Discover the Charm and Warmth of Tar Heel, North Carolina

Welcome to Tar Heel, North Carolina, a delightful community that promises a perfect blend of Southern hospitality and serene living. This charming town invites you to experience a lifestyle where every day brings the opportunity for new adventures and cherished memories. Located in beautiful Bladen County, Tar Heel offers a peaceful setting where community spirit thrives and residents take pride in their rich, local heritage.

The town's warm and welcoming atmosphere is evident from the moment you arrive, with friendly waves from neighbors and community events that engage everyone. Tar Heel celebrates its agricultural roots and gorgeous natural surroundings, showcasing them through vibrant farmers' markets, festivals, and regular gatherings.

For those who enjoy the great outdoors, the area is a treasure trove of opportunity. From exploring the scenic trails of Bladen Lakes State Forest to casting a line in local fishing spots, every nature enthusiast will find a sanctuary here.

In Tar Heel, you’ll find a community that values a relaxed pace of life, where residents appreciate the small-town feel yet enjoy the convenience of nearby amenities. With its inviting environment and emphasis on community, Tar Heel is not just a place to live; it’s a place to call home.

Workforce & Industrial Development

Located in Bladen County, Tar Heel, North Carolina, is a strategic site for industrial activity, particularly in food processing and agribusiness. The town is best known as home to the world’s largest pork processing plant, operated by Smithfield Foods, which anchors the local economy and supports a robust logistics and supply chain network. Tar Heel’s proximity to major highways, including NC-87 and I-95, allows for efficient distribution throughout the Southeast and beyond.

Industrial real estate in the area is primarily focused on supporting agricultural processing, cold storage, and related logistics operations. Bladen County has worked to make land and infrastructure available for new and expanding businesses, with several industrial parks and shovel-ready sites within a short drive of Tar Heel. Demand for modern facilities is steady, driven by the region’s agricultural output and access to major consumer markets.

Workforce development is a priority, with Bladen Community College offering customized training programs tailored to food processing, advanced manufacturing, and logistics. The NCWorks Career Center in Elizabethtown provides support for recruitment, training, and job placement, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled labor for local employers.

Incentives at the state and county level are available to qualifying projects. North Carolina’s Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) and the One North Carolina Fund can help offset costs for companies investing in new facilities or expansions, while Bladen County offers additional support for infrastructure and site development.