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North Carolina Beaches

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With over 300 miles of barrier island beaches along the coast of North Carolina, it’s no wonder that we have some of the best East Coast beaches in the country. But, the surf, sun and sand is just part of it, in beautiful coastal towns like Southport and Sunset Beach, shopping, romantic getaways and family trips through beach resorts is always a welcome addition.

North Carolina Beaches

Here are some of our favorite southern North Carolina beaches.

Bald Head Island is located just south of Southport and a short ferry ride away to the 12,000 acre Bald Head Island. Located at the southernmost point of the Cape Fear River at the entrance to the Atlantic Ocean, this private and peaceful island allows visitors and residents to explore over 14 miles of beaches interspersed with golf courses, day hikes and a beautiful forest as well as the Old Baldy Lighthouse.

Holden Beach offers a narrow stretch of barrier islands known as the Outer Banks. There are several activities and beach going events throughout the year as well as museums, national seashores and an outdoor enthusiasts dream. Environmentalist enjoy the wildlife refuges with birdwatching and nature trail scattered all up and down the beach. Those that prefer the water can enjoy windsurfing, scuba diving, hang gliding and more. Oak Island as well as Holden Beach are well known for their golf courses in this area is commonly referred to as North Carolina’s Golf Coast. This area has some of the best courses in the country.

North Carolina Beaches

The Brunswick Islands has its own unique character with six separate beach communities spread out on five barrier islands. This stretches from Seaport in the mouth of the Cape Fear River down to South Carolina’s border. There are beautiful coastal towns such as Calabash and Sunset Beach offering quaint villages, shops, beachfront restaurants, coastal cottages and private estates. With over 10 distinct beaches stretching from Bald Head Island to Calabash, there’s something for everyone along these charming Brunswick Islands.

This area also feature several events throughout the year including racists, Easter egg hunts, spring festivals, art shows, family day at the Museum of coastal Carolina, Waterfront markets in Southport and Sunset Beach, Music and art festivals and concerts on the coast.

One of the best ways to explore these beaches is to simply get in your car and drive along the Brunswick Islands, stopping at each one to experience its own charming personality.

North Carolina Beaches

If living here sounds like a good plan, start browsing the cities in the area for homes, oceanfront property or charming cottages for sale. Whether you’re planning to retire here, looking for an investment property, a second or vacation home or simply a stop along your way through life, North Carolina beaches offer a tranquil escape from the ordinary.

Images by Dennis Jarvis  & MaxGag 

Best Place to Live in Brunswick County NC

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Brunswick County North Carolina is located on the border of South Carolina at the far southern tip of the state bordering Cape Fear River on the east and the South Carolina border on the west. It encompasses several oceanfront communities and towns including Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach and Caswell Beach just to name a few. If you’re considering moving to Brunswick County you’re probably doing so because of its oceanfront cities and towns. There are very few and far between residential communities and north of the ocean until you reach Highway 74, which is outside of the Brunswick County area. Wilmington is one of the largest cities located on the border of Brunswick County and New Hanover County.

Best place to live in Brunswick County

Demographics

The total population is about 110,000 residents with the median age of 48 and a median home price of about $185,000. Nearly 63% of the population is married with a 6.3 unemployment rate, the same as the national average. Compared to the rest of the country, Brunswick County’s cost of living is about 4% higher than the US average and since the year 2000, the county has had a population growth of nearly 48%. There are approximately 47,600 households throughout Brunswick County and 48% of residents fall between the ages of about 25 to 34 with only 18% under 18 and 23% over 65. There are active adult communities throughout Brunswick County but primarily are located in Wilmington and several adult communities are closer to Myrtle Beach, which is actually in South Carolina.

Although Wilmington is the largest city in the area, smaller coastal town such as Sunset Beach and Holden Beach have their own small town charm, and rustic home meanness. There are small shops, restaurants and if you markets in between but you won’t find the large, box stores or major markets except for in places like Myrtle Beach or Wilmington.Best place to live in Brunswick County

If you’re looking for some of the best beaches in the country, Brunswick County certainly has a lot to offer. Oak Island, Ocean Isle Beach and Bald Head Island are just a few places known for having some of the best beaches in the country. Many of these beaches also have a great family-friendly atmosphere where you can bring your dog, throw catch with the kids, beach, or simply enjoy the beautiful sunshine and fresh, crystal blue waters.

