Living in Tarboro NC
Edgecombe County’s historic river town on the Tar River, chartered in 1760, with one of the oldest town commons in the country.
Tarboro is the county seat of Edgecombe County, about 20 to 25 minutes east of Rocky Mount on US-64. It has a large historic district, a riverfront park and a downtown with local restaurants and shops.
Get the Buyer GuideWhat’s My Home Worth?Tarboro Housing Market
Homes sold with a Tarboro address over the last 12 months, compared with the 12 months before.
Source: Hive MLS, residential sales, Nov 5, 2025 to Nov 4, 2026 compared with Nov 5, 2024 to Nov 4, 2025. Active listings as of Nov 4, 2026. Town numbers use the city on the listing address, so they include some homes just outside town limits. Months of supply = homes for sale divided by average monthly sales. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Want homes for sale in Tarboro, or numbers for your street or price range? Ask me and I’ll send you what’s on the market and what homes have sold for. Or start an Eastern NC home search and tell me what you’re looking for.
What Tarboro Is Like
Tarboro was chartered in 1760 and grew as a river port at the farthest point up the Tar River that boats could reach. George Washington visited in 1791.
The Town Common, set aside in 1760 and listed on the National Register in 1970, has a fountain, memorials and the historic Cotton Press. The Blount-Bridgers House, built in 1808, is now a museum and art center. Downtown hosts Happening on the Common in May and Downtown Live! concerts in summer.
Town website: www.tarboro-nc.com
Local Favorites
- On the Square: Contemporary American restaurant with a seasonal menu on East St. James Street
- Tarboro Brewing Company: Craft brewery in a former service station on North Main Street
- Tarboro Coffee House: Coffee shop in the historic Bridgers Building on Main Street
- Church Street Tap & Deli: Downtown deli and taproom near the courthouse
Homes in Tarboro
The Tarboro Historic District, listed on the National Register in 1980, covers about 330 acres with more than 360 historic buildings. It has antebellum homes, Victorian and Second Empire homes, and homes built from 1890 to 1910 around the Town Common. Outside the district you’ll find established neighborhoods like Speight Forest.
Getting Around Tarboro
US-64 is four-laned west toward Rocky Mount and Raleigh and east toward the coast. US-258 runs north and south, and I-95 is about 22 miles west.
Approximate drive times:
- Rocky Mount: about 20 to 25 minutes
- Greenville: about 30 to 35 minutes
- Wilson: about 30 minutes
- Raleigh: about 1 hour 15 minutes
Getting Outside
Riverfront Park has 25 acres on the Tar River with a boat ramp, and the Tar River Paddle Trail runs from Bell’s Bridge to the park. You can also walk the Historic District trail from the Blount-Bridgers House, play tennis at Indian Lake Sports Complex, or golf at The Links at Cotton Valley.
Nearby Towns
Tarboro Questions
What county is Tarboro, NC in?
Tarboro is in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, and is the county seat. Main ZIP code: 27886.
How far is Tarboro, NC from Raleigh?
About 1 hour 15 minutes by car, depending on traffic and where you’re headed.
What kinds of homes are in Tarboro, NC?
The Tarboro Historic District, listed on the National Register in 1980, covers about 330 acres with more than 360 historic buildings. It has antebellum homes, Victorian and Second Empire homes, and homes built from 1890 to 1910 around the Town Common. Outside the district you’ll find established neighborhoods like Speight Forest.
What is there to do in Tarboro, NC?
Walk the Town Common and the historic district, paddle the Tar River from Riverfront Park, visit the Blount-Bridgers House, or come for Happening on the Common in May.
How do I find out about schools in Tarboro, NC?
School assignments can change, so verify school assignment for any address with the school district.
Let’s Talk About Tarboro
Call or text me and I’ll tell you what homes are going for and what’s on the market right now.
Call or Text (252) 406-4479What’s My Home Worth?