Ayden is a very small town located in Pitt County, North Carolina. It is about nine miles to the south of Greenville and a 90 minute drive to the famous Research Triangle Park with all its fancy hospitals and research institutes. The total population of Ayden only numbers about 2600 inhabitants, but when the surrounding areas are included, there are at least a quarter of a million people living within a 25 mile radius.
One of the best known places in Ayden NC is a restaurant called Pete Jones BBQ. People travel from all over the world to try his famous BBQ, cole slaw, and corn bread. Even though Pete himself passed away just a short while ago, the place is still open. You’ll find the cooks chopping away at the meat when you enter the tin roof building with a capitol-like dome.
Farming has always been in the roots of Ayden and the surrounding community. In the past 30 years there has been a gradual cultural shift as many industries have located to the greater North Carolina area, including the Minges Bottling Ggroup and Weyerhaeuser, Inc. Ever since the 1980s, the entire town and the surrounding counties have seen a big boom in both the financial services and construction industries. The majority of citizens in this part of the country are employed either by the health sector or these large industrial firms previously mentioned.
Farming is still a thriving occupation on the outskirts of the town. Ayden also holds a weekly festival in September that includes events such as rides, music, food and sports. Just like the community of Ayden, I am a firm believer in a strong sense of community spirit. If you want to take a look at Ayden NC property for sale, give me a call at 252-717-5770, and I will work with your schedule to show you around town.
The majority of individuals who live in Ayden are married couples, who enjoy the sense of pride that comes along with home ownership. Schools are close by for the local children and teenagers. East Carolina University is an excellent school for academics and is located just a few miles away in the city of Greenville.
The Ayden Collard Festival, which is now over 30 years old, is held the week immediately following Labor Day in September. Join in on the collard-eating contest! Eat as much as you can for the 30-minute time period, and then try to keep everything down long enough to get your prize and plaque. Watch the pageant on Monday and Tuesday, and enjoy the Gospel singing on Wednesday night. On Thursday and Friday take the family out to the rides, and take in a live concert at the West Avenue Stage. If you’re motivated enough, get up on Saturday and run the 5K road race or 1 Mile Fun Walk. There is plenty to do at the Ayden Collard Festival, so make sure to pace yourself as you take it all in!
Most of Pitt County has no income tax. Whatever taxes are collected are allocated to the schools, parks and recreation grounds. The entire Pitt County area has well-established utility services such as water, natural gas and electrical facilities.
Ayden is a popular place to buy a home because of its central location. It is close to Greenville and most other small towns in the vicinity. Just outside the town, the highway system offers quick and easy access to the entire region. For those wanting to fly in, Greenville has an airport that is only miles away from downtown Ayden. Ayden is also close to the Atlantic shore, which is less than two hours driving distance away.
Ayden is an ideal place to buy a home, because it offers almost every service and amenity for professionals and retirees alike. Every type of home for purchase is available here, from small-town houses, luxury farm estates and new condo buildings. As a home buyer, your best bet is to perform a thorough search of the area, and I would be happy to show you around. Go with a pro like Rudy Schulte: she can help you find real estate in Ayden NC for a reasonable price. She will save you time and money, and you’ll be glad you trusted an expert who understands the local Ayden market.
Visit the website for Ayden North Carolina or the Ayden Collard Festival here!