Town of LaGrange:
A Rural Town on the Rise
Written By Laura Ashley Lamm, Ed.D., Photography by Madeline Gray
CaswellStreet,amainthoroughfareindowntownLaGrange.
Stepping into the sunshine and feeling the light breeze while in LaGrange gives one a good feeling. People wave as they drive down Caswell Street, one of the town’s main thoroughfares, while others walking down the street stop to introduce themselves. This neighborly welcomeness has become the anchor through which the growth and spirit of the town and its residents pulsate.
“LaGrange is a community on the move. We are a small town with big ideas. As a quaint, laid-back community away from the hustle and bustle of a large city, we are the ideal place to settle down and engage with your neighbors,” said LaGrange Mayor Bobby Wooten.
Wooten, who has spent the last several years as mayor, is highly regarded by his peers for not only his dedication to the town, but also his genuine desire to help LaGrange rise to its greatest potential. He was born and reared in LaGrange and apart from four years in the Air Force, he has spent his life there.
“I enjoy serving the people of LaGrange,” said Wooten. “There really is no place like home.”
The Town of LaGrange is home to approximately 3,100 residents and counting. The US Census Bureau reports LaGrange is experiencing steady population increases with an average increase of 3 percent or more each of the last five years.
“We are trying to prepare for the growth we know is coming,” said Wooten, “while also accommodating for the growth we are experiencing.”
CNBC consistently ranks North Carolina as the #1 State for Business (three times in the last four years) placing a massive spotlight on the Tar Heel State. As economic developers and industries eye building locations and land, LaGrange has positioned itself to accommodate growth and welcome newcomers.
LaGrange’s location provides ample opportunity for businesses. Situated between Goldsboro and Kinston,
transportation options include easy access to US Hwy 70 and fast connections to the North Carolina Global TransPark. Proximity also provides a readily available, diverse workforce with high engagement in manufacturing, logistics, and entry-level roles which are bolstered by the nearby cities of Kinston and Goldsboro, and access to two community colleges, Lenoir and Wayne. The housing market is plentiful with a mix of new-construction homes and traditional single-family homes.
“We invite people to come and look around LaGrange and spend a day here,” said Wooten. “For families looking for a place to live, we have a lot of singlefamily homes being built. We are poised for growth and can attract industries and offer locations viable for manufacturing.”
While LaGrange offers all the markings for an economic development advantage, its greatest asset is the one area most cities and towns struggle with – community engagement.
A hallmark of LaGrange is its ability to create civic engagement and provide opportunities for interaction within the borders of the town. Volunteers established and have subsequently run, Engage LA. As a local, volunteer-driven community organization, Engage LA focuses on fostering community growth, collaboration, and unity through events and development projects. The organization acts as a community spark to ignite the town’s spirit and often partner with local businesses, individual supporters, and the town government.
Engage LA is the team behind Concerts in the Park, a free summer concert series at the LaGrange Community Park; Monthly Bingo, which happens on the third Tuesday of every month, and the Garden Spot Music Festival in September.
“Neighbors are working together making our community an even more enjoyable place to be,” said Wooten. “I like to think we are a community on the move. A small town with big ideas.” LL
“I think we are a community on the move. A small town with big ideas,” said LaGrange Mayor Bobby Wooten.
LaGrange Garden Club
Historic homes on Railroad St.
Community Park
Town Hall
Arts Center