On orders to Fort Bragg and trying to figure out where to land fast? You want a short commute, clear costs, and a plan that works with your BAH and timeline. If Spring Lake is on your radar, this quick orientation gives you the essentials you need to choose with confidence. You will learn commute realities, price patterns, key neighborhoods, and a step‑by‑step PCS checklist tailored to military buyers. Let’s dive in.
Why Spring Lake works for PCS buyers
Spring Lake sits just north of Fayetteville along the Harnett County line. Many addresses that feel like “Spring Lake” can fall in either Cumberland County or Harnett County, so double‑check the parcel’s county before you offer.
Your commute is the big win here. Many Spring Lake neighborhoods sit about 3 to 6 miles from primary Fort Bragg gates, often a 5 to 12 minute drive depending on time of day. Use your specific gate and run a test drive during your normal commute window, and confirm your route with a simple distance check from town to the installation using this Spring Lake to Fort Bragg drive reference.
Note on naming: the installation has been referenced under both Fort Bragg and Fort Liberty in recent years. When you set up services or search official resources, verify the current naming on official Army channels.
Quick facts at a glance
- Commute: Many Spring Lake addresses are under 10 to 15 minutes to common Fort Bragg gates if you choose the right subdivision and gate. Validate with a weekday morning drive and this distance reference.
- Price snapshot: Recent market snapshots for Spring Lake show medians generally in the low‑to‑mid 200Ks up to around 310K. Inventory is often small, so listings can move quickly, especially around major PCS cycles. Always refresh numbers right before you write an offer.
- Utilities: The Town of Spring Lake approved a 17% water and sewer rate increase effective January 1, 2025, which the town estimates is about an $18.59 per month change for an average household using 5,000 gallons. See the town’s notice on the water and sewer rate increase.
- Counties and taxes: Parts of the Spring Lake area fall in Cumberland County and parts in Harnett County. Cumberland set its FY2026 property‑tax rate at $0.499 per $100 valuation in June 2025. Verify the parcel’s county and rate before closing using the county’s FY2026 tax rate announcement.
- Schools: Addresses can be zoned to Cumberland County Schools or Harnett County Schools. Verify the specific attendance zone for your exact address using official district tools or a Harnett County high school attendance zone map as a starting point, then confirm with the district.
Neighborhood snapshot
Anderson Creek Club
If you want amenities, consider Anderson Creek Club, a gated, golf‑oriented community with pools, trails, and on‑site features that many military families find convenient. Homes here often price above “Spring Lake proper,” and HOA rules, fees, and gate procedures matter for daily living and resale planning. Review community details and rules on the Anderson Creek Club site, and time the drive to your gate of choice.
Spring Lake core and Overhills area
Closer to several Fort Bragg gates, the Spring Lake core and nearby Overhills area offer a mix of older single‑family homes and denser neighborhoods at more modest price points compared to some gated communities. Because county lines cut through the area, confirm the parcel’s county, school assignment, and any HOA obligations before you go under contract.
Military move game plan
Use this PCS‑focused checklist to move from orders to keys with fewer surprises:
- Call the Housing Services Office (HSO) first. Get official on‑post vs off‑post guidance, referral lists, and help with lease issues through the installation page on Military OneSource.
- Run your BAH numbers. The DoD updates BAH annually, with a 2025 average increase of about 5.4 percent. Start with the official release and lookup tools from the Department of Defense.
- Secure your VA loan path. Get your Certificate of Eligibility and understand entitlement, funding fees, and lender requirements using the VA COE guide. Many lenders can retrieve your COE for you.
- Map the commute to your gate. Identify your daily gate, then test drive from the shortlist of neighborhoods during your expected commute window.
- Plan for childcare and spouse employment. Ask ACS/Relocation about waitlists and resources when you connect with HSO, so your timeline lines up with school and care needs.
Due diligence checklist before you offer
- Confirm county, taxes, and exemptions. If the parcel is in Cumberland County, start with the county’s FY2026 tax rate notice. If it is in Harnett County, check the current rate and any municipal overlays for that address.
- Review HOA rules early. In amenity communities, HOA fees, rental policies, and transfer fees matter for PCS flexibility. Request HOA documents before due diligence ends and use the Anderson Creek Club site for community‑level context.
- Budget for utilities and deposits. Start or transfer town water and sewer in your name early and plan for the town’s 2025 rate change using the Spring Lake rate update.
- Check flood risk by address. Generate a FIRMette and confirm whether the home sits in a Special Flood Hazard Area using the FEMA Flood Map Service Center. If the lender requires flood insurance, get quotes during due diligence.
- Evaluate safety and neighborhood fit. Review address‑specific data and talk with local police community officers. Conditions vary street by street, so rely on recent, address‑level information.
- Verify school assignment. Use district maps as a starting point, like the Harnett County attendance zone map, then call the district to confirm the current assignment for the exact parcel.
- Plan for healthcare access. Service members and families often use Womack Army Medical Center on post and regional civilian systems for referrals. Start with Womack’s contact page to understand hours, clinics, and referrals.
Spring Lake puts you close to the gates, keeps your routine simple, and offers a range of homes that can fit BAH and VA‑loan plans. If you want a tailored search that aligns with your orders, budget, and timeline, connect with Kendra Conyers for a white‑glove PCS experience from offer to closing.
FAQs
How close are Spring Lake homes to Fort Bragg gates?
- Many addresses are roughly 3 to 6 miles from common gates, often 5 to 12 minutes depending on traffic; verify your route using this drive distance reference and a weekday test drive.
Which school district will my Spring Lake address use?
- Addresses can fall in Cumberland County Schools or Harnett County Schools; start with a district map like this Harnett County attendance zone reference and then call the district to confirm your exact address.
What should I know about Spring Lake utility costs in 2025?
- The town increased water and sewer rates by 17 percent effective January 1, 2025, an estimated $18.59 per month for an average 5,000‑gallon household; review the town’s rate update.
Where do I find official BAH for Fort Bragg?
- Use the DoD’s tools and 2025 release on BAH, which shows an average increase of about 5.4 percent; start here: official DoD BAH update.
Do I need flood insurance for a Spring Lake home?
- Lenders require flood insurance if the home is in a Special Flood Hazard Area; check the property in the FEMA Flood Map Service Center during due diligence.
Where can my family get medical care near Spring Lake?
- Many families use on‑post services at Womack Army Medical Center and coordinate civilian referrals as needed; start with Womack’s contact page for locations and guidance.
