Though located only 5 miles west of Wilmington, Navassa is in Brunswick County and sits at the confluence of the Brunswick and the Northwest Cape Fear rivers. Incorporated in 1977, Navassa takes its name from Navassa Island in the West Indies and the Navassa Guano Factory that was built there in 1869. This factory provided employment in northern Brunswick County for more than 100 years. With a population of just less than 2,000, Navassa continues to grow, along with the rest of Brunswick County. Its convenient location offers easy access to New Hanover and Brunswick County beaches, shopping areas and entertainment. Community parks include Navassa Ball Park with two gazebos, a grilling area, a basketball court and two tennis courts; Davis Creek Park with a walkway, piers, docks, a concrete boat ramp and a gazebo; and the park and picnic area located next to the town hall.

In 2006 the Town of Navassa received a low-interest loan in the amount of $1.2 million, which will be used in combination with a previous grant of $250,000 to construct a community center. Plans for the 16,000-square-foot center include a senior citizen center, a medical/health clinic, a youth center, a recreation room, multipurpose rooms and a cultural center or library. It will serve as an emergency shelter as well.

Because the direction of growth in the town includes the influx of new industries, the town hired its first town manager in 2007 to oversee and plan for the expansion with positive results for the community.