Oriental : North carolina

Oriental is a very small harbor town located on the Neuse River within the inner banks of North Carolina.  It is named after the Sailing Steamer Oriental, built in Philadelphia in 1861, but unfortunately, was wrecked just a year later.  The town, considered the "Sailing Capital of North Carolina", has a population of about 900 (2013 census), with a median age of 60. It sits midpoint on the Intracoastal Waterway, making it a popular destination for hundreds of boaters as they travel up and down the coast between their summer and winter homes. Oriental has a town dock and marina, seafood companies and fishing charters, but it is also home to photographers, artists, and galleries.  The popular television show Dawson's Creek was written by Kevin Williamson, a native of Oriental, and much of the show was filmed here.

Because the town is so small it is hard to pinpoint a median home value was $274,570 in early 2020.

Oriental is a scenic waterfront town full of marinas and sailboats, along with art galleries, restaurants and shops.

If you aren't an outdoor person you wouldn't find much to do here.  Oriental is a little isolated, the nearest hospital is in New Bern about 30 miles away, there is no town library, and it's far from a major city (140 miles to Raleigh). 

Those who own a boat, enjoy the water, fishing, seafood, photography and artwork would like retiring here.

Fishing, Agriculture, and tourism drive the economy.

January's average temperature is 47 degrees, with July's average 78 degrees. The annual rainfall is 56.4 inches.

Oriental is all about the water, with many regattas, boat races, and fishing tournaments, but it also hosts several festivals and events throught the different seasons.  The Croaker Festival held during July, is an art and vendor event, the Celebration of the Arts is held in September, and the popular Spirit of Chirstmas is celebrated in December.  The Oriental History Musuem offers displays of the town's early years, and has joined with the Oriental Tourism Board to develop a 1.2 mile walking tour of over 30 sites. There are also several restaurants in town and a farmer's market.