4 | HelloFayetteville, North Carolina • Summer Issue
A Gem in North Carolina
Fayetteville, North Carolina, is a vibrant city brimming with culture, history, and modern amenities that blend seamlessly to create an enriching living experience. Bursting with energy, Fayetteville offers an invigorating mix of
community spirit and urban convenience.
At its heart, Fayetteville takes pride in its strong cultural identity, underscored by its historic districts and diverse artistic expressions. Residents and visitors alike can explore the fascinating exhibits of the Airborne & Special Operations Museum or immerse themselves in local art at venues like Cape Fear Studios. This city is not just about history but celebrates life through its
Uncover the Charm of Fayetteville
Hello Fayetteville, North Carolina • Summer Issue |5
lively arts scene and annual festivals that bring the community together.
Nature lovers can delight in Fayetteville's numerous parks, trails, and the serene Cape Fear River, perfect for outdoor adventures without leaving city limits. Whether it’s kayaking on a sunlit day or unwinding with a picnic by the waterside, the city's natural beauty offers a refreshing escape.
Let's not forget the warm Southern hospitality
that permeates the air, making new residents feel instantly at home. Fayettville's welcoming neighborhoods, diverse culinary landscape, and bustling downtown provide a perfect living environment for families, young professionals, and retirees alike.
In Fayetteville, North Carolina, every day unfolds like a new adventure, revealing stories of past and present that resonate in the...
Uncover the Charm of Fayetteville
Uncover the Charm of Fayetteville: A Gem in North Carolina
Fayetteville, North Carolina, is a vibrant city brimming with culture, history, and modern amenities that blend seamlessly to create an enriching living experience. Bursting with energy, Fayetteville offers an invigorating mix of community spirit and urban convenience.
At its heart, Fayetteville takes pride in its strong cultural identity, underscored by its historic districts and diverse artistic expressions. Residents and visitors alike can explore the fascinating exhibits of the Airborne & Special Operations Museum or immerse themselves in local art at venues like Cape Fear Studios. This city is not just about history but celebrates life through its lively arts scene and annual festivals that bring the community together.
Nature lovers can delight in Fayetteville's numerous parks, trails, and the serene Cape Fear River, perfect for outdoor adventures without leaving city limits. Whether it’s kayaking on a sunlit day or unwinding with a picnic by the waterside, the city's natural beauty offers a refreshing escape.
Let's not forget the warm Southern hospitality that permeates the air, making new residents feel instantly at home. Fayettville's welcoming neighborhoods, diverse culinary landscape, and bustling downtown provide a perfect living environment for families, young professionals, and retirees alike.
In Fayetteville, North Carolina, every day unfolds like a new adventure, revealing stories of past and present that resonate in the hearts of all those who call this extraordinary city home.
On-Post vs. Off-Base: Best Housing Options for Military Families Near Fort Liberty
Military families arriving at Fort Liberty often face an important question right away: Should we live on-post or off-base? This choice affects daily life, finances, and long-term plans, so it’s important to understand the differences. For many members and their families, on-post military housing offers convenience. It
puts service members close to their workplace, which often means shorter commutes and more time at home. On-post areas are designed with military families in mind, featuring schools, playgrounds, and commissaries within easy reach. Family housing on-post usually includes utilities, and maintenance is
6 | HelloFayetteville, North Carolina • Summer Issue
On-Post vs. Off-Base: Best Housing Options for Military Families Near Fort Liberty
Military families arriving at Fort Liberty often face an important question right away: Should we live on-post or off-base? This choice affects daily life, finances, and long-term plans, so it’s important to understand the differences. For many members and their families, on-post military housing offers convenience. It puts service members close to their workplace, which often means shorter commutes and more time at home. On-post areas are designed with military families in mind, featuring schools, playgrounds, and commissaries within easy reach. Family housing on-post usually includes utilities, and maintenance is covered. That can be a relief, especially during a busy PCS move. The neighborhood also provides a sense of community, since many residents are fellow military families going through similar experiences. However, military housing on-post comes with limitations. Waitlists can be long, and availability often depends on your rank, family size, and time of year. Some homes may feel outdated, and there are rules that affect how you use the space. Some members and their families feel that this structure limits their personal freedom. Off-base family housing offers more choices. You can rent or buy a home in the surrounding area. Many military families use their VA loan benefit to purchase a home with no down payment, giving them a chance to build equity while stationed at Fort Liberty. Living off-post allows members and their families to pick neighborhoods that match their