Beulaville sees residential boom as new developments take shape

BEULAVILLE — Like other towns in Duplin County, Beulaville is experiencing residential growth, according to Interim Town Manager Lori Williams.

“We’ve actually got a couple of new residential developments that are going through the process for zoning, and for water and sewer,” Williams told Duplin Journal in an interview. “We also have a 40-unit apartment complex that has been released for construction.”

The apartment complex is expected to be completed in 2026.

One of the new housing developments is slated to have 122 homes, while the other will have 25, Williams said.

To prepare for growth, Beulaville has several water and sewer projects under construction, including line replacement and new tap installations.

With the influx of new residents coming to town to occupy the new homes and apartments, Williams said the town is also expanding its recreational opportunities for residents by relocating and expanding a park to be co-located with the existing recreational facility on Broad Street, where the town’s softball and baseball fields are located.

“We’ll be doing construction on a walking trail, a basketball court and a volleyball court in this phase,” Williams said.

As far as new businesses coming to town, Williams said, “We don’t have any new businesses I can report on, but all of our businesses here seem to be doing well.”

One positive business aspect that Beulaville can claim that not many other towns can report is that they currently have no vacant business buildings.

Williams believes part of the success of businesses in town is due to their location.

“We’ve seen our busiest season through the summer. We are a high-traffic area on (Hwy) 24 and (Hwy) 41. We’ve seen increased traffic over the last several months.”

While Williams has no new businesses to report, she predicts the housing growth will eventually lead to new commercial establishments choosing the town.

“In time, with the residential growth and an increase in population, it will inspire more businesses to come. If you can get them in the residential areas, in time, you’ll see the growth on that side of the spectrum,” she said.