James City, NC 79 Apartments for Rent

Renamed in honor of Reverend Horace James, an Army chaplain who headed the Trent River Settlement in the 1860s, James City was the largest refuge in North Carolina for black men and women during the Civil War period.

James City is a census-designated place (CDP) as opposed to being recognized as an official city or town. Located in Craven County, the town boasted a population of 5,899 in the 2010 U.S. Census. It is located on the North Carolina coast, approximately halfway between Wilmington and Elizabeth City. Despite its name, James City is essentially a neighborhood of New Bern, to the point that many of the businesses within town use New Bern descriptors in their names, even when located in James City. The thin strip of land that makes up James City incorporates the Coastal Carolina Regional Airport to the north and is between Highway 70 to the west and the Neuse River to the east.

Moving to James City

Weather in James City

Due to its location along the Neuse River and Atlantic coast, residents of James City will need to be prepared for the potential of inclement weather during the hurricane season. Though snow is not common in James City, with average temperature lows during winter hovering just above freezing, snow is not unheard of in the area. Summer months can get steamy with high humidity and average temperatures in the 80 to 90 degree range.

Types of Properties

Finding townhouses and rental condos is easier than finding a rental apartment in the James City area. Using an apartments locator or a local realtor to find an apartment will yield better results, but most apartment communities are located outside of James City limits in areas such as Brice Creek to the west, New Bern to the northwest, and Fairfield Harbor across the Neuse River. For larger floor plans or premier apartment settings, renters will need to target neighboring areas, because 3 bedroom apartments are not readily available in James City. For those looking for an all utilities paid option for places to rent is challenging. The greatest possibilities for finding all inclusive options are best with a rental house, with a townhouse or condo as a secondary option. Of all rental options, rental houses are the easiest to find.

When to Move and What to Bring

Renters should allot ample time to locate properties to rent. For those who can be patient, the end of warmer weather can add possibilities to rental options as summer rentals become vacant. Renters should be prepared with a good credit report and proof of income to facilitate the rental process -- better prepared than sorry!

Neighborhoods and Top Apartment Communities

Renters need to be aware that much of the rental inventory in James City and nearby areas is generally labeled as New Bern regardless of the area in which a property is located.

Brice Creek: This is the only neighborhood in James City and is located west of Highway 70 with the Croatan National Forest to the west. The neighborhood wraps around the Coastal Carolina Regional Airport and James City limits.

Landmark Apartments: Located less than a mile west of Highway 70 on Airport Road, Landmark Apartments is technically in the adjacent area known as Brice Creek, but it is the closest apartment community to the James City limits. Landmark Apartments offers one and two bedroom apartments, but utilities are not included.

Living in James City

James City has a variety of day-to-day amenities within its limits, including grocery stores, fast food restaurants, gas stations, and banks. Greater shopping options, like big box retailers and larger shopping centers, can be found in New Bern proper. Franco's Pizza on U.S. 70 is a local favorite specializing in New York Style Pizza served both by the slice and as a whole pizza pie. Other menu items include appetizers, salads, a wide variety of sub sandwiches, and spaghetti and other Italian specialties.

Taberna Country Club is located west of U.S. 70 and south of the Coastal Carolina Regional Airport. The clubhouse is modeled after the Castle of Nydegg in Switzerland. Taberna means "place of hospitality" which is an ode to the original name of Bern, Switzerland, the sister city to New Bern. Taberna Country Club has an 18-hole championship golf course and hosts various events throughout the year.

Need to get away? Coastal Carolina Regional Airport provides regularly scheduled flights to East Coast hubs -- such as Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Raleigh-Durham International Airport, and Wilmington International Airport -- that allow for connections throughout the world.

James City is part of North Carolina's Crystal Coast with Fisher Landing Recreational Site directly to the south in the Croatan National Forest that wraps around the area to the banks of Neuse River. Fisher Landing allows for picnicking and other outdoor activities. Just a bit further south on U.S. 70, Neuse River Recreation Area offers camping facilities in addition to opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Carolina Pines Golf and Country Club has a, 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course with a restaurant, a bar and an Olympic-sized pool.

James City is convenient to many major cities and area attractions. At the lower edge of the Outer Banks chain of barrier islands, James City is a drive and ferry ride away from Ocracoke Island. From Ocracoke, the natural beauty of the entire Outer Banks area is accessible with an additional ferry ride. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and its famous boardwalk are to the south, with Wilmington marking the halfway point in the trip. Raleigh is approximately 100 miles to the northwest. Fayetteville and Fort Bragg Army Base are roughly 100 miles to the west.