There are nearly 400 businesses based in Holly Ridge, including restaurants, healthcare facilities, construction services and churches, approximately 20 miles south of Jacksonville on U.S. 17. More than 830 people live in town and two of the largest industries in the county are located in Holly Ridge. The local police department sponsors a youth league. Each year, the community sponsors the Little Miss Holly Pageant, a tradition that began during 1970 in Sumter, S.C. This year, the state pageant will award more than $35,000 in scholarships, in addition to other dazzling prizes. Another annual festival, the Holly Festival, is held on the first Saturday of November. The Holly Festival kicks off a series of holiday-themed events, including the Holly Ridge Christmas Parade and many other events highlighting local cooking, crafts and children's activities.

During the 1940s, thousands of Army and Navy troops lived at Camp Davis, a military base on U.S. Highway 17. Missile testing on nearby Topsail Island was based at Holly Ridge and the town was once considered as a possible site for the U.S. space program.

The missile project that evolved into the space program moved south to Florida and Holly Ridge secured its place in the history of the U.S. Missile Program.

Situated along the New River next to Camp Lejeune is the city of Jacksonville in Onslow County. Settled during the early 1700s, Onslow County has a rich and diverse history stemming from the agricultural, timber and fishing pursuits begun by the English and Scottish natives who settled here.

Since 1941, Onslow County has been home to Camp Lejeune Marines and Sailors, many of whom relocate here following retirement or discharge.

Onslow County offers a wide range of services for service members and their families including a public school system with nearly 25 elementary schools, eight middle schools and eight high schools; Coastal Carolina Community College, which offers programs in general studies, fine arts, natural sciences and technical skills; a public library system with branches throughout the county; a commercial airport served by two major carriers; and a 150-bed hospital in Jacksonville.

Jacksonville is the business, retail, medical, banking and cultural center for Onslow County. Marines, Sailors and their families use a wide variety of services provided by the city and join in many community events held there throughout the year.

A visible link between Jacksonville and Camp Lejeune is the United Services Organization located near the downtown area along the Jacksonville Waterfront Park. The Jacksonville USO is the oldest continuously operating USO, having been founded during 1941.