In a recent poll the Village of Pinehurst and the Town of Southern Pines were ranked among the top 10 prettiest small towns in North Carolina. Out of 45 NC towns with populations less than 15,000, Pinehurst was voted #2 and Southern Pines #9 based on charm, character, historic homes, landscapes, architecture and commitment to preservation, among other factors.

The Village of Pinehurst is a scenic golf resort community in southern Moore County, and is best known for the Pinehurst No. 2 golf course, venue for the 1999 and 2005 U.S. Men's Open Championship, and many other golfing events and tournaments. The U.S. Men's Open, as well as the U.S. Women's Open, will both be played at Pinehurst No. 2 back-to-back in 2014, which is unprecedented in golf history. The Pinehurst No. 2 course is one of 43 golf courses located throughout Moore County, all in about a 15-mile radius.

The Pinehurst Resort, with the beautiful Carolina Hotel and luxurious Spa at Pinehurst, includes courses No. 1 through 8.  In 1996, the Village of Pinehurst and Pinehurst Resort were given National Landmark status for their significant role in U.S. golf history.  This is the only golf-related designation of its kind in the United States.

The heart of the Village is a unique array of shops and bistros that offers something for everyone.  Residents and visitors alike notice and appreciate the special ambiance and natural beauty of Pinehurst.

The Town of Southern Pines is the largest municipality in Moore County and is nationally known for its equestrian activity and beautiful, expansive horse farms.  At the heart of Southern Pines' "Horse Country" are 2 pristine nature preserves totaling 4,900 acres and offering miles of riding trails.

The downtown area features a myriad of picturesque shops, cafes and professional businesses.  The Town uniquely combines a thriving commercial and industrial base with a diversity of cultural, historical and recreational offerings.  Southern Pines is also home to Pine Needles Resort & Golf Club, host to the 1996, 2001 and 2007 U.S. Women's Open Championships.

In addition to the "Prettiest Small Towns" designation, the Pinehurst - Southern Pines area has also been ranked as #24 in Economic Strength out of 574 areas throughout the United States with populations between 10,000 and 50,000.  This 2009 ranking by POLICOM Corporation puts the Pinehurst - Southern Pines area high on the national list of communities with a stable economy consistently growing both in size and quality, enabling residents to enjoy a higher quality of living and less economic volatility.

The accolades Pinehurst and Southern Pines have received simply reaffirm what residents here already know... The enviable quality of life here is our greatest asset, and Moore County is a great place to live, work and play!