Laurinburg, NC? (Fayetteville, Southern Pines, Pinehurst: rentals, motels, unemployment)

[Doug Viant]

In late 68 and early 69 I was stationed at Ft. Bragg. I found Laurinburg while driving around one Saturday. To make a long story short these were some of the friendliest people (girls) that I ever met. I went there every chance I got and knew the town like the back of my hand. I would come down 401 through Raeford and Wagram. Does anyone remember the Honeycone Drive -in? the Winn Dixie, Colonial and A&P grocery stores? The Gibson movie theater? The Dixie guano plant way out off of Church Street? Yes,I know I'm old. I had a girlfriend who worked for Southern Bell, another who drove a school bus, another who worked at Variety Discount,one who worked at KFC and one who worked at Goose Girl Flour. Like I said people were friendly. I was from Cleveland, Ohio so this southern hospitality was amazing to me. Just a few weeks ago I passed through on my way from Greensboro to Myrtle Beach with the wife and kids and was kind of saddened by the inevitable changes. Wendys, Wal-Mart etc. the same stuff I can see anywhere. I could easily get lost driving around there now and the old local charm is in short supply. But thats everywhere. I still hold Laurinburg (and Laurel Hill) in a special place. Any 1969 graduates of Scotland High remember a candy apple red Mustang with Ohio plates?

[capefear01]

If you don't mind education as a priority then Laurinburg isn't too bad, personally I can't find too many folks there that can speak good English and I don't mean the immigrant population.

[Autobot032]

Originally Posted by capefear01

If you don't mind education as a priority then Laurinburg isn't too bad, personally I can't find too many folks there that can speak good English and I don't mean the immigrant population.

Ain't that the truth.

I lived in Laurinburg twice (moved in, moved away, moved in, moved away) and each time it got worse.

There's no real job market, the people have lost their southern charm, the crime's up, and it was just unbearable in the heat. Not to mention, going to pump gas and having Cockroaches climb all over the pump or on the grocery store doors. (Makes your skin crawl)

What really bothered me was finding a dead Cockroach (a little over an inch!) inside the outer doorway of Golden Corral. Needless to say, we didn't return there for dinner.

I still can't believe they closed down K-Mart, turned the Wal-Mart into a Supercenter, and then close it at 11:00. Seriously, what's the point?

Originally Posted by Markh

Isn't Laurinburg where Hardy Mart is off of route 74?

We stopped there on the way to Wilmington for a soccer tournament and if there was ever a place where my son and I could have disappeared without a trace, this was it. Sorry.

I'm not sure you have the right place, but yes...Laurinburg is a place you could disappear without a trace.

I hate to sound so cold and bitter (especially considering I'm a "Yankee") but Laurinburg was not one of our better experiences. The Scotland Inn is a dive of a motel btw...it's really creepy when you walk over to get a drink out of the vending machine and someone pops out of the shadows to ask you for $5.00.

Lemme tell ya, it quickly became an uncomfortable situation when I told him I didn't have it (I really didn't!) he started to follow me to my room (which made me run like crazy, and I'm no lightweight, so I was hustlin' pretty good.) Got in, locked the door, and he was yellin' profanity through the door. We haven't been back since.

We had stayed there twice before, no problem. We came back to visit a friend of ours who lives in Laurinburg (that's how we ended up living there) so we figured we'd just stay at The Scotland Inn. Won't make that mistake again. If it's not the people, it's the Cockroaches. (Yes, they have them inside the rooms as well.) Not to mention, it's really unnerving to open your curtain and find one on the outside of the window, crawling down the glass.

I will say though, Pinehurst and Fayetteville....full of Southern Charm. I bought a computer at the Fayetteville Best Buy and the people there could not have been nicer. People opened doors for me, said hello, good day, etc.

Laurinburg? "What the h*ll are you doin' here? We ain't got nothin' in this town. Ya'lls need to go back north. You ain't gon' whine 'bout dem roaches then."

I believe it's East Laurinburg that had a convenience store where the owner was killed in an armed robbery a few years back. Our friend's house is behind it (not right behind it, but in that area) and it's kinda foreboding to go into a section of town that you know someone was *murdered* in.

