Eastern North Carolina offers an incredibly varied landscape and the lifestyles that go with it. With its mild climate and breathtaking scenery, it’s no wonder that this unique area is considered one of the best places to live. But whatever appeals to you — city lights, stunning shorelines or small-town charm — you can count on a few similarities across the Coastal Plain that spans east of I-95 to the Outer Banks: four distinct seasons, exceptional quality of life and weather that entices you outdoors.
Communities
From waterway communities and small towns to big city living and lakeside retreats, our locations offer a chance to further your career while enjoying the lifestyle you’ve always wanted. Whether you’re looking for a fresh start or a career closer to home, we hope you’ve just found it.
Waterway Communities
Ahoskie, NC
Ahoskie offers a warm, small-town atmosphere with a strong sense of community and easy access to nature, making it a peaceful place to call home.
- Public schools: Hertford County Schools
- Private schools: Lawrence Academy, Hobgood Charter School, Ahoskie Christian School, Ridgecroft School, Bethel Assembly Christian Academy
- Higher education: Roanoke-Chowan Community College, Martin Community College, Chowan University
- Hospital: ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital
City Living
Edenton, NC
With its charming waterfront, historic homes and vibrant arts scene, Edenton blends Southern hospitality with coastal beauty.
- Public schools: Edenton-Chowan Public Schools
- Private schools: Lawrence Academy, Ahoskie Christian School, Ridgecroft School, Bethel Assembly Christian Academy
- Higher education: Chowan University, College of The Albemarle, Elizabeth City State University
- Hospital: ECU Health Chowan Hospital
Small Town Communities
Greenville, NC
A dynamic college town with a thriving medical and tech sector, Greenville balances youthful energy with family-friendly neighborhoods and green spaces.
Learn more about living and working in Greenville.
- Public schools: Pitt County Schools
- Private schools: The Oakwood School, Greenville Christian Academy, Christ Covenant School, St. Peter’s Catholic School, Greenville Montessori, John Paul II Catholic High School, Walton Academy
- Higher education: Pitt Community College, East Carolina University
- Hospital: ECU Health Medical Center
Learn more about living and working in Greenville.
Lake Living
Kenansville, NC
Kenansville is a quiet, welcoming town rich in history and surrounded by scenic farmland, perfect for those seeking a slower pace of life.
- Public schools: Duplin County Schools
- Private schools: Harrells Christian Academy, Parrott Academy (Kinston)
- Higher education: James Sprunt Community College, UNC Wilmington
- Hospital: ECU Health Duplin Hospital
Lake Living
Kinston, NC
Kinston combines cultural flair with culinary excellence, offering residents a lively downtown, art galleries and award-winning restaurants.
- Public schools: Lenoir County Schools
- Private schools: Parrott Academy
- Higher education: Lenoir Community College, East Carolina University
Lake Living
Roanoke Rapids, NC
Roanoke Rapids offers affordable living, waterfront recreation and a growing arts and entertainment scene in a relaxed, small-town setting.
- Public schools: Halifax County Schools
- Private schools: Halifax Academy
- Higher education: Halifax Community College, North Carolina Wesleyan University, Barton College
- Hospital: ECU Health North Hospital
Lake Living
Tarboro, NC
With its picturesque historic downtown, filled with quaint shops and local eateries, Tarboro is a place where neighbors become friends over a cup of coffee or a stroll along the Tar River.
- Public schools: Edgecombe County Schools
- Private schools: North East Carolina Prep School
- Higher education: Edgecombe Community College, East Carolina University
- Hospital: ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital
Lake Living
Washington, NC
Washington is a waterfront town that boasts scenic views, a walkable downtown and a laid-back lifestyle perfect for nature lovers.
- Public schools: Beaufort County Schools
- Private schools: Washington Montessori Public Charter School, Terra Ceia Christian School
- Higher education: Beaufort Community College, East Carolina University
- Hospital: ECU Health Beaufort Hospital, a campus of ECU Health Medical Center
Lake Living
Wilson, NC
Wilson blends Southern charm with modern amenities, featuring beautiful parks, a vibrant arts scene and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Public schools: Wilson County Schools
- Private schools: Greenfield School, Rocky Mount Academy, Faith Christian School, Wilson Christian Academy, Community Christian School
- Higher education: North Carolina Wesleyan University, Barton College
Lake Living
Windsor, NC
Windsor is a peaceful town nestled along the Cashie River, offering rich history, outdoor activities and a close-knit community vibe.
- Public schools: Bertie County Schools
- Private schools: Lawrence Academy, Hobgood Charter School, Ahoskie Christian School, Ridgecroft School, Bethel Assembly Christian Academy
- Higher education: Roanoke-Chowan Community College, Martin Community College, Chowan University
- Hospital: ECU Health Bertie Hospital
Lake Living
The Outer Banks
Here, you’ll find 100+ miles of wide-open shoreline, charming seaside villages and a mix of towns brimming with personality and fascinating connections to our nation’s history.
- Public schools: Dare County Schools
- Private schools: Heron Pond Montessori School, Wanchese Christian Academy
- Higher education: Elizabeth City State University, College of the Albemarle, Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University
- Hospital: Outer Banks Health Hospital
A sense of mutual respect and mindfulness permeates our culture-in fact, it’s the key to our success.
Find home in eastern North Carolina
Relocating to a new city or town can be daunting. The good news? Compared with national averages, housing is affordable in eastern North Carolina—whether you’re looking to buy or rent. You can count on a low cost of living with plenty of housing options to choose from—apartments, condos, single-family homes (and yes, even houseboats in our waterway communities). If you’re ready to explore real estate options in eastern North Carolina, we’ll get you started with some basic resources right here.
A sense of mutual respect and mindfulness permeates our culture-in fact, it’s the key to our success.
About ECU Health
ECU Health is a mission-driven, 1,708-bed academic health care system serving more than 1.4 million people in 29 eastern North Carolina counties. The not-for-profit system is comprised of 15,000 team members, nine hospitals and a physician group that encompasses over 1,200 academic and community providers practicing in over 220 primary and specialty clinics located in more than 120 locations.
Opportunities for professional nurses are varied and growing every day. Together, we can make your dreams happen, regardless of which hospital in our system you choose for your first professional nursing experience.
Opportunities for professional nurses are varied and growing every day. Together, we can make your dreams happen, regardless of which hospital in our system you choose for your first professional nursing experience.