Brunswick County also is considered a golf lover’s paradise with over 30 championship courses throughout the county. It’s been lovingly referred to as North Carolina’s “Golf Coast” as there are legendary courses designed by Arnold Palmer, Dan Maples and Fred couples just to name a few. There are private championship golf courses as well as public courses with all pars and all challenges in between.

Brunswick County is also rich in history with numerous historical sites to explore, discover and learn about. Places like St. James Plantation, Fort Anderson and Brunswick town and many smaller communities located just off Cape Fear River off Route 133 to Southport provide a historical look back in time.

Oak Island was named #13 is one of the best towns in North Carolina. It got top scores for fun things to do, easiest commutes, education, low crime, outdoor health, fitness and activities in beautiful weather. Read more: Best Things to do in Oak Island

Boiling Springs Lakes, a small community located in central Brunswick County also made the list of some of the best places in the county. This is easily accessible along Highway 87 and was given top marks for housing, education, activities, weather and low crime.

Brunswick County is known for some of the best beaches, great weather and golf, superb Intracoastal Waterway boating from some of the many cities along the coastline, shopping, top medical care and fantastic history. These are just a few of the reasons why this County makes a great place to call home, vacation or retire.

For more information feel free to browse the website or contact our office today for a list of homes and properties in any one of the specific cities, towns or communities.

Images by countrygirl0 Doug Anderson Flickr

 

Best Things to do in Oak Island NC

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Oak Island is located along the Atlantic coastline between Caswell Beach and Sunset Beach in Brunswick County. It stretches from the opening of the Intracoastal Waterway all the way to Oak Island Golf Club and is primarily on the ocean side of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Whether you are planning on a move to Oak Island or just visiting, here are some of our favorite things to do in this coastal community.

Best things to do in Oak Island

#1. The beaches.

You have to check out the beaches while you’re in Oak Island. Even though it is an island technically, it is connected by several roads and causeways and it does have some of the most beautiful beaches in all of North and South Carolina. While you’re checking out the beaches visit the Ocean Crest Pier located at 1409 East Beach Dr. This beautiful fishing pier is ideal for walks, beachcombing and visiting the shops with snacks, fishing items and drinks. It offers the perfect beach scenery and is typically not that crowded. It cost either with $1 or $2 depending on the time of year and is definitely well worth it. Local say be sure to ask the fisherman how to fish so that you can catch a great dinner. There’s a small restaurant and store where you can buy bait and other supplies. Visit Bald Head Island Lighthouse as well, stepping back in time when it was first built in 1795. Also check out Oak Island Pier.

Oak Island lighthouse

#2. The Oak Island Lighthouse.

This spectacular lighthouse located on Oak Island has a little wooden beach access to the ocean featuring great views of the Atlantic. There are guided tours for groups and if you want to climb to the top you must make reservations two weeks in advance or even longer on the on season. There are several circular stairs, ship ladders and steep steps so you want to be careful but once you get up there, it’s amazing. Drive over the bridge and see the shining lighthouse beacon welcoming you to take a closer look.

#3. Biplane and helicopter rides.Helicopter tour North Carolina

Suncoast Aviation Biplane rides is a great way to fly along the coastline. It offers one of the best views of the island. You can fly the entire island, waive the wings of the plane and learn quite a bit about the area from knowledgeable pilots. If you prefer helicopters, High Tide helicopters offers a great way to see the island. It’s ideal for both winter and summer seasons and the view is breathtaking. The experienced pilots offers several different tours including the Cape Fear Passport and other areas. With great views, repeat tourists, and excellent reviews, this is definitely a great way to see the island.

#4. North Carolina Oyster Festival.

