If you’re planning a trip to the "Home of American Golf," you’ve probably got visions of rolling fairways and pristine sandhills dancing in your head. But before you book that tee time or look at real estate listings, there is one basic question that trips up a lot of folks: What county is Pinehurst NC in?
It’s Moore County.
Honestly, it sounds simple enough, but the geography around here is a little funky. Pinehurst isn't just a resort; it’s a village with its own distinct identity, yet it’s inextricably tied to its neighbors like Southern Pines and Aberdeen. Together, they form a little cluster that locals often call the "Sandhills." If you're driving in, you'll notice the soil changes to a soft, pale sand—a literal remnant of an ancient coastline from millions of years ago.
Why Moore County Matters More Than You Think
Knowing that Pinehurst sits in Moore County isn't just for trivia night. It actually dictates a lot about the vibe of the area. Moore County is roughly an hour southwest of Raleigh, making it a getaway that feels worlds apart from the tech-heavy hustle of the Research Triangle.
The county seat isn't Pinehurst, though. That honor goes to Carthage, a town about 10 miles up the road. While Pinehurst is all about the "village green" and historic cottages, Carthage feels like a classic, hard-working North Carolina town. It’s a bit of a reality check that Moore County isn't just golf carts and spa days; it’s a diverse region with deep agricultural roots and a booming population.
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In fact, Moore County has been growing like crazy. As of 2026, the population is hovering around 110,000 people. It’s become a massive magnet for retirees, sure, but also for young families and military personnel from nearby Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg).
The Golf Factor: It’s Not Just a Game
You can't talk about Pinehurst and Moore County without mentioning the "little white ball." Pinehurst Resort is a National Historic Landmark. That’s a big deal. It’s one of only two towns in the entire United States to hold that designation specifically for its role in golf history.
James Walker Tufts, a soda fountain tycoon from Boston, bought about 6,000 acres of "worthless" sandy land here in 1895 for about $1.25 an acre. He hired Frederick Law Olmsted—the same guy who designed Central Park—to lay out the village.
Olmsted’s touch is why the streets in Pinehurst are so curvy and confusing. He hated the grid system. He wanted the village to feel like a park.
Today, Moore County is home to nearly 40 golf courses within a 15-mile radius. We’re talking about heavy hitters like:
- Pinehurst No. 2: The crown jewel, designed by Donald Ross. It hosted the U.S. Open in 2024 and is now a "permanent anchor site" for the championship.
- Pine Needles: Located in Southern Pines, famous for hosting multiple U.S. Women’s Opens.
- Mid Pines: A step back in time with a classic 1920s feel.
Life Outside the Tee Box
Look, I get it. Not everyone wants to spend five hours chasing a ball. If you find yourself in Pinehurst and you're "golfed out," Moore County has some surprisingly cool spots.
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The Pinehurst Harness Track
This place is a hidden gem. It’s a 111-acre equestrian facility where you can watch standardbred horses train. If you go to the Pinehurst Track Restaurant for breakfast, you can sit by the window and watch the horses go around the track while you eat blueberry pancakes. It’s a very "old school" Pinehurst experience that most tourists miss.
Pinehurst Brewing Company
Located in the old village steam plant, this brewery is where everyone hangs out after the sun goes down. The building itself is beautiful—all exposed brick and industrial vibes. They do a solid wood-fired pizza, and the "1895" lager is a local favorite.
Sandhills Horticultural Gardens
Just north of the village on the campus of Sandhills Community College, you’ll find 32 acres of gardens. It’s free. It’s quiet. It’s the perfect place to walk off a heavy lunch. The "Sir Walter Raleigh Garden" is a formal English garden that looks like something out of a movie.
A Note on the Neighbors
When people ask "what county is Pinehurst NC in," they’re usually trying to get a feel for the whole area. You really have to view Pinehurst as part of a trio.
Southern Pines is the "cool older brother" to Pinehurst. It has a real downtown with a train station, independent bookstores (shoutout to The Country Bookshop), and a more eclectic dining scene. If Pinehurst is a tuxedo, Southern Pines is a well-worn tweed jacket.
Aberdeen is the southern anchor. It has a more industrial, blue-collar history but has recently seen a surge in antique shops and cute cafes.
Moving to Moore County?
If you're thinking about moving here, there are a few things to keep in mind. Property taxes in Moore County are notoriously lower than in places like Wake or Mecklenburg County. This is a huge draw for folks relocating from up north.
However, housing is a challenge. Because Pinehurst is so desirable, prices have stayed high even when the rest of the market cooled. You’ll find everything from $300,000 condos to $5 million estates overlooking the fairway.
The "Pinehurst Bubble" is real. It’s a safe, manicured, and very polite place to live. But it’s also a place where you’ll probably need a golf cart—and yes, you can drive them on many of the streets.
Essential Facts for Your Visit
If you’re heading this way, here are the nuts and bolts:
- Fly into RDU: Raleigh-Durham International is about 70 minutes away. It’s the easiest way to get here.
- Bring a Sweater: Even in the spring, the Sandhills can get chilly at night.
- Book Ahead: If you want to play No. 2 or eat at the Carolina Hotel, don't wait until you arrive.
- Explore Carthage: Don't just stay in the resort. Go see the murals in Carthage and grab some BBQ at The Pik-n-Pig (where you can watch small planes land while you eat).
The Big Picture
At the end of the day, Pinehurst is the heart of Moore County, but the county is the soul of Pinehurst. It’s a region defined by its sandy soil, its towering longleaf pines, and a sense of history that you just don't find in many other parts of the South.
Whether you’re here for the 18th hole or just a quiet weekend under the trees, you’re in a place that has spent over a century perfecting the art of the "slow down."
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To make the most of your time in Moore County, start by visiting the Tufts Archives in the Given Memorial Library. It’s located right in the center of the village. You can see the original maps drawn by Olmsted and the hand-written notes from Donald Ross himself. It’s the best way to understand how a "worthless" patch of sand became the most famous village in North Carolina.