Taberna is more than a neighborhood—it’s a lifestyle. Nestled just off U.S. 70 in eastern New Bern, North Carolina, Taberna combines natural beauty, family-friendly amenities, and a tightly-knit sense of community. For anyone considering a move to New Bern, here’s an inside look at what it’s really like to live in Taberna.
Community Vibe: Friendly Faces and Lasting Connections
One of the first things you’ll notice about Taberna is its warm, unpretentious atmosphere. Residents wave as they pass each other on the walking trails, and neighborhood events—from spring egg hunts to autumn food truck nights—are the norm. The Taberna Homeowners Association is active but approachable, helping foster neighborly connections without being overbearing.
Whether you’re walking along Taberna Circle or dropping by a book club at the community center near Emmen Road, you’ll almost always run into a familiar face. The demographic is a healthy mix: young families, professionals, and retirees all call Taberna home, drawn by the safe streets and strong sense of belonging.
Types of Housing: Variety and Quality
Taberna offers a diverse range of housing—there’s truly something for everyone:
- Single-family homes: Most homes in Taberna are spacious single-family properties set on generously sized lots, with construction dating from the late 1990s through the mid-2010s.
- Patio homes: For those seeking low-maintenance living, the Taberna Landing section (off Eingang Drive) features beautifully designed patio homes, perfect for downsizers or busy professionals.
- Custom builds: Several roads, such as Old Airport Road and Boleyn Drive, showcase custom-built homes with unique features like wraparound porches, sunrooms, and even the occasional water view.
Yards are meticulously maintained, and there’s a cohesive look to the neighborhood without feeling sterile or cookie-cutter. Most homes are nestled amid mature pines and hardwoods, giving the streets an inviting, established feel.
Walkability: Take a Stroll
If you enjoy getting outside, Taberna won’t disappoint. The extensive trail system, with wide paths circling Taberna Circle, Neuchatel Road, and W. Taberna Way, is a favorite for dog walkers and joggers alike. The sidewalks are well-lit and set back from the main roads, making strolls safe and pleasant at all times.
Many residents love that they can walk or bike to neighborhood features such as the Taberna Country Club and its golf course, the playground on Old Airport Road, or the scenic lakes tucked around the community. Cycling is also popular, and the local roads are quiet enough for easy riding.
Schools and Family-Friendliness
Families gravitate to Taberna for good reason. The neighborhood is zoned for Creekside Elementary, Grover C. Fields Middle, and New Bern High School—all respected schools in Craven County. The community’s location makes school drop-offs and pick-ups manageable, with most schools within a 10- to 15-minute drive.
Children of all ages fill the playgrounds and sports fields. Seasonal activities—a hallmark of Taberna—range from summer swim lessons at the country club pool to holiday decorating contests and youth golf clinics.
Parks and Green Spaces
Bonus points for Taberna: it’s a haven for nature lovers. The Taberna Nature Trail, accessible from Taberna Circle, offers a peaceful escape along Brices Creek, letting you spot local wildlife or simply enjoy a quiet walk among the trees. The community also has several small lakes and ponds that provide scenic views and places for catch-and-release fishing.
If golf is your thing, the Taberna Country Club’s 18-hole course winds throughout the neighborhood, providing lush green vistas even if you’re not a golfer. There’s also a large children’s playground and picnic area at the heart of the neighborhood, a gathering spot for birthday parties and playdates.
Safety: Peace of Mind
Safety is high on the list of Taberna’s best features. The neighborhood’s single entry/exit points (Taberna Gate Drive and Old Airport Road) help keep traffic local, and the HOA works with local police to ensure regular patrols.
Street lighting is ample, and neighbors keep an informal eye out for one another. It’s not uncommon to see children riding bikes or shooting hoops in their driveways until dusk.
Proximity to Downtown and Major Employers
Living in Taberna means enjoying a peaceful, suburban feel without being far from city conveniences. Downtown New Bern, with its historic waterfront, charming shops, and vibrant restaurants, lies just six miles away—a quick 12-minute drive via U.S. 70. It’s close enough for spontaneous date nights or weekend farmers market visits.
For those working at CarolinaEast Medical Center, BSH Home Appliances, or Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Taberna’s location makes for a straightforward commute. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and hardware shops line Glenburnie Road and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., all less than fifteen minutes from Taberna’s entrance.
What Residents Love Most
Ask anyone in Taberna what they treasure about living here, and you’ll hear recurring themes:
- Community spirit: People genuinely look out for one another, whether it’s lending a helping hand during hurricane prep or organizing block parties.
- Natural beauty: The mature landscaping, well-kept green spaces, and walking trails make the neighborhood feel like a private retreat, especially in the spring and fall.
- Convenience: The peace of a quiet neighborhood combined with easy access to everything New Bern has to offer.
As one resident put it, “Taberna offers the comfort of a small town and the convenience of a city, all wrapped up in a beautiful setting.”
Is Taberna Right for You?
If you value a close-knit community, well-planned amenities, and a safe environment to raise a family or embrace the next phase of life, Taberna is hard to beat. It’s a place where neighbors become friends and every day feels a little easier.
Whether you’re seeking a stunning home beneath the pines on Neuchatel Road or looking forward to your morning walk around Taberna Circle, this New Bern gem may be the perfect place to put down roots.