Seymour Johnson AFB and Goldsboro at a glance

Goldsboro is the home of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and a major reason Wayne County stays active year round with PCS moves, training cycles, and civilian workforce demand. The City of Goldsboro highlights SJAFB as home to the 4th Fighter Wing and the 916th Air Refueling Wing.

If you are new to the area, Goldsboro has a true downtown core with an active development organization focused on revitalization and historic preservation.

Wayne County housing market snapshot

Your first PCS question is usually simple: is this market fast or slow right now?

Here are two useful reference points:

• Redfin’s most recent update shows Wayne County’s median sale price and average days on market, which helps you gauge negotiating leverage.
• Zillow’s Wayne County and Goldsboro pages add a second perspective by tracking estimated home values and time to pending.

Market conditions change month to month, especially in a military market, so use these as trend signals, not guarantees.

VA loan basics and why concessions matter

Many SJAFB buyers use VA financing, so concessions become a big deal.

Two key points:

• VA rules limit what fees a veteran can be charged, and lenders must follow the VA’s guidance on allowable fees and charges.
• Concessions are often used to cover closing related costs and, in builder scenarios, can sometimes be structured to support rate buy downs through the preferred lender program. VA seller concession limits are commonly discussed as a percentage cap for certain concession items beyond standard closing costs.

Practical takeaway: when you see builder incentives, ask if the offer is tied to a specific lender, a specific home, and a specific closing window.

Best areas to live near SJAFB

“Best” depends on what you value most: commute reliability, schools, new construction, or lifestyle amenities.

Goldsboro

Best for buyers who want quick access to base gates, shopping, medical, and downtown restaurants. If you like being close to everything, this is your hub.

Village of Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek is a well known golf community area outside Goldsboro and is commonly associated with the Walnut Creek Country Club and the Village of Walnut Creek.

Best for buyers who want a neighborhood feel with golf and community identity.

Pikeville

Often chosen by buyers who want a quieter small town vibe while staying within an easy drive of Goldsboro and base access.

Princeton and the Hwy 70 corridor

Strong option if you want to be positioned between Wayne and Johnston County access, especially if your household needs flexibility for work commutes.

La Grange and eastern Wayne County

Great fit for buyers who want more space, a smaller town setting, and new construction value while still staying close enough for daily base commuting.

New construction options with SJAFB commute access

If you want new construction near Seymour Johnson AFB, here are three examples that fit the military buyer checklist: commute friendly, modern layouts, and price points that can pair well with incentives.

Ham Farm, La Grange

New construction by Ben Stout Construction and JSJ Builders with plans from 1,618 to 2,530 sq ft priced $279,900 to $344,900, located right off Highway 13 and described as about 15 minutes to Seymour Johnson AFB.

Hudson Village, La Grange

Homes from 1,692 to 2,354 sq ft priced $319,950 to $364,950 with high end finishes included and presale options for a third car garage. It is also described as about 15 minutes to Seymour Johnson AFB and close to Hwy 70 and the 70 Bypass.

Gander Lake, Princeton

A pool community just off Highway 70 with plans from 1,600 to 2,700 sq ft, no city taxes, and a location described as about 15 minutes to Seymour Johnson AFB.

PCS checklist for buying or renting

Use this as your quick decision filter.

1. What is your realistic hold time? If you may PCS again in 2 to 3 years, focus on resale flexibility and minimize surprise expenses.
2. Do you need a fast close? New construction can work, but choose inventory homes if your report date is tight.
3. Do you need concessions more than a price cut? If monthly payment is the pain point, incentives can matter more than a small price reduction.
4. Are you VA and using builder incentives? Confirm lender requirements, credit score assumptions, and whether the incentive applies to your chosen home.
5. Commute test: Drive the route during the time you will actually commute, not midday.

FAQs

Is it better to rent or buy near SJAFB?

If you are unsure of your assignment length, renting can reduce risk. If you expect to be here long enough to justify transaction costs, buying can make sense, especially when incentives reduce your cash to close or your monthly payment.

What should I prioritize in a military market?

Commute reliability, layout functionality, and negotiation leverage. In PCS heavy areas, resale matters, so avoid over customizing and focus on features that appeal broadly.

Where can I verify official housing allowance information?

Use the Defense Travel Management Office as the authoritative source for Basic Allowance for Housing policies and official rate tools.

Next step

If you tell me three things, I can tailor this into a hyper specific “where to live” recommendation list:

• Your ideal max commute time to SJAFB
• Your price range and whether you are using VA
• New construction only, resale only, or open to both