Not to mention, it's about ten miles from McColl South Carolina (which is one town you do not want to be in past nightfall, if you're an outsider) the swamps on the outside of town is where they found Michael Jordan's father after he was murdered in a robbery. Yeah... *shudders* (Yes, *the* Michael Jordan, His Airness.)

They've closed down Winn-Dixie (but kept Piggly Wiggly...) I just cannot stress how much that Laurinburg is a visit type of town, not a "let's live here" kinda town.

I haven't gone back and haven't looked back. I know there are some good people there (especially the elderly, some of the sweetest grandmothers you'll ever meet.) but the overall feeling is basically "Er...no. Let's just pass on through."

[gonzotg]

Originally Posted by Autobot032

Ain't that the truth.

I lived in Laurinburg twice (moved in, moved away, moved in, moved away) and each time it got worse.

There's no real job market, the people have lost their southern charm, the crime's up, and it was just unbearable in the heat. Not to mention, going to pump gas and having Cockroaches climb all over the pump or on the grocery store doors. (Makes your skin crawl)

What really bothered me was finding a dead Cockroach (a little over an inch!) inside the outer doorway of Golden Corral. Needless to say, we didn't return there for dinner.

I still can't believe they closed down K-Mart, turned the Wal-Mart into a Supercenter, and then close it at 11:00. Seriously, what's the point?



I'm not sure you have the right place, but yes...Laurinburg is a place you could disappear without a trace.

I hate to sound so cold and bitter (especially considering I'm a "Yankee") but Laurinburg was not one of our better experiences. The Scotland Inn is a dive of a motel btw...it's really creepy when you walk over to get a drink out of the vending machine and someone pops out of the shadows to ask you for $5.00.

Lemme tell ya, it quickly became an uncomfortable situation when I told him I didn't have it (I really didn't!) he started to follow me to my room (which made me run like crazy, and I'm no lightweight, so I was hustlin' pretty good.) Got in, locked the door, and he was yellin' profanity through the door. We haven't been back since.

We had stayed there twice before, no problem. We came back to visit a friend of ours who lives in Laurinburg (that's how we ended up living there) so we figured we'd just stay at The Scotland Inn. Won't make that mistake again. If it's not the people, it's the Cockroaches. (Yes, they have them inside the rooms as well.) Not to mention, it's really unnerving to open your curtain and find one on the outside of the window, crawling down the glass.

I will say though, Pinehurst and Fayetteville....full of Southern Charm. I bought a computer at the Fayetteville Best Buy and the people there could not have been nicer. People opened doors for me, said hello, good day, etc.

Laurinburg? "What the h*ll are you doin' here? We ain't got nothin' in this town. Ya'lls need to go back north. You ain't gon' whine 'bout dem roaches then."

I believe it's East Laurinburg that had a convenience store where the owner was killed in an armed robbery a few years back. Our friend's house is behind it (not right behind it, but in that area) and it's kinda foreboding to go into a section of town that you know someone was *murdered* in.

Not to mention, it's about ten miles from McColl South Carolina (which is one town you do not want to be in past nightfall, if you're an outsider) the swamps on the outside of town is where they found Michael Jordan's father after he was murdered in a robbery. Yeah... *shudders* (Yes, *the* Michael Jordan, His Airness.)

They've closed down Winn-Dixie (but kept Piggly Wiggly...) I just cannot stress how much that Laurinburg is a visit type of town, not a "let's live here" kinda town.

I haven't gone back and haven't looked back. I know there are some good people there (especially the elderly, some of the sweetest grandmothers you'll ever meet.) but the overall feeling is basically "Er...no. Let's just pass on through."

Well this is just bitter. I have lived here for four years, moved from Ohio and have other posts here regarding LBG. I would say that I am not necessarily kind to the area but I think honest in the assessment. Search for Laurinburg on this site and take in some other input from myself and others. I will further address some of the comments in this thread and specifically this acrimonious poster…

In regards to crime and the job market this is true. Scotland County routinely has the highest unemployment in the state. A textile based economy, it has really suffered as has that industry as a whole. Additional businesses have left for more favorable labor rates overseas further depressing the economy. This is not localized to Laurinburg however it is regional. Crime and most of the unsavory elements addressed in these posts are a reflection of the high unemployment.

In the four years that I have lived here I have seen a handful of cockroaches, none of which have been in restaurants, gas stations or hotels.

