Jacksonville, North Carolina, is the closest major city to MCAS New River. It has about 72,000 people, and is in Onslow County, which has a population of about 178,000 people. Other nearby small communities include Swansboro, North Topsail Beach, and Camp Lejeune.

It is about 6 miles from downtown Jacksonville to MCAS New River; this takes about 14 minutes to commute. The average commute in Onslow County is about 23 minutes.

Local Housing Rental Prices: The average apartment rent in the Jacksonville area ranges from $500 to $900 per month, with a median of about $700 per month.

Local Housing Purchase Prices: The average price for a house in Jacksonville is about $136,000, compared to $220,000 for North Carolina.

Short Description of the Area: Jacksonville, North Carolina, is a mid-sized city near the southern coast of the state. The city is among several Marine stations, including Camp Lejeune and its supplemental facilities. This area is in many ways an all-American slice, but with a fairly high percentage of men ages 18-26 and a below average crime rate (these are Marines, after all).

Climate and Weather: The city is off a series of inland bays, which moderates the climate somewhat. The area has a warm, humid climate, with winter temperatures of the mid-50s to mid-30s and summer temperatures from the low 90s to low 70s. The area has humid summers, mild falls, mild winters, and warm and high pollen springs. Weather systems off the Atlantic can include storms, tropical storms, and occasional hurricanes. Rain varies from 7 to 14 inches per month, with April and October being driest and July and August being wettest; there is very little snow in the normal local winter.

North Carolina Music: North Carolina in general has a rich, mixed music heritage. From traditional hill music to cutting edge modern music, fans should be able to find a venue in one of the state's cities.

North Carolina Barbecue: Different areas of the state have different right ways to barbeque, with different right sauces, but pork barbeque is popular. The state has a serious difference of opinion over barbeque styles, divided into Eastern whole-hog style, and Lexington pork shoulder style. Arguments and even legislation has seasoned up local newspapers for years. Serious barbecuers may be interested in the Lexington Barbecue Festival, although Lexington, North Carolina, is about halfway across the state.