Moving to Grimesland, NC: 12 Things to Know Before You Buy (2026)

By Denise Davis, REALTOR® | Fresh Start Realty | Serving Greenville & Pitt County, North Carolina

Head east out of Greenville on NC 33 toward the Tar River, and the landscape opens up fast. Subdivisions give way to farm fields, tree lines and long country roads. Within about 15 to 20 minutes, you're in Grimesland.

For a lot of buyers, that's exactly the appeal. Grimesland offers bigger lots, newer homes, room for a garden or a few horses, and a slower pace, while Greenville, ECU Health and Washington stay within easy reach. It's one of the best places in Pitt County to find land and country living without being far from town.

But Grimesland works differently from Greenville or Winterville. The town itself is tiny, many homes rely on wells and septic systems, and taxes, utilities and schools depend heavily on the exact address. Here are 12 things to know before you buy in Grimesland, NC, plus answers to the questions people ask most.

Grimesland at a Glance

• Location: Eastern Pitt County, along NC 33 and the Tar River, about 10 miles east of Greenville
• Town population: about 390 (2020 Census: 386)
• 27837 ZIP code population: about 5,900, covering roughly 59 square miles
• Recent median sale price (27837): about $390,000
• Typical lot: more than half an acre, with plenty of acreage available
• Schools: Pitt County Schools (many addresses assigned to Chicod School and D.H. Conley High)
• USDA zero-down loans: much of the area is eligible (check each address)
• Known for: the Tar River, historic Grimesland Plantation and quiet country living

1. "Grimesland" Usually Means the Area, Not Just the Town

The Town of Grimesland is one of the smallest towns in Pitt County: about 390 residents on less than one square mile. But the 27837 Grimesland ZIP code covers about 59 square miles and nearly 5,900 people, stretching from the Tar River toward the edge of Greenville and even into a small part of Beaufort County.

That difference matters. Most homes with a Grimesland address are in the county, outside town limits, which affects your property taxes, water and sewer, and school assignment. Always confirm whether a specific property is inside or outside the town limits. You can browse current listings on our Grimesland, NC homes for sale page.

2. A Small River Town With Deep History

Grimesland sits along the Tar River and has a long history. The area was once known as Mount Calvert and Boyd's Ferry. The town is named for Confederate General Bryan Grimes and was laid out on his family's plantation. Grimesland Plantation, built around 1790, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.

The Town of Grimesland describes its priorities as small-town values, guided growth and preserving the area's historical, cultural and natural heritage. Expect a quiet, close-knit place rather than a busy downtown.

3. The Commute Is Short for a Country Setting

Grimesland is about 10 miles east of Greenville. Most of the area is roughly 15 to 25 minutes from ECU Health Medical Center, East Carolina University and Greenville shopping, depending on where you live and traffic. Historic Washington, NC, on the Pamlico River, is about 15 minutes east.

That location makes Grimesland a good fit for people who work in Greenville but want land and quiet, and for households where one person works in Greenville and the other in Washington or Beaufort County. The Census estimates the average commute for town residents at about 27 minutes.

4. Home Prices Are Higher Than You Might Expect

Because so much of the Grimesland area has been built in the last 20 years, prices run higher than in many small Pitt County towns. The median sale price in the 27837 ZIP code has recently been about $390,000, and the median home was built around 2002 (Homes.com).

That median hides a wide range:

• Older homes in and near town can sell for under $200,000.
• Newer subdivision homes typically run from the upper $300,000s to the $500,000s.
• Custom homes on acreage can reach $600,000 or more.

For current numbers, run a Grimesland report with our Market Reports tool or read our guide to understanding the Pitt County real estate market.

5. New Construction Is Growing

The Grimesland area has become one of the more active new construction markets in eastern Pitt County. Builders working here include Caviness & Cates (Cheshire Landing, roughly $380,000 to $475,000), Bill Clark Homes, Adams Homes and ACREW Homes. Newer homes here often come with bigger lots than you'll find in Greenville or Winterville.

Established neighborhoods such as Dixie Ridge and Holly Ridge, which has Tar River views, offer larger custom homes and more land. Browse what's available now on our new construction homes page.

6. It's One of the Best Areas for Land and Acreage

If you want space, Grimesland delivers. The median lot in the area is more than half an acre, and you'll regularly find homes on 2 or more acres, mini-farms and large tracts of farmland or timberland for sale.

Buying land or a rural home comes with extra homework:

• Septic and well: Many properties outside town rely on a private well and a septic system. Have both inspected, and for vacant land, get a soil evaluation (perc test) from the county before you close.
• Survey: Order a survey to confirm boundaries, easements and road access.
• Restrictions: Check for HOA covenants or deed restrictions, especially if you plan to keep animals or add outbuildings.

Start your search with our land for sale, homes with acreage and property for sale in Pitt County pages. Our Pitt County home inspection checklist covers local issues like crawl space moisture.

7. USDA Zero-Down Loans Are Often Available

Unlike Greenville and Winterville, much of the Grimesland area is eligible for USDA Rural Development guaranteed loans, which allow 0% down payment for qualified buyers. Income limits apply, and eligibility is set address by address, so parts of 27837 closest to Greenville may not qualify. Check any property on the USDA eligibility map.

For other options, see our guide to first-time homebuyer programs in NC and Pitt County and our post on the credit score you need to buy a house in NC.

8. Property Taxes Depend on Town Limits and Fire District

Your tax rate in Grimesland depends on whether the home is inside town limits and which fire district serves it.