In regards to the Scotland Inn, why would you elect to stay there? This is a contractors and truck drivers’ motel with $30 rooms, there is a Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express that are newer, cleaner and with more services. I’m not saying that it didn’t have roaches but I am saying that ANY motel of that ilk in the whole REGION is just as likely.

Pinehurst and Fayetteville…full of charm… Fayetteville is an army base town so if auto parts stores and strip clubs are your idea of charm then I guess it’s quite charming. Pinehurst has less locals than transplants and the median age is 50+ so if “Mr. Pinehurst” the unassuming realtor wants to sell you anything might I suggest single floor living so whatever geriatric buys after you doesn’t have to go up stairs. Additionally this a 45 minute drive from St. Andrews to Pinehurst which also wasn’t mentioned.

St. Andrews has had some troubles of their own recently with the accrediting body that certifies them. This resulted in litigation which was favorable to St. Andrews. If you are considering their equestrian program you will want to inquire about this to ensure that it is all straightened out. I understand that the program is one of the best in the region.

As I have maintained in other posts, the people that I have met while I have been here have been friendly and I have not had any problems. LBG does have its good and bad parts and most of the crime is in the bad parts like most towns.

If you can visit the town and the college before making your decision, and take any and all postings in this forum with a grain of salt.

[rd10482]

Yes, I would have to agree that the original posting is very bitter. I wonder why that person chose to live in Laurinburg twice if it was so bad. Laurinburg is a poor area and yes there are uneducated people here but most of them are good people. What one must understand is that until the early 70's the town of Laurinburg remained mostly agricultural. During those times children didn't have the opportunites at a state of the art education that now exists. Regarding the Scotland Inn I would say that every town has hotels and motels. Scotland Inn would be classified as a "motel" in my opinion.

Cockroaches are not nearly as bad as this person states. Of course we have them, who doesn't. I can say that I have never in my life had a roach jump on my anywhere in public.

Murder, yes it happens. Rarely. Name one town in the world today that hasn't had a murder. Maybe they do exist but you won't think of one out of the top of your head.

Thats enough regarding the negative. There is much that can be said for Laurinburg. It is less than 2hrs. from the beach around 5 from the mountains. Can't get any better than that unless you live in Los Angeles. Pinehurst a famous golf resort is located about 35 miles north of Laurinburg. The U.S. Open has been held here several times and is teturning around 2011. The people are very friendly and most would bend over backwards for their neighbor. Sothern charm does exist here. Laurinburg is no "Mayberry" but it is one of the few towns in N.C. that still has down to earth people.

[scotlandcountygirl]

I AINT SURE WHY U MOVED HERE AND MOVED WAY

Originally Posted by Autobot032

Ain't that the truth.

I lived in Laurinburg twice (moved in, moved away, moved in, moved away) and each time it got worse.

There's no real job market, the people have lost their southern charm, the crime's up, and it was just unbearable in the heat. Not to mention, going to pump gas and having Cockroaches climb all over the pump or on the grocery store doors. (Makes your skin crawl)

What really bothered me was finding a dead Cockroach (a little over an inch!) inside the outer doorway of Golden Corral. Needless to say, we didn't return there for dinner.

**Yes this Is true***



I still can't believe they closed down K-Mart, turned the Wal-Mart into a Supercenter, and then close it at 11:00. Seriously, what's the point?



I'm not sure you have the right place, but yes...Laurinburg is a place you could disappear without a trace.

I hate to sound so cold and bitter (especially considering I'm a "Yankee") but Laurinburg was not one of our better experiences. The Scotland Inn is a dive of a motel btw...it's really creepy when you walk over to get a drink out of the vending machine and someone pops out of the shadows to ask you for $5.00.


** LoL of course but no one stay at the Scotland Inn,Everyone from around here knows you have serious makor issues if you stay there at the scotland inn i mean me personally has lived here my whole life and i dont know why they havent closed it down yet**



Lemme tell ya, it quickly became an uncomfortable situation when I told him I didn't have it (I really didn't!) he started to follow me to my room (which made me run like crazy, and I'm no lightweight, so I was hustlin' pretty good.) Got in, locked the door, and he was yellin' profanity through the door. We haven't been back since.