3918506669_2d0f0120e9_mFor over 36 years, this fantastic Brunswick County oyster Festival has been drawing locals and visitors alike. There are over 15 food vendors, 120 arts and craft vendors, live entertainment, surf contest and of course dozens and dozens of oysters. This event usually is held around the second weekend of October.

This is just a small collection of some of our favorite things to do in Oak Island. If you’re planning on living here or moving here full-time please contact our office for a list of current and available properties for sale in Oak Island.

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Life and Homes on the Intracoastal Waterway

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The entire Intracoastal Waterway stretches all up and down the East Coast and features a network of canals, rivers, bays and inlets that run from Norfolk Virginia to the Florida Keys this ribbon of water is separated into the Atlantic waterway and the Gulf waterway. They provide navigable routes for personal boats, watercraft and commercial barges. The Intracoastal Waterway is a total of about 3000 miles with connections to the Great Loop offering nearly 4500 more miles of inland waterways. The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway officially begins at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay between Norfolk Virginia and Portsmouth.

Life and Homes on the Intracoastal Waterway

The entire waterway is nearly 1100 miles and is viewed as a single aquatic interstate. There are several tributaries and offshoots along the way and it extends down to Key West featuring several canals and estuaries. Also referred to as the “the ditch”, this insight route is ideal for cruisers and boaters going north and south along the East Coast without going into the open waters of the ocean. With so many different scenes, tranquil bays, tributaries and canals, each section is unique unto itself. From grassy swamps to pristine beaches, windswept grasses and dunes, there’s a unique piece of history and landscape along each section.

This quieter way of life lends itself to many boat docks, waterfront properties and boating enthusiasts. It’s ideal for fishing, boating, swimming, water skiing and just about any other type of saltwater activity. The section in North and South Carolina that is almost completely separated from the Atlantic Ocean stretches from Cape Fear River in the mouth of the waterway at Southport South into South Carolina to the entrance of the Waccamaw River. From the river north to the border of North Carolina, the waterway is completely separated from the ocean and then drifts through tributaries and sloughs along Bird Island in the borders of Sunset Beach. From here are numerous homes bordering the waterway, specifically on the mainland side. It’s not until Ocean IsLife and Homes on the Intracoastal Waterwayle Beach that homes are bordering on the ocean side of the Intracoastal Waterway. Ocean Isle Beach is a small section of residential homes bordering the ocean and the waterway with man-made inlets ideal for those that own boats, prefer waterfront properties and have easy access to the beach and the Ocean Isle Beach Pier.

 

Just east of this small oceanfront town there’s a large break in the waterway with access to the ocean along Shallotte River. Holden Beach is next along the intracoastal Waterway and there are more homes on both sides of the waterway in this town. The city stretches out on the mainland and the beach area and continues up with many residential waterfront homes until the mouth of the Lockwood’s Folly River. The waterway does stretch through the mouth of this river with a deep ditch and travels up to Oak Island. Here, the majority of homes are on the ocean side of the waterway with dozens of homes, golf courses and beachfront property. Then, the Intercoastal Waterway dumps into Cape Fear River at Southport.

Life and Homes on the Intracoastal Waterway
Again, the waterway stretches North and South from Virginia to Florida up and down the eastern seaboard but this small section of Inlet has a variety of residential communities, homes and neighborhoods that border the Intracoastal Waterway. The benefit of having a home here is that the weather and the elements are not as harsh, it’s a little calmer sea and most homes and boats are protected from the harsh elements of the ocean.

For more on the Intracoastal Waterway in North and South Carolina, contact the amazing team of Karen & Frank Baker

Images by Bound2Paddle.com Dawn Pennington Carol Schaffer Flickr

Oceanfront Homes in Ocean Isle Beach

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Oceanfront Homes in Ocean Isle Beach

Ocean Isle Beach sits just east of Sunset Beach, primarily on the southern side of the intracoastal waterway, however there is a small section around old Georgetown Road to the north that is still part of the city limits. Most people consider everything from Sunset Beach to Holden Beach part of the Ocean Isle Beach area including the Ocean Ridge Plantation, a large golfing community to the north to south of Highway 17.