priorities. This could mean access to better schools, larger yards, or more space. Off-base living also offers more privacy and independence. But it comes with added responsibilities like paying utilities, handling maintenance, and managing home repairs. BAH, or Basic Allowance for Housing, plays a major role in this decision. If you live in on-post military housing, your BAH is typically used directly for that purpose. Off-post, you receive the full BAH and can apply it toward rent or a mortgage. If your housing costs less than your BAH, you keep the difference. If it costs more, you cover the extra. The length of your assignment matters too. For a short stay, family housing on-post or renting off base might make the most sense. If you’ll be at Fort Liberty for several years, buying a home off-post could be a smart financial move. Members and their families should also think about other factors like schools, healthcare access, commute times, and support systems. Military families with young children may value the close-knit feel of on-post life, while others might want the freedom that comes with off-base housing. Cost of living in the area around Fort Liberty varies. Some family housing options off-post are more affordable, while others may stretch your budget. Comparing actual costs and benefits is essential. Each option—on-post or off-base—comes with trade-offs, and the best choice depends on what matters most to your family. Space, convenience, cost, and flexibility all play a role. When deciding between on-post and off-base military housing near Fort Liberty, members and their families must weigh convenience, cost, and quality of life.
Dietchi Thomas
and availability often depends on your rank, family size, and time of year. Some homes may feel outdated, and there are rules that affect how you use the space. Some members and their families feel that this structure limits their personal freedom. Off-base family housing offers more choices. You can rent or buy a home in the surrounding area. Many military families use their VA loan benefit to purchase a home with no down payment, giving them a chance to build equity while stationed at Fort Liberty. Living off-post allows members and their families to pick neighborhoods that match their...
covered. That can be a relief, especially during a busy PCS move. The neighborhood also provides a sense of community, since many residents are fellow military families going through similar experiences. However, military housing on-post comes with limitations. Waitlists can be long,
When deciding between on-post and off-base military housing near Fort Liberty, members and their families must weigh convenience, co...
About the Author
Dietchi Thomas is the Broker/Owner of Military Family Realty in Fayetteville, NC, bringing over 30 years of real estate experience and a strong focus on serving military families. With a reputation for integrity, comprehensive market knowledge, and client-centered service, she has guided hundreds of buyers and sellers to success.
HelloFayetteville, North Carolina • Summer Issue |7
Smart Strategies for Preventing Water Damage and Mold in Fayetteville Homes
In Fayetteville, North Carolina, residential properties contend with prolonged humidity and frequent summer storms. These conditions create an ideal environment for moisture accumulation, which can lead to mold growth if not properly managed. Mold commonly takes hold in poorly ventilated areas, particularly when indoor
humidity exceeds 50 percent. Mold is most aggressive in damp, enclosed environments where air circulation is minimal and moisture remains unchecked. Effective prevention begins outside. Homeowners should maintain clean, securely fastened gutters to direct rainwater away from the foundation. Sealing
8 | HelloFayetteville, North Carolina • Summer Issue
Smart Strategies for Preventing Water Damage and Mold in Fayetteville Homes
In Fayetteville, North Carolina, residential properties contend with prolonged humidity and frequent summer storms. These conditions create an ideal environment for moisture accumulation, which can lead to mold growth if not properly managed. Mold commonly takes hold in poorly ventilated areas, particularly when indoor humidity exceeds 50 percent. Mold is most aggressive in damp, enclosed environments where air circulation is minimal and moisture remains unchecked. Effective prevention begins outside. Homeowners should maintain clean, securely fastened gutters to direct rainwater away from the foundation. Sealing window frames and door thresholds with water-resistant caulking further prevents moisture from infiltrating wall structures during heavy rain or high humidity. Indoors, regular inspection of plumbing fixtures can prevent slow leaks that often go unnoticed. Even minor drips under sinks or around appliances can introduce enough moisture for mold to develop. Exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms are essential; they should vent to the exterior, not just into the attic or crawlspace. In basements, enhanced air circulation through fans or ducted ventilation systems helps reduce stagnant, humid air. Additional precautions include using dehumidifiers during humid months, promptly drying wet textiles, and avoiding indoor air-drying of laundry. These habits collectively reduce ambient moisture and create conditions less favorable for mold. By addressing both structural vulnerabilities and indoor humidity levels, Fayetteville homeowners can safeguard their properties against the twin risks of water damage and mold intrusion.
