Oak Island is a small coastal town in North Carolina, which sits between Holden Beach and Caswell Beach just south of St. James. Its home to about 7000 residents and was originally founded in 1999 by the consolidation other towns of Long Beach and Yaupon Beach. Even though there are between 60500 – 7000 year-round residents, the summer population explodes to nearly 50,000 in peak tourist seasons. Oak Island is part of the Myrtle Beach Metropolitan area.
Oak Island offers a municipal golf course and eight parks complete with athletic and sports fields. Residents enjoy a skate park, dog park, oceanfront observation deck and beautiful little parks along the ocean. In addition to our nature attractions there are also numerous shops and restaurants throughout the town. For fresh seafood, visit Haag & Sons or Oak Island Pier. Looking for a delicious glass of vino? Check out the Grape & Ale at 8521 E. Oak Island Dr.
The Oak Island lighthouse has been a landmark in Oak Island since 1958 standing nearly 170 feet tall on the Cape Fear River. Bald Head Island lighthouse has been an iconic figure since 1795 and has been rebuilt but still remains the original lighthouse since 1816.
SCHOOLS
Oak Island is home to four schools providing K-12 classes. There are two elementary schools: the Virginia Williamson elementary and the Southport elementary, one middle school, the South Brunswick middle school and the South Brunswick high school.
Near Oak Island is the Charter Day school in the Cape Fear Center for Inquiry, both of which receive a 9 out of 10 rating from great schools.org.
REAL ESTATE
The average price for a home in Oak Island is between $150,000 and $350,000. There are several foreclosure and bank owned homes that offer a great deal but generally homes are between $100,000 and $900,000. There are the occasional estates and waterfront homes over the $1 million mark but it is rare.
Something to be aware of is our risk for hurricanes. The emergency information is located on the town website but being prepared ahead of the storm can make it much easier to deal with one. There are residents of live to their entire life and have never had issues with hurricanes but it is something to consider.
The Oak Island Police Department controls access to several of the bridges at the East of town, West of Town and Middletown and Oak Island as well as Caswell Beach decide jointly when the bridges should be closed and reopened. The bridge is closed to all traffic when winds of over 40 miles an hour’s sustained and heavy rain are present in the area.
For information on homes, real estate or life in Oak Island please contact us at any time. We love this little coastal town and would love to help you find either a vacation or second home here perhaps your primary residence.
Image by Doug Anderson Flickr
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Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Oak Island
What is the cost of living?
The cost of living measurement is slightly above the national average. The official index measurement is 109, which means it’s about 9% above the national average. However, this remains relatively affordable for living in a coastal area. Groceries, utilities, and other services are very manageable. Homeowners’ insurance and the costs associated with owning a house are a major factor in the cost-of-living index.
Is the housing market competitive?
Homes in this area are popular because buyers seek to live here for its affordability when it comes to coastal real estate. A mix of single-family homes, new construction, and multifamily properties. The market can get competitive, and properties can sell very quickly in the most desirable areas.
What should homeowners expect for hurricane season?
Oak Island is a barrier island, which means it comes under hurricane territory. Hurricane season is traditionally June through November. Many properties are within FEMA flood zones and require additional flood insurance coverage with standard homeowners insurance. There are many elevated homes in the area. Locals take on the mindset that proper preparedness helps ensure success in getting through a storm.
Is it a good area for year-round living?
There are several people who enjoy living on Oak Island year-round. Summers do have more activity with tourists coming into the area. Winters are mild, peaceful, and quiet. There are several services that operate year-round, as well as the ability to access neighboring communities for daily life needs.
What are the schools like?
Public schools are part of the Brunswick County Schools school district and are rated above average. Several families bus from the island to the mainland to utilize public educational institutions in the area.
Is Oak Island family-friendly?
Oak Island is considered very family-friendly, and there are families that live on the island year-round. Families enjoy a laid-back, quieter lifestyle. People know that it is full of great community activities and love that the area is very community-driven, and people tend to form a close community.
What about healthcare, groceries, and daily essentials?
There are several places to run daily errands and find necessities locally. Major shopping and specialized care are a little further out in areas like Southport, Leland, Supply, or Wilmington. All of which are not very far from the island. Hospital care is often accessed at Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center.
What is the weather like?
Oak Island experiences mild coastal weather with four seasons. The seasonal changes are subtle. Summers are hot and humid, and winters are mild. It is incredibly rare to experience freezing temperatures. The annual rainfall is 55 inches, and there is no snow. It is easy to experience and enjoy the outdoor spaces of the island all year.
What is commuting like?
Oak Island is small and has a very small population, and there are a few commercial amenities on the island itself. This means that many people who live on the island in the workforce commute to neighboring areas for jobs. There are bridges and causeways that make commuting convenient to the mainland. Though commuting can get a little bit slower during the summer when there are tourists, and during a significant storm.
What is the daily life vibe like?
Oak Island provides a relaxed atmosphere focused on enjoying outdoor fun and events. There are some great dining venues to enjoy relaxed evenings. Many people enjoy volunteering for local community organizations. Oak Island has a classic North Carolina coastal lifestyle that fosters strong community ties. If you are planning on relocating to the area, many people advise visiting at different times of the year to truly get a feel for how the island culture is.