But, when were talking about oceanfront property, the majority of the residential homes are on the south side of the intracoastal waterway with many homes along First Street bordering the Atlantic Ocean. To $950,000 on average. Toward the south end of the community are several condominium and townhome units priced from $200,000-$500,000. At any given time there are roughly 200 properties for sale along this stretch of the East Coast. Some higher in luxury properties can range over $1.5 million, but this is not due necessarily for waterfront property but for the fact it could be a luxury estate, larger lot or lots of amenities such as a dock, boating capabilities, or water for facilities.

Lots on the Oceanside are roughly 5000 ft.² to 8000 ft.² and stretch to the ocean. These homes are not in a specific subdivision so most of them do not have any homeowners dues or fees. Between First Street and second Street are many homes priced from $300,000-$600,000 that may or may not have peekaboo views of the Atlantic Ocean depending on the obstruction south of First Street. I merrily, these oceanfront homes are set up on stilts with carports or garages on the main level and either two or three levels above that. Up toward E. 3rd St. are several lots available for sale along Chadbourne Street, a cul-de-sac road that goes from the ocean north along Second Street. These lots are between $150,000 and $190,000.

The farther one travels up E. 2nd St. the more sparse the properties with typically more land. Residents are likely to see over 10,000 ft.² lots priced from $600,000-$2 million. Currently there is a beautiful nine bedroom home at 410 E. 2nd St. priced at $1.3 million. The farther up one goes the more secluded and private homes become. Because there is no outlet at this end of town as well as limited modern conveniences, these are primarily homeowners that travel up Shallotte Boulevard and Baywatch Drive with homes priced from $120,000 for lots up to $700,000 for three and four bedroom homes around 2000 ft.². Many of these homes feature views of the intracoastal waterway and the Atlantic Ocean depending on where their set.

For more information on oceanfront homes and Ocean Isle Beach North Carolina please contact me today. I would be happy to send you a list of properties that meet your search criteria and price throughout Ocean Isle Beach or surrounding communities.

 

Brunswick County Schools

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The Brunswick County school District is located in Bolivia North Carolina just north of Oak Island and St. James. The campus it’s just off of Old Ocean Highway south of Highway 17. The Brunswick County Board of Education offers improved academic achievement helping every student to reach their goals as well as the goals of parents, staff members and teachers. They provide high-quality education for each student. The goal is for every student to graduate prepared to lead productive lives in society. There are a total of 19 schools, 10 elementary schools, five middle schools, and five high schools.Brunswick County Schools

Great schools.org gives the Brunswick County schools a 5 out of 10 overall rating based on school test results. The highest schools were the Brunswick County early College high school receiving a 9 out of 10 and the Union Elementary receiving a 8 out of 10. The Bolivia and Shallotte middle school received a 7 and the Southport, Waccamaw, West Brunswick and South Brunswick all received a 6. The majority of schools received either a 4 or 5. 

Surprisingly Supply elementary got one of the lowest reviews ever at 3 however, according to great schools.org, has some pretty positive reviews. Many people feel that the entire staff make it obvious the children are the first priority. Other people feel that the “principal and staff care greatly for the students in the education that they receive.” “I think that this is the best school that my son could be a. He loves going to Supply.”

It really comes down to the teacher and the investment that the staff and faculty are willing to put into each student. The very best school could have a terrible teacher and the very lowest ranking school could have an excellent teacher. However, many people choose homes throughout Brunswick County based on the schools and the reviews. The majority of schools are nestled along Highway 17 from calabash North to Wilmington. There are several down by Southport along Highway 87 as well.

Brunswick County SchoolsThe Brunswick County school District has numerous divisions including finance and business, English as a second language, migrant services, technology services, media and instructional services, school counseling and testing and assessment. Their emphasis is on child nutrition, academic excellence and establishing great partnership with parents and teachers alike.

For more information on the Brunswick County schools or to find a home within a particular school boundary please contact me today. I would be happy to send you a customized list of all properties that meet your search criteria and price within the boundaries of a specific elementary, middle or high school.

 

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