Using Pitt County's 2026 property tax rates, per $100 of assessed value:

Most homes with a Grimesland address are outside town limits, so their taxes are among the lowest in the area. Fire district rates vary (for example, Eastern Pines is $0.075 and Simpson is $0.077), so confirm the exact rate for each property.

9. Utilities Work Differently Out Here

The Town of Grimesland provides water and sewer to residents in town and to some customers just outside it, at higher non-resident rates. There's no natural gas service in town, so most homes use electric heat pumps or propane.

Outside town, many homes use a private well and septic system, while some get water from a rural water system. Electric providers also vary by location. Ask the seller for 12 months of utility bills, and check internet options for the exact address on the FCC National Broadband Map, since high-speed service can be limited on some rural roads. For a full budget, see our guide to homeownership expenses you should plan for.

10. Schools: Many Addresses Go to Chicod and D.H. Conley

Grimesland is served by Pitt County Schools. Many homes in the 27837 area are assigned to Chicod School (a K-8 school) and D.H. Conley High School in Greenville, a popular combination with families. Some addresses farther east are assigned to G.R. Whitfield School instead.

School assignments are set by address and can change as the area grows, so always confirm the assigned schools with the district before your due diligence period ends. Learn more about what happens during the due diligence period.

11. Know the Flood Zones Near the Tar River

Living near the Tar River is part of Grimesland's charm, but it comes with flood risk in some areas. Hurricane Floyd in 1999 caused record flooding along the Tar River in Pitt County, and low-lying land near the river and creeks can be in a FEMA flood zone. Plenty of Grimesland properties sit on higher ground, so risk varies a lot from one property to the next.

Before you make an offer, check the property on the NC Flood Risk Information System and read our guide to Pitt County flood zones and flood insurance. Get an insurance quote early using our list of homeowners insurance agencies in Greenville.

12. Daily Life Is Quiet, and Errands Mean a Drive

Grimesland is a place to slow down. There's no big shopping center, chain grocery store or nightlife in town. For groceries, restaurants, doctors and big-box shopping, residents drive to Greenville or Washington.

What you get in return is space, quiet nights and easy access to the outdoors: boating and fishing on the Tar River, hunting land nearby, and day trips to the Pamlico Sound and Goose Creek State Park near Washington. Pitt County's famous barbecue is a short drive away, too. See our Ultimate Pitt County BBQ Trail.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grimesland, NC

What county is Grimesland, NC in?

Grimesland is in Pitt County, North Carolina, and is part of the Greenville metro area. A small part of the 27837 ZIP code extends into Beaufort County.

How far is Grimesland from Greenville, NC?

Grimesland is about 10 miles east of Greenville. Most of the area is a 15- to 25-minute drive from ECU Health Medical Center and East Carolina University, depending on where you live.

What is the population of Grimesland, NC?

The Town of Grimesland had 386 residents in the 2020 Census. The larger 27837 ZIP code area is home to about 5,900 people.

Is Grimesland, NC a good place to live?

For buyers who want land, newer homes, a quiet setting and a reasonable commute to Greenville, many people find it a great fit. The trade-offs are fewer stores and services nearby and more driving for errands. The best way to decide is to spend time there at different times of day and talk with neighbors. Our guide to the best places to live in Pitt County compares Grimesland with other towns.

What schools serve Grimesland, NC?

Grimesland is part of Pitt County Schools. Many addresses are assigned to Chicod School (K-8) and D.H. Conley High School, and some are assigned to G.R. Whitfield School. Confirm the assigned schools for any specific address with the district.

Can I get a USDA loan in Grimesland?

In many cases, yes. Much of the Grimesland area is eligible for USDA zero-down financing, but eligibility depends on the exact address and your household income. Check the property on the USDA eligibility map and talk with a USDA-approved lender.

Is Grimesland, NC in a flood zone?

Some properties are, especially low-lying land near the Tar River and its creeks. Many others are not. Check the specific address on the NC Flood Risk Information System and get a flood insurance quote during your due diligence period if the home is in or near a flood zone.

Does Grimesland have city water and sewer?

Inside town limits, yes. The Town of Grimesland provides water and sewer service. Many homes outside town use a private well and septic system, so have both inspected before you buy.

What is the cost of living in Grimesland, NC?

Day-to-day costs are generally a bit lower than the North Carolina average, and property taxes outside town limits are among the lowest in the Greenville area. Home prices, though, are higher than in many small towns because so many homes are newer. See our guide to how much house you can comfortably afford.

Is Grimesland a good place to retire?

Many retirees enjoy Grimesland's quiet setting, river access and lower taxes outside town limits, with Greenville's medical care about 20 minutes away. Read more in our guide to retiring in Pitt County, NC.

Comparing Grimesland With Nearby Towns

Still deciding where to land in Pitt County? Compare Grimesland with our guides to moving to Greenville, moving to Winterville and moving to Ayden, or read what it's like to live in Pitt County, NC.

Ready to Find Your Place in Grimesland?

Grimesland is for buyers who want room to breathe: a bigger yard, a few acres, maybe a view of the river, with Greenville still close enough for work and errands. Buying here also means paying attention to details that rarely come up in town, like wells, septic systems, fire districts, flood zones and whether a home is inside town limits.

Fresh Start Realty helps buyers work through those details, from finding the right piece of land to coordinating well and septic inspections during due diligence. Learn more about Denise Davis, visit our Buying page, or call 252-902-9006 to start your search in Grimesland.

Denise Davis, REALTOR®
Fresh Start Realty
Serving Greenville & Pitt County, North Carolina

📞 Phone: 252-902-9006
✉️ Email: denisedavis@pittcountyliving.com
🌐 Website: https://www.pittcountyliving.com

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