As one of the best small cities in the country, Elizabeth City has attracted residents from all over the world, including artist Tunde Afolayan. Afolayan has called Elizabeth City home for over six years and teaches art in the community. A mural created by Afolayan and some of his students hangs in the W.C. Witherspoon Memorial Library.
The city is home to five Coast Guard commands: Support Center Elizabeth City, Air Station Elizabeth City, Aircraft Repair and Supply Center, Aviation Technical Training Center and the National Strike Force Coordination Center. Nearly two thousand people are employed there.
Over the years, Elizabeth City has come to be known as the "Harbor of Hospitality" for its location and because the city allows boaters to use the city-owned moorings free of charge for 48 hours. But most importantly, because two gentleman, Fred Fearing and Joe Kramer, started greeting boaters as they arrived in the city with roses back in 1983. The two quickly become known as the "Rose Buddies."
Today, the city still greets visitors with a rose and also hosts a wine and cheese party when five or more boats are docked at one time.
