Awards & Accolades

Southern Pines is a small community in central North Carolina. The Town government serves a population of around 16,000 people who live in over 6,100 different households spread throughout 17 square miles. We represent a team of five elected officials, approximately 200 employees, and numerous volunteers and appointees in service to our community. 

  • We work to enhance quality of life by ensuring that our residents can enjoy all the amenities Southern Pines has to offer. 
  • We offer activities for our residents to engage, to play hard, and to celebrate community, aiming to ensure that everyone feels welcome and included. 
  • We protect the community by keeping it safe for everyone who resides here, does business here, or visits here. 
  • We partner with our citizens, businesses, and local organizations to help maintain Southern Pines' vibe as a fantastic place to visit (and support our tourism economy).
  • In everything we do, we aim to be accountable and transparent to our citizens and taxpayers and serve as responsible and respectful stewards of the Town's assets. 

While our work is never done to earn praise or recognition, we're certainly proud when that occurs. The countless awards, honors, and accolades  represent contributions from our entire community and are just one reason that Southern Pines has earned its reputation as an excellent place to live and work.

WE ENHANCE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR OUR RESIDENTS

  • 1 of America's Most Walkable Small Towns | Only In Your State | 2022
  • 1 of NC's Best Communities | ideal Living | 2022
  • 1 of the Best Places to Retire in NC (top 10%) | Niche | 2022
  • 1 of the Best Places to Raise a Family in America (top 25%) |Niche | 2022
  • 1 of the 15 Best Places to Live in NC for Young Adults | This Must Be Home | 2022
  • Reservoir Park: Best Outdoor Activity |Best of the Pines | 2022 
  • #30 of the Top 100 Best Small Places in America | Livability | 2022
  • 1 of the 12 Best Places to Live in NC | UpHomes | 2022
  • 1 of the 10 Small Towns in NC that Offer Nothing but Peace & Quiet | Only In Your State | 2022
  • 2 of the Dream 18 Top Rated NC Golf Courses You Can Play (Pine Needles & Mid Pines) | VisitNC | 2022
  • 1 of the 10 Best Places to Retire in NC | Yahoo! Entertainment | 2018


WE PLAY HARD, ENGAGE OUR RESIDENTS, AND CELEBRATE COMMUNITY

  • Southern Pines Public Library: Best Storytime (winner) | Best of the Pines | 2022 
  • Springfest: Best Festival/Community Event (finalist) |Best of the Pines | 2022 
  • Sunrise Theater First Friday: Best Festival/Community Event (finalist) |Best of the Pines | 2022 
  • Reservoir Park: Best Local Water Activity Spot (finalist) |Best of the Pines | 2022
  • Downtown Park: Best Playground (finalist) |Best of the Pines | 2022 
  • Southern Pines Parks & Rec: Best Summer Camp (finalist) |Best of the Pines | 2022 
  • Southern Pines-Moore County Farmers Market: Best Farmers Market (winner) | Best of the Pines | 2022 
  • Christmas Parade: Best Holiday Event (finalist) |Best of the Pines | 2022
  • Christmas Parade: Best Santa Sighting (finalist) |Best of the Pines | 2022
  • Downtown Southern Pines: Best Trick or Treating (winner)  Best of the Pines |2022
  • 1 of the Best Places to Raise a Family in NC | Home Snacks | 2022
  • #3 Best County to Retire in NC (Moore Co) |Stacker | 2022
  • 1 of 7 Fantastic State Parks in NC's Piedmont Region (Weymouth Woods)| Travel Awaits | 2022
  • 4 of the Best Public Golf Courses in NC | Golf Digest | 2022
  • 3 of the Best Golf Courses in NC | Golfweek | 2022


WE PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY TO KEEP IT SAFE

  • Fire Department Upgraded to Class 2 ISO Rating | Insurance Services Office | 2022
  • 1 of NC's Safest Cities (population 10,000+) | backgroundchecks.org | 2022
  • 1 of the 10 Safest Cities in NC | National Council for Home Safety & Security | 2021


WE SAFEGUARD OUR COMMUNITY'S ASSETS

  • 42 Years as a Tree City USA | National Arbor Day Foundation | 2022
  • 31 Years for Excellence in Financial Reporting | GFOA | 2022


WE ARE A FANTASTIC PLACE TO VISIT - AND AN EVEN BETTER PLACE TO LIVE

  • 1 of the 20 Super Charming Small Towns in NC | Virginia Travel Tips | 2022
  • 1 of the 55 Best Towns in the Carolinas | Charlotte Observer | 2022
  • 1 of 14 Top-Rated Small Towns in NC | PlanetWare | 2022
  • 1 of the 6 Best Cheap Weekend Getaways in NC (Pine Needles) | Trips to Discover | 2022
  • 7 Golf Courses in the Top 100 in NC | NC Golf Panel | 2022
  • 1 of the Amazing Small Towns in NC for Your Next Road Trip or Home | NC Tripping | 2022
  • 1 of 17 Perfectly Picturesque Small Towns in NC | Only In Your State | 2021
  • 1 of the 10 Coolest Small Towns in NC You've Probably Never Heard Of | Only In Your State |2020
  • 1 of the Absolute Best Places to Stay in NC (Duncraig Manor) | Stuck on the Go | 2020
  • 1 of the Best Places to Retire in America (top 10%) | Niche | 2022
  • 1 of the Best Places to Live in America (top 20%) |Niche | 2022
  • 1 of the Best Places for Young Professionals in NC (top 20%) | Niche | 2022
  • 1 of the Best Places to Live in NC | HomeSnacks | 2022