Fayetteville, Hope Mills, Pinehurst area (Fort Bragg, Southern Pines: military, trip , work)

[glyepark]

We are likely moving to the Fort Bragg area for my husband's work. He will be a civillian on base, so we hope to be settling in the area to raise our preschool children. We would like to live some place with a reasonable commute and the better/best schools. I do not mind private, if necessary. If private is the best option to have a shorter commute, are there specific ones which aren't just "society" private schools...any thoughts on the best area for all this? Thanks!!!

[joanchris2000]

We moved to Fayetteville last summer and did a lot of research....the BEST schools in the area were in the Jack Britt HS area, with Stoney Point El being the best (PSK12 Public School Rankings fee for service site but well worth it, they let you search from 2002 data for free, up to date is the fee part) We loved the school, my kids were in elem. and heard great things about the middle/high schools. Most of our neighbors worked on base, either military or civilian, it's around a 20-30 min commute, depending on time of day, but a very nice area all around.

[sapphire_starss]

I will be keeping an eye open for any future posts about this. I have posted before because my husband's parents and sister/husband moved to Pinehurst about 1 1/2 years ago. They love it but parents are retired and sister/husband are professional couple in 40's without kids.

The area sounds beautiful and we are planning a visit in October. BUT i still wonder about the schools (we have a 6yr old and 1 year old). I did go on the website for the O'Neal School (search O'neal school pinehurst) for results. Tuition seems on par with any private non-parochial school but it's still hefty. Though i have heard that Moore County public schools, particularly in the "farm life" district are very good, I think test scores only tell part of the story. It's so hard to tell when researching from afar...

I'll be watching for additional information, as well. Good luck with your move.

[GA/NC]

I think you would be more satisfied with the Pinehurst / Southern Pines area.
My husband is in Fort Bragg to, so we did a lot of research before we moved in Southern Pines. We lived in Fayetteville 10 years ago, and we knew we wouldn't want to move back there. School system is way better in Moore County, than Cumberland County, everyone knows that, and that's why a lot of military are moving in this area. Yeah, it's about 30 min drive to get on post, but no traffic at all, it can take you the same time if you live in Fayetteville, with all the traffic lights, and cars.
You should take a trip in the Southern Pines area, I think you'll love it. Pinehurst is very nice too.
Good luck.