area buyers exploring lifestyle moves beyond Wake County. Fairfield Harbour is one of those communities that feels like a true upgrade, without the chaos or price tag of larger beach towns.
From peaceful morning walks along the shoreline to evenings wrapped in soft pastel sunsets, the coast represents a thoughtful lifestyle shift, often for retirees and empty nesters, who are reimagining how they want their days to feel.
“At the beach – time you enjoyed wasting, is not wasted.”
T. S. Eliot
Curated Listings: Modern Coastal Gems
Designed for modern coastal living, it features an open layout with cathedral ceilings, a spacious kitchen with an oversized island, and designer selected finishes throughout.
4 beds | 2 full bath | 2,224 sq ft
The open floor plan features a welcoming foyer, a living room with a cozy fireplace, and a bright kitchen with quartz countertops, tiled backsplash, and a large island that flows into the dining area.
3 beds | 2 full bath | 1,547 sq ft
Floorplans Available in Fairfield Harbour
Looking for something different than the two listings above?
Single-family Floorplans:
- The Clarkson – 3 Beds | 2 Baths
- The Magnolia – 3 Beds | 2 Baths
- The Bainbridge – 3 Beds | 2.5 Baths
- The Caldwell – 3 Beds | 2 Baths (with 4-bedroom option + bonus room)
- The Sullivan – 3 Beds | 2 Baths
- The Aspen – 3 Beds | 2.5 Baths
- The Bancroft – 3 Beds | 2.5 Baths
- The Wilson – 3 Beds | 2.5 Baths
Renderings and floorplans are subject to change.
Where Is Fairfield Harbour?
Fairfield Harbour is a gated waterfront community in New Bern, located at the meeting point of the Neuse River and Northwest Creek. It’s roughly:
- Approx. 2.5 hours from Raleigh
- Approx. 45 minutes from Atlantic Beach
- Minutes from historic downtown New Bern
This location makes Fairfield Harbour ideal for Raleigh residents who want easy access to the coast while maintaining proximity to cultural attractions, medical facilities, and regional airports.
A True Waterfront Lifestyle (Without Coastal Chaos)
Unlike many coastal destinations that feel crowded or seasonal, Fairfield Harbour delivers a peaceful, residential atmosphere built around water access and nature.
Waterfront Features Residents Love:
- Deep-water marinas and boat slips
- Kayaking and paddleboarding directly from the neighborhood
- Miles of canals and riverfront views
- Mature trees and preserved natural spaces
For Raleigh buyers accustomed to neighborhoods like North Ridge, Wakefield, or Inside the Beltline, Fairfield Harbour feels familiar in its sense of community, just with boats instead of greenways.
Homes in Fairfield Harbour: What Buyers Can Expect
One of the biggest draws for Triangle buyers is housing value and a different lifestyle.
Compared to Raleigh real estate prices, Fairfield Harbour often allows buyers to:
- Purchase more square footage
- Secure a spot in a waterfront community
- Reduce overall housing costs while upgrading lifestyle
- Resort-style living
This makes the community especially appealing for:
- Downsizers from Wake County
- Remote workers leaving Raleigh
- Buyers planning a future retirement move
Resort-Style Amenities That Feel Like a Vacation
Fairfield Harbour was designed as a master-planned, amenity-rich community, and that vision still shows today.
Community Amenities Include:
- Golf course
- Tennis courts and pickleball
- Swimming pools
- Fitness center
- Walking trails
- On-site dining and social clubs
For buyers used to Raleigh’s private clubs or planned communities like North Hills or Brier Creek, Fairfield Harbour offers a similar lifestyle, but with a stronger emphasis on outdoor recreation and water access.
Who Is Fairfield Harbour Best For?
From The Coley Group’s experience advising Raleigh-area buyers, Fairfield Harbour is an excellent fit for:
- Pre-retirees planning ahead
- Remote professionals leaving the Triangle
- Second-home buyers
- Boat owners and outdoor enthusiasts
How Fairfield Harbour Compares to Raleigh Living
| Raleigh | Fairfield Harbour |
|---|---|
| Fast-paced growth | Relaxed coastal rhythm |
| Competitive bidding wars | More balanced market |
| Limited water access | Everyday waterfront living |
| Urban amenities | Nature-focused lifestyle |
Many buyers don’t see this as a trade-off, but as a strategic lifestyle evolution.
Ready to Explore Coastal Options?
If you love Raleigh but crave water, space, and a slower pace, Fairfield Harbour deserves a serious look.
It offers a rare blend of affordability, amenities, and natural beauty that’s increasingly hard to find, especially for buyers coming from Wake County’s competitive market.
At The Coley Group, led by Gretchen Coley, we help Raleigh-area buyers evaluate smart moves, whether that’s across town or toward the coast. Fairfield Harbour is one of those communities that consistently delivers long-term lifestyle values.
Connect with The Coley Group today to start the conversation.
Social Cookies
Social Cookies are used to enable you to share pages and content you find interesting throughout the website through third-party social networking or other websites (including, potentially for advertising purposes related to social networking).