Ryan Strickland
or around appliances can introduce enough moisture for mold to develop. Exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms are essential; they should vent to the exterior, not just into the attic or crawlspace. In basements, enhanced air circulation through fans or ducted ventilation systems helps reduce stagnant, humid air. Additional precautions include using dehumidifiers during humid months, promptly drying wet textiles, and avoiding indoor air-drying of laundry. These habits collectively reduce ambient moisture and create conditions less favorable for mold. By addressing both structural...
window frames and door thresholds with water-resistant caulking further prevents moisture from infiltrating wall structures during heavy rain or high humidity. Indoors, regular inspection of plumbing fixtures can prevent slow leaks that often go unnoticed. Even minor drips under sinks
Mold is most aggressive in damp, enclosed environments where air circulation is minimal and moisture remains unchecked.
About the Author
Ryan Strickland is the owner of 911 Restoration of Fayetteville, where he leads the team in providing fire, water, and mold recovery services across Fayetteville and Raleigh. Since joining the 911 Restoration network, he has earned recognition for his commitment to community impact, exceptional customer service, and leadership in the local restoration industry.
HelloFayetteville, North Carolina • Summer Issue |9
Hometown Heroes celebrates the brave men and women from Fayetteville who answered the call to serve. They left their homes, families, and communities to defend our freedoms. They brought with them the values of their upbringing, woven into the fabric of the communities they cherished. Across generations, these heroes stood united, embodying courage, sacrifice, and a love of country that knows no bounds. Whether on land, sea, or in
the skies, they carried the spirit of their hometowns with them, facing challenges with unyielding resolve and selflessness. We honor their service, their legacy, and the communities that raised them. Today, we remember not just their dedication but the strength and unity that bind us all as Americans. Their stories are our stories, a testament to the enduring spirit of the United States and the bonds that make us strong.
Hometown Heroes
12 | HelloFayetteville, North Carolina • Summer Issue
Hometown Heroes
Hometown Heroes celebrates the brave men and women from Fayetteville who answered the call to serve. They left their homes, families, and communities to defend our freedoms. They brought with them the values of their upbringing, woven into the fabric of the communities they cherished. Across generations, these heroes stood united, embodying courage, sacrifice, and a love of country that knows no bounds. Whether on land, sea, or in the skies, they carried the spirit of their hometowns with them, facing challenges with unyielding resolve and selflessness. We honor their service, their legacy, and the communities that raised them. Today, we remember not just their dedication but the strength and unity that bind us all as Americans. Their stories are our stories, a testament to the enduring spirit of the United States and the bonds that make us strong.
Hello Fayetteville, North Carolina • Summer Issue |13
Hometown Heroes
Fayetteville By The Numbers
14 | HelloFayetteville, North Carolina • Summer Issue
Proudly Partnering with the National League of Cities and the U.S. Conference of Mayors
At HelloNation, we are honored to serve as America’s Video Magazine, bringing to life the stories of over 40,000 towns and cities across the country. Our mission is to celebrate the vibrancy, culture, and opportunities in every community, creating a digital platform that informs, inspires, and connects residents, businesses, and newcomers alike.
We are deeply proud to have the support and endorsement of two of the
nation’s most respected organizations: the National League of Cities (NLC) and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Through their partnership, the NLC and the U.S. Conference of Mayors affirm their confidence in HelloNation’s vision and our shared belief in the power of storytelling to highlight the unique character of each community.
Their words underscore the importance of our mission: to make every town and city visible on the national stage, highlighting what makes each one special and worth exploring. Together, with the National League of Cities and the U.S. Conference of Mayors, we are committed to ensuring that every community in America has a voice and a platform to shine. Thank you for supporting our journey as we bring local stories to life, one video at a time.
These influential entities advocate tirelessly on behalf of America’s cities, towns, and villages, representing every community and ensuring their voices are heard on a national scale.
HelloNation
18 | HelloFayetteville, North Carolina • Summer Issue
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Hello Fayetteville, North Carolina • Summer Issue |19
These influential entities advocate tirelessly on behalf of America’s cities, towns, and villages, representing every community and ensuring their voices are heard on a national scale.
