Southern Pines, North Carolina, is known for its storied golf courses, towering longleaf pines, and welcoming neighborhoods. Among these, Knollwood Heights stands out as a community with a rich history, charming streets, and a heritage that reflects the growth and evolution of Southern Pines itself. Let’s take a friendly stroll through Knollwood Heights’ past—and discover what makes this neighborhood such a beloved part of the Sandhills.
Origins of Knollwood Heights
Knollwood Heights finds its earliest roots in the post-World War II era, when Southern Pines began to expand beyond its historic downtown. Attracting both seasonal visitors and year-round residents drawn by the promise of Southern charm and mild winters, developers looked for neighborhood names that captured the area's natural beauty and spirit.
The community was officially platted in the late 1940s and early 1950s. The name “Knollwood Heights” pays homage to the rolling landscape dotted with wooded knolls, a feature that gave early advertisements a distinct appeal. The addition of “Heights” conjured an image of elevation and prestige, promising homeowners sweeping views of the Sandhills and proximity to the region’s most desirable green spaces.
The Making of a Community
Early development in Knollwood Heights clustered along scenic streets like Crestview Road, Laurel Road, and Glenwood Trail. These broad, pine-shaded thoroughfares gave way to winding cul-de-sacs and cozy lanes like Pinecrest Road and Knollwood Circle—a pattern that continues to define the neighborhood’s peaceful, walkable layout.
Founding residents included military families from neighboring Fort Bragg, golf enthusiasts eager to be near the renowned Knollwood Fairways, and retirees seeking tranquility just minutes from downtown Southern Pines. The neighborhood quickly established itself as a close-knit, multi-generational community.
Key Historical Milestones
A few milestones chart Knollwood Heights’ growth:
- In 1948, the Knollwood Fairways and Midland Country Club opened just south of the neighborhood, bringing golfers from across North Carolina.
- By the mid-1950s, Knollwood Heights was home to several of Southern Pines’ original ranch-style and Colonial Revival houses—many of which still stand today, lovingly maintained by current residents.
- The construction of Southern Pines Primary and Elementary schools in the 1960s on Morganton Road offered families educational options within walking distance.
- In the 1970s and 80s, new homes rose on side streets like Pinehurst Avenue and Laurel Lane, preserving the neighborhood’s signature blend of mature landscape and architectural character.
Notable Landmarks and Buildings
Knollwood Heights may not host grand public landmarks, but it quietly shelters some of Southern Pines’ most cherished places:
- Knollwood Fairways & Driving Range: Located on Midland Road at the southern edge of the neighborhood, Knollwood Fairways remains a local institution. Residents often stroll or cross the fairways, and the club’s low-key, welcoming vibe makes it a hub for community events.
- The Southern Pines Elks Lodge #1692: Perched at 280 Country Club Circle, this long-standing fraternal organization draws members from across Moore County and has deep ties to neighborhood life, hosting family dinners, holiday gatherings, and charity fundraisers.
- Original Ranch and Colonial Revival Homes: Many houses on Crestview Road and Knollwood Drive are architectural gems, with wide front porches, brick accents, and thoughtfully landscaped yards. These homes have been preserved by generations of careful owners.
Streets and Parks of Note
One of Knollwood Heights’ greatest charms is its walkability. Residents are quick to point out:
- Crestview Road & Knollwood Circle: Known for their canopy of mature pines and dogwoods, these streets exemplify neighborhood tranquility.
- Laurel Road: Once a dividing line between farmland and the edges of “town,” Laurel Road connects several local gathering spots.
- Forest Creek Park: Though just outside the formal boundaries, this small, wooded park is a favorite destination for dog walkers and families from Knollwood Heights.
Evolution Through the Decades
From its beginnings as a planned postwar neighborhood, Knollwood Heights evolved to reflect wider changes in Southern Pines. Early residents recall days when children rode bikes freely from street to street, and families held block parties to ring in spring and fall. As Southern Pines grew, so too did the diversity of the neighborhood’s residents and home styles.
Today, Knollwood Heights remains true to its roots—a quiet enclave where neighbors know each other by name, well-loved homes mix with tasteful new construction, and morning walks are spent swapping garden tips. Eastern bluebirds still nest along Pinecrest Road, and the scent of blooming magnolias hushes the passage of time.
Institutions and Community Spirit
The nearby Southern Pines Primary School continues to draw young families, while long-established institutions like the Elks Lodge, houses of worship, and the Knollwood Fairways keep community life vibrant. Many residents volunteer with local events or serve on boards tied to historical preservation and neighborhood safety, helping maintain Knollwood Heights’ unique identity.
Why Knollwood Heights Endures
What sets Knollwood Heights apart, longtime residents say, is a mix of location, legacy, and neighborly warmth. Its streets offer both a gateway to Southern Pines’ cherished amenities and a retreat from the bustle of the wider town. Families, golfers, artists, and retirees all find something here—a sense of belonging that can’t be manufactured.
Through the decades, changes have come gently to Knollwood Heights. New faces and quiet reinvestment have allowed the neighborhood to keep pace with the needs of a new era while holding fast to what matters most: friendship, stewardship of home and land, and a deep appreciation for the region’s rolling knolls and towering pines.
Whether you’re a newcomer or a lifelong resident, Knollwood Heights extends a timeless welcome—rooted in history, guided by tradition, and always looking to the future.