Major Growth & Development Coming to Cumberland, Hoke & Lee Counties (2026–2028)

If you’re considering buying, selling, or investing in Cumberland County, NC,Hoke County, NC, or Lee County, NC, the next three years bring major projects that will impact home values, lifestyle, and long-term growth.

Here’s a breakdown of confirmed construction, infrastructure improvements, parks expansions, and economic development shaping the Sandhills region through 2026, 2027, and 2028.

Downtown Fayetteville, NC

Cumberland County, NC (Fayetteville, Hope Mills, Linden)

Cumberland County continues to invest heavily in recreation, infrastructure, and downtown improvements — all positive indicators for property appreciation and community growth.

⚾ McArthur Road Sports Complex – Under Construction (2026–2027)

The City of Fayetteville is moving forward with the McArthur Road Sports Complex, with construction underway and expected completion in 2027.

This multi-field athletic complex will:

* Host regional baseball and softball tournaments

* Bring tourism and hospitality spending

* Add family-friendly recreation amenities

* Increase nearby property desirability

Large-scale sports facilities historically drive retail and residential growth in surrounding corridors.

🌳 Fayetteville Bond Projects & Park Improvements

Through voter-approved bonds, Fayetteville is advancing multiple projects including:

* Glenville Lake Tennis Center improvements

* Splash pad additions

* Park facility upgrades

* Public safety facility investments

These projects roll out between 2026 and 2028, improving neighborhood livability across the city.

🏢 Downtown & Civic Infrastructure Investments

Cumberland County is planning upgrades and expansions tied to:

* The Crown Complex

* Government Services facilities

* Parking infrastructure and civic buildings

Downtown reinvestment is a strong signal of long-term economic confidence and supports mixed-use residential demand.

Hoke County, NC (Raeford & Surrounding Areas)

Hoke County continues transitioning from a bedroom community to an employment hub — which is critical for sustainable housing demand.

🏭 Pennsylvania Transformer Technology Expansion (2026–2028)

At the Hoke County Regional Industrial Park, Pennsylvania Transformer Technology is investing over $100 million into facility expansion.

Expected impact:

* 200+ new jobs phased through 2026–2028

* Utility and waterline expansions

* Increased industrial tax base

* Stronger housing demand in Raeford and western Cumberland County

Job creation directly fuels real estate absorption.

🚰 Utility Infrastructure Expansion

Hoke County is investing in water and sewer capacity improvements to support industrial and residential growth. Infrastructure upgrades often precede new subdivisions — meaning housing growth typically follows.

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🗺 Land Use Plan Update

Hoke County is updating its Land Use Plan to guide development for the next decade. This plan will influence:

* Where new subdivisions are approved

* Commercial growth corridors

* Density allowances

* Road and utility planning

For buyers and investors, land use updates often identify the “next growth pocket.”

Lee County, NC (Sanford & Surrounding Communities)

Lee County has emerged as one of the most strategically positioned growth markets between the Triangle and Fort Liberty.

🏟 Lee County Athletic Park – Now Open & Expanding Impact

The new Lee County Athletic Park officially opened and continues drawing regional tournaments and visitors.

Features include:

* Multi-sport fields

* Walking trails

* Playgrounds

* Tournament-level facilities

Sports tourism boosts:

* Local retail

* Restaurants

* Short-term rental demand

* Residential desirability

🚧 Capital Improvement Plan (2026–2030)

Lee County has adopted a multi-year Capital Improvement Plan outlining significant infrastructure investments, including:

* Road improvements

* Public facilities

* Parks and recreation expansion

* Utility system upgrades

Multi-year capital plans signal stability and forward planning — both attractive to homebuyers.

🎓 Strategic Education Planning

Lee County Schools launched a 2025–2030 strategic plan focused on long-term growth and workforce development — an important factor for families relocating to Sanford and surrounding areas.

Downtown Sanford, NC

What This Means for Real Estate in 2026–2028

Across Cumberland, Hoke, and Lee Counties, we are seeing:

✔ Major recreation investments

✔ Industrial job growth

✔ Utility infrastructure expansion

✔ Downtown and civic reinvestment

✔ Multi-year capital improvement planning

These are the exact indicators investors and relocation buyers look for when evaluating long-term value.

Thinking About Buying or Selling in 2026–2028?

If you’re relocating to:

* Fayetteville, NC

* Raeford, NC

* Sanford, NC

* Hope Mills, NC

* Linden, NC

Or considering investing in rental property near Fort Bragg or along the US-1 corridor — understanding where growth is happening before the market reacts is key.

The next three years bring real, measurable development momentum across the Sandhills.

If you’d like a hyper-local breakdown of which neighborhoods are positioned to benefit most from these projects, Birch & Beam Realty can put together a custom market forecast for you.