Are you ready to embark on an adventure exploring the rural towns of North Carolina? In this video by Joe & Nic’s Road Trip, you’ll get a glimpse into the lesser-known towns of Fair Bluff, Chadburn, Whiteville, and Tabor City. These towns, situated far off the interstate, offer a unique perspective on rural life in North Carolina. You’ll learn about the challenges these towns have faced, such as population loss due to hurricanes in Fair Bluff and abandoned homes in Chadburn. Whiteville, despite its bustling downtown, has high crime rates, while Tabor City boasts interesting demographic statistics including a stable population and being known as the “yam capital of the world.” Join the narrator and his wife as they take you on this captivating journey, sharing their observations and insights along the way. So buckle up and get ready to discover the hidden gems of rural North Carolina!
Exploring Rural Towns in North Carolina: Fair Bluff, Chadburn, Whiteville, and Tabor City
Welcome to rural North Carolina! Today, we are going to take you on a journey through some of the lesser-known towns in this beautiful state. These towns may be off the beaten path and far from the interstate, but they have their own unique charm and interesting stories to tell. So hop in the car, buckle up, and get ready to explore Fair Bluff, Chadburn, Whiteville, and Tabor City.
Fair Bluff
Our first stop is Fair Bluff. This town has had its fair share of challenges in recent years. With multiple hurricanes devastating the area, Fair Bluff has experienced a tremendous amount of population loss. The peak population, back in 1980, was almost 1,100 people. Today, that number has decreased to around 400. As you drive into the downtown area, you may notice empty homes and abandoned buildings. Due to the lack of tax revenue, the city struggles to maintain the necessary infrastructure. The median age of Fair Bluff is 53, making it an older town. The gender balance is also interesting, with 64% of the population being female and 36% being male. Out of the female population, 14% are widowed. The poverty rate in Fair Bluff is 15.5, and the median household income is $24,700. Additionally, the median home value is only $50,600, which is significantly lower than the national average. Despite the challenges it has faced, Fair Bluff remains a resilient town with a unique character.
Chadburn
Next up is Chadburn, also known as “The Strawberry Capital of the World.” While it may not hold that title anymore, Chadburn is still proud of its history in strawberry production. Walking through the town, you may notice some abandoned homes and businesses. Unfortunately, Chadburn is grappling with high poverty rates, with a poverty rate of 45.7, one of the highest we have seen on our journey. The median household income in Chadburn is $27,600, which translates to $532 a week. Despite these challenges, the town still holds on to its claim of producing the best tasting strawberries in the world. So if you’re ever in Chadburn during strawberry season, make sure to indulge in the delicious flavors that this town has to offer.
Whiteville
Now let’s make our way to Whiteville. As you enter the downtown area, you will immediately notice the bustling activity. Whiteville has a busy downtown with shops, restaurants, and people going about their daily lives. However, it is important to note that Whiteville also has high crime rates, particularly when it comes to violent crimes. The violent crime rate is 10.6 per 1,000 people, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.8. Therefore, it is essential to exercise caution when visiting this town. On the economic front, the median household income in Whiteville is $32,222. The poverty rate is 21.8, which means that there is still work to be done to improve the economic conditions in the town. Despite these challenges, Whiteville remains a vibrant community worth exploring.
Tabor City
Our final destination is Tabor City. Unlike the previous towns we visited, Tabor City has a stable population. With around 3,800 residents, it is not facing the same population loss as other rural towns. However, Tabor City has some interesting demographic statistics. The median age in the town is 40, making it a relatively young community. Additionally, the town has a unique distribution of gender, with 4% male and 36% female residents. Out of the female population, 24% are widowed, which presents its own set of challenges and dynamics. Tabor City also struggles with poverty, with a poverty rate of 35%. Despite the high poverty rate, the crime rate remains relatively low at 3.3 per 1,000 people. It’s fascinating to see how Tabor City manages to maintain a low crime rate despite the economic hardships. In terms of its identity, Tabor City is known as the “Yam Capital of the World.” So if you’re a fan of yams, this is the place to be! Additionally, Tabor City is home to a prison, which is possibly the largest employer in the town.
Conclusion
After exploring these rural towns in North Carolina, it’s clear that they each have their own story to tell. From the population loss and hurricane impact in Fair Bluff to the abandoned homes and high poverty rates in Chadburn, these towns bear witness to the challenges faced by many rural communities. Whiteville’s busy downtown area contrasts with its high crime rates, reminding us that every town has its unique set of strengths and challenges. Finally, Tabor City’s stable population, interesting demographic statistics, and unique identity as the “Yam Capital of the World” highlight the diversity that can be found even in the smallest of towns.
As for me and my wife, we’re headed to Wilmington, North Carolina for our next adventure. Our videos will continue to explore the hidden gems of this beautiful state, and we can’t wait to share our experiences with all of you. Stay tuned for an upcoming hotel review in Wilmington, where we’ll dive into the local culture and showcase the best that this vibrant city has to offer. Until then, happy travels!