Jacksonville, NC

Jacksonville is the commercial hub of North Carolina's Onslow County. Located on the state's Inner Banks,the 45 square-mile city is dominated by two major military camps. Both Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base and the New River Marine Corps Air Station are based in Jacksonville and attract a high number of new recruits and their families to the area. According to recent estimates, more than 70,000 people call Jacksonville home.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

The two, large military bases anchor Jacksonville's economy. Largely service and military-oriented, Jacksonville's economy has a budgeted income of about $118 million. The city's significant industries are real estate and the service-related businesses that primarily cater to military personnel and their families.

The automotive industry is heavily represented with chain-service and station-store combinations, such as Buffalo Tire. Financial services rank high as well. First Citizens Bank and FSNB Armed Services Bank are two major employers in the banking industry. Major companies in the area fall into two main categories: the service industry and the restaurant business, including chain eateries. These make up a large portion of the employers in Jacksonville. Construction and public administration are also significant sectors.

Jacksonville has an unemployment rate of 9.1 percent, which is slightly lower than the national average. The average salary for jobs in the city is $18,526 and the median income of households is $32,544.

FOR VISITORS

• Montford Point Marines Museum: Located in Jacksonville's Camp Gilbert H. Johnson, the Montford Point Marines Museum is dedicated to the memory and history of the first African American Marines who entered the service between 1942 and 1949. Photographs, sound recordings and artifacts memorialize the multifaceted achievements of these courageous men.
• Lynwood Park Zoo: This Jacksonville favorite is a delight for families with children. Located on several acres of land, the zoo features a pond and picnic area. The goats, llamas, capybaras and other animals that are on display are popular with children. Even though it is a small zoo, the interactivity and familial feel it offers make up its charm.
• Jacksonville Mall: Shopping features are front and center at the Jacksonville Mall. There are variety of shops in the complex including national chain stores and unique boutiques.
• Beirut Memorial: Located in Camp Lejeune, this community-funded memorial commemorates the armed forces personnel who were killed in Beirut, Lebanon while on a peace keeping mission.
• Onslow Vietnam Veterans Memorial: Nestled in the tall pines of Lejeune Memorial Gardens is the Onslow Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The memorial is one of the largest Vietnam veteran memorials and features the names of all 58,200 armed forces personnel who died in Vietnam.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

• North Carolina Symphony: Twice a year, in June and December, the North Carolina Symphony puts on free concerts for Jacksonville residents. This is due in part to the support the symphony receives from the Jacksonville Council for the Arts.
• Jacksonville Council for the Arts: The Jacksonville Council for the Arts is not only a supporting member of various local artisans and orchestras, but it is also an art gallery and teaching institution in its own right. Displays and exhibits change on a monthly basis, and there are always new artists and established artisans who present their work for display.

EVENTS

• A Glorious Evening of Opera: This is an annual benefit concert sponsored, in part, by the Jacksonville Council for the Arts. The Wilmington Symphony Orchestra provides music, and a host of visiting artists grace the Kenan Auditorium on the University of North Carolina's Wilmington Campus for an evening of music and culture.
• Chamber of Commerce Business Expo: Jacksonville city officials understand that the service industry and retail businesses thrive on networking opportunities. This annual event allows business owners from Jacksonville and surrounding areas to meet and network.
• Lejeune Bridal Gala: The annual Lejeune Bridal Gala is a great tourist attraction that draws visitors to the Jacksonville Commons Recreation Center. The gala, which is aimed at newly engaged couples, features vendors, cuisine tasting, and, of course, jewelry exhibits.

EDUCATION

Jacksonville is home to the Coastal Carolina Community College. Intimately tied into the local military presence, there are several programs that accommodate a military partnership and help interested high school grads to prepare for a civilian or military career. The college offers associate degree programs in technical areas as well as continuing education classes.

SPORTS TEAMS

Jacksonville sports fans only have the opportunity to cheer for professional teams from other areas. However, local high school teams provide an outlet for football and basketball enthusiasm, though on the amateur level.

Locally, the fairly new Jacksonville-Onslow Sports Hallof Fame is a way for sports fans to honor outstanding past and present athletes. Located in the Chamber of Commerce building, it honors the many athletes who have called Jacksonville their home. Among the list are Levi Brown, Mike Frier, David Green, Marcus Jones, Qasim Mitchell, Quincy Monk and Tyrone Willingham.