We had stayed there twice before, no problem. We came back to visit a friend of ours who lives in Laurinburg (that's how we ended up living there) so we figured we'd just stay at The Scotland Inn. Won't make that mistake again. If it's not the people, it's the Cockroaches. (Yes, they have them inside the rooms as well.) Not to mention, it's really unnerving to open your curtain and find one on the outside of the window, crawling down the glass.

I will say though, Pinehurst and Fayetteville....full of Southern Charm. I bought a computer at the Fayetteville Best Buy and the people there could not have been nicer. People opened doors for me, said hello, good day, etc.

Laurinburg? "What the h*ll are you doin' here? We ain't got nothin' in this town. Ya'lls need to go back north. You ain't gon' whine 'bout dem roaches then."

*** You're Right alot of the people around here are very very Rude! But they would never tell u to go back north or dont whine about cockroaches thats normally those Native American people who talk trash! NOT TO MENTION COCKROACHES ARENT EVEN BAD DOWN HERE UR EXAGERATING BAD***


I believe it's East Laurinburg that had a convenience store where the owner was killed in an armed robbery a few years back. Our friend's house is behind it (not right behind it, but in that area) and it's kinda foreboding to go into a section of town that you know someone was *murdered* in.

**EAST LAURINBURG ISNT A GOOD PLACE TO BE**


Not to mention, it's about ten miles from McColl South Carolina (which is one town you do not want to be in past nightfall, if you're an outsider) the swamps on the outside of town is where they found Michael Jordan's father after he was murdered in a robbery. Yeah... *shudders* (Yes, *the* Michael Jordan, His Airness.)

*** ACUTUALLY I LIVED RIGHT DOWN THE ROAD FROM THERE JUST BECAUSE SUM 1 WAS FOUND DEAD THERE DONT MEAN THAT THE WHOLE PLACE IS BAD! I JUST RECENTLY MOVED FROM THERE AND NOTHING BAD WENT ON aROUND THERE THE WHOLE 10 YEARS I LIVED THERE**


They've closed down Winn-Dixie (but kept Piggly Wiggly...) I just cannot stress how much that Laurinburg is a visit type of town, not a "let's live here" kinda town.

***ACTUALLY ITS NOT A VISIT TYPE TOWN NOR A LIVE IN TOWN BUT WHEN U LIVE HERE UR WHOLE LIFE U JUST GET USE TO THE SUKENESS**


I haven't gone back and haven't looked back. I know there are some good people there (especially the elderly, some of the sweetest grandmothers you'll ever meet.) but the overall feeling is basically "Er...no. Let's just pass on through."

[Deez Nuttz]

Laurenburg, just a few years ago used to have this old timer that still owned and operated a radio repair business in the same building since 1935. But unfortunatley he is no longer with us he left us at 92. RIP

[wombat61]

There is a chance I will transfer to a job in Hamlet, NC but my wife looked on line and thought Laurinburg would be a better place to live. So, the wife, son and I went up to Laurinburg (we live in S Florida) to see if we really want to make this move. Long story short, we loved it. Sure, it is not a bustling metropolis. If you want that, then go back to New York City. No, not exactly a smorgasbord of dining choices. Again, back to NYC. And not really a sports haven in the immediate area. So that means no rude, obnoxious NY fans. Yet, Laurinburg has a charm. I'm not sure what crimes like drive by shootings and murders the new yorkers were speaking of but I didn't find any nor did I find the huge cockroaches my wife had heard about in this forum. I did find a lack of traffic and no one cut me off going 20 miles over the speed limit. I think i can live with that. I also found nice people and good food. So, if the northerners can't deal with the good life then let them stay in NYC, Boston, Jersey or whatever crowded trap they are living.

[jlbour]

Hi there-

Just thought I'd put my two cents in since everyone else seems to be. I moved down to NC as a result of a new job back in September. Mind you, I'd spent all 23 years of my life living up North in MA and went to college in NH. Needless to say this was the biggest move of my life to date and I did it alone - all of my family and friends are still up North. I started out renting a room in Raeford - the job acceptance/offer came rather quickly and being unfamiliar with the area I just picked a place within 30 minutes of work. After I got my bearings I started house hunting - most of the people I work with live in Laurinburg, so I checked the area out along with Fayetteville, Raeford, and surrounding areas. I found a house that I loved in a nice neighborhood in Laurinburg. I moved in in January. It's been great - I couldn't ask for better neighbors - on move in day the neighbors were raking my yard since the house had been vacant for several months. That was so nice to see. I'd never expect that from my neighbors up North. Within the first week or so of moving in - all of the neighbors had come by to introduce themselves and ask if there was anything I needed. This was really nice especially since I was 800 miles from friends and family. It's the kind of place where people look out for one another.

Now, Laurinburg itself - sure it's no metropolis - but it has what you need. A Walmart - every fast food restaurant on the planet, an Italian restaurant, several grocery stores, gas stations, Belk and Lowes. The basics are covered. Sure if you want to do the mall experience you have to drive up to Fayetteville, but so what, it's 40 miles north on 401 - a straight shot and a nice drive. They're also building an Applebees and some other restaurants. The stuff about the Scotland Inn is true - but what town or city doesn't have a sketchy motel?? There are several other nice options - I stayed in the Holiday Inn when I flew in to interview and the service was great, the people were friendly I had no complaints. I have yet to see a cockroach anywhere - granted it's only been 6 months - but still. It is not infested by bugs!
The downtown area of Laurinburg is very quaint, large older buildings, but very charming. There are also several unique stores and shops. Again, no bugs seen down there either.
The only downside to the area is that there isn't much to do for the younger crowd - I say younger as I'm 24 and single - but I hear the same thing from the highschool kids I've spoken with. There is a movie theatre but it's old, and the floors are dirty - if the owners were willing to renovate it'd do a great business. There are enough people in town to support it. The bar (Champs) is not someplace I'd be comfortable walking into by myself. I haven't met many people my age either. But I bought a house and that's been keeping me busy.
Adjusting to the Southern way of life has been challenging, as it's like night and day from what I've grown up with, but it's nice. It's nice to walk down the street and have someone make eye contact and say hello, or goodmorning. It's nice to have neighbors who know you exsist and seem to care. The weather is amazing - they think 40 degrees is cold - that's like a New England spring! I love it.
All in all, I'm happy I made the move and I have come to embrace Laurinburg and feel at home here. As with everything, you shouldn't jump to conclusions or believe everything you read. Come spend a day or two and see what Laurinburg has to offer. It may not be your speed or it may be just right. )

[jchristian112]

I grew up in Laurinburg, NC back in "62". in short I can give you three important things about Laurinburg that you should know. 1. To understand it's history and foundation select the following links"http://www.fayobserver.com/article?id=309251, http://www.fayobserver.com/article?id=309251, home of one of the worst political events in US history, 2. To view it's positives regarding it's expressly limited dining, attractions and educational facilities check out the following links. [url="http://www.visitscotlandnc.com/attractions.html"]http://www.visitscotlandnc.com/attractions.html, http://hotel-guides.us/north-carolin...-hotels.html",
Laurinburg, North Carolina NC - Hotels, Motels - See All Discounts
www.laurinburg.org/community_profile.cfm
Community Profile

3. Oppurtunities: Limited, dried up, gone, history, caputsky, evaporated, bought the farm. Heavy taxation killed Laurinburg, NC and has continued to do so. Companies like Abbott Laboratories left just for that reason. And for Laurinburg to be such a small city it still has the highest tax, thus virtually all major and minor companies have left and no new ones have arrived. In short it's becoming a ghost town.

Smart people will rent in LBG for a limited about of time but will not remain there for long. Laurinburg is made up of Whites, Blacks and Indians predominantly. Because of limited jobs, no local transportation system and continued tail-spin economy. LBG was heading for a full collapse decades before the 2008 depression and has remained on course. When I visit; I'm there for 48 hours then exit stage left. In certain areas crime has spread like wild fire though the present sheriff has done a great job I believe his predecessors created a problem which he may not be able to contain. Links: http://www.topix.com/city/laurinburg-nc[/URL"]http://www.topix.com/city/laurinburg-nc"]http://www.topix.com/city/laurinburg-nc[/URL] -weather> [url="http://www.wunderground.com/US/NC/Laurinburg.html"]http://www.wunderground.com/US/NC/Laurinburg.html
want any extra in just let me know. Republican, Democrat or Independant doesn't matter, you'd all be hard pressed finding a job that's not at McDonalds, a factory/Mill or working in the fields. (that's if even those jobs still exist).

One Love - One Family - One Race (Human)