Section Image

Calabash

Calabash

Located in Brunswick County

$386,467 Average Value
$190 Average Price per Sq Ft
357 Homes For Sale

Calabash enjoys proximity to beaches and known as “Seafood Capital of the World”

The North Carolina fishing town of Calabash, which has dubbed itself “The Seafood Capital of the World,” is home to just over 2,000 people. The area is in Brunswick County, just above the South Carolina state border. It is known for its style of fried seafood, especially its shrimp. “Calabash seafood” has spread in popularity and is served in multiple Myrtle Beach buffets and beyond. Cheryl Helmecki, a resident and broker in charge at RE/MAX At the Beach, says the town's location is one of its biggest draws. It is less than 30 miles away from Myrtle Beach. “Yet it’s kind of out of the hustle and bustle of vacationers, so it feels more like a long-term living area as opposed to a resort area,” Helmecki says.

Calabash, NC, known as the
Calabash, NC, known as the "Seafood Capital of the World," pioneered Calabash-style seafood in the 1930s—lightly battered and flash-fried, setting a culinary trend.
Calabash, NC, is distinguished by its gently rolling terrain and proximity to the Calabash River, which meanders through the town, enhancing its scenic beauty.
Calabash, NC, is distinguished by its gently rolling terrain and proximity to the Calabash River, which meanders through the town, enhancing its scenic beauty.
1/2

Golf course communities and manufactured homes

The median price in Calabash is $365,000. The town has a mix of distinct neighborhoods, Helmecki says. “They range from golf course subdivisions to maybe more of a manufactured home community,” she says. Architectural styles range and include newer construction traditional homes, many with garages, and older ranch-style homes. A few gated communities can be found in the area. Most neighborhoods do not have sidewalks. Helmecki says some communities are geared toward specific demographics, including retirees and vacationers.

Calabash, NC, offers diverse housing communities like Coastal Club, Calabash Lakes, and Carolina Shores, blending coastal charm with modern amenities.
Calabash, NC, offers diverse housing communities like Coastal Club, Calabash Lakes, and Carolina Shores, blending coastal charm with modern amenities.
Calabash, NC offers affordable housing with a median property value of $202,000 in 2023, significantly below the national average of $303,400.
Calabash, NC offers affordable housing with a median property value of $202,000 in 2023, significantly below the national average of $303,400.
1/2

Plenty of seafood restaurants and retail in nearby towns

There are plenty of dining options near the Calabash River. Local favorites include Calabash Seafood Hut, Beck’s Restaurant and The Boundary House. The Oyster Rock is right along the waterfront and has outdoor seating with views of the river. Nearby grocery stores include Food Lion and Lowes Foods. Walmart and Publix are expected to open soon in neighboring Carolina Shores, which shares a zip code with Calabash. Callahan's of Calabash is a popular local gift shop and Christmas store. For more retail, residents head to North Myrtle Beach or Shallotte.

Calabash, NC, boasts over 30 seafood restaurants within a square mile, earning it the title
Calabash, NC, boasts over 30 seafood restaurants within a square mile, earning it the title "Seafood Capital of the World" .
Calabash, NC, offers diverse entertainment options beyond its renowned seafood scene.
Calabash, NC, offers diverse entertainment options beyond its renowned seafood scene.
1/2

Summer music at the park and classes at the senior center

Calabash Community Park has a pavilion and playground and hosts a free monthly concert series in the summer. The county also recently built a senior center in downtown Calabash, which offers numerous activities, including knitting and exercise classes, card games and line dancing. Ocean Isle Beach is just 10 miles away and has playgrounds and a fishing pier.

Calabash Community Park, located at 868 Persimmon Road, serves as a central gathering spot in Calabash, NC, offering walking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds for residents and visitors alike.
Calabash Community Park, located at 868 Persimmon Road, serves as a central gathering spot in Calabash, NC, offering walking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds for residents and visitors alike.
The Brunswick Center at Calabash, opened in 2018, is Brunswick County's fifth senior center, offering fitness classes, arts, meals, and social activities.
The Brunswick Center at Calabash, opened in 2018, is Brunswick County's fifth senior center, offering fitness classes, arts, meals, and social activities.
1/2

Children zoned for Brunswick County school district

Children are zoned for Brunswick County Schools. Jessie Mae Monroe Elementary is rated B. Shallotte Middle School and West Brunswick High School each have a B-minus. The high school serves about 1,500 students. It has a JROTC and offers fine arts and STEM classes, as well as career and technical education courses.

Shallotte Middle School is recognized as one of the most diverse middle schools in North Carolina.
Shallotte Middle School is recognized as one of the most diverse middle schools in North Carolina.
West Brunswick High School offers extracurricular activities, including clubs and organizations such as Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), JROTC, and the International Club.
West Brunswick High School offers extracurricular activities, including clubs and organizations such as Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), JROTC, and the International Club.
1/2

Transportation and flooding risk in Calabash

Calabash’s main thoroughfare is Beach Drive, or North Carolina Highway 179, which leads east to Shallotte. The road connects with U.S. Route 17 in South Carolina and leads to Myrtle Beach. Traffic gets a little heavier in the summer when visitors arrive, particularly around mealtimