Jacksonville is the home of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and New River Air Station, and is located in Onslow County. As North Carolina's 14th largest city, it is a major military hub for the state with a close proximity to major cities and beautiful coastal beach areas. Major restaurant and retail chains dot the main arterial roads Western Boulevard and NC-HWY 24, while the surrounding areas are primarily residential. There are many popular neighborhoods, each with their own unique features and amenities. Whether you are looking for an older home with character, a remodeled home with all the bells and whistles, or a vibrant, new-construction home, Jacksonville has much to offer at affordable prices.

The County of Onslow was formed in 1731, It was named in honor of Arthur Onslow, who for more than 30 years was speaker of the House of Commons in the British Parliament. Jacksonville was authorized as a town in 1842, to honor President Andrew Jackson, who is believed to have been born in North Carolina. It was not until 1849 that the town of Jacksonville was laid out and functioned as an agricultural, fishing, and shipping community, utilizing the resources of the New River. The decision to build Camp Lejeune in Onslow County came in late 1940. Within a few days, the population of the Jacksonville doubled and growth has remained steady. The same qualities that drew the Marine Corps to build the world's most complete amphibious base in Onslow County were also some of the same qualities that originally drew the City's founders to form it along the New River.

The nearest major cities are Wilmington (45 minutes), New Bern (1 hour), Greenville (1 hour), and Raleigh (2 hours), and the nearest major beach area is Topsail Island (25 minutes). The closest airport is Albert J. Ellis Airport (OAJ), while international flights can be gained out of Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and Wilmington International Airport (ILM).

Jacksonville zip codes include 28540, 28541, and 28546.

There are many elementary, middle, and high schools serving different areas of the city. A detailed list can be found on the Onslow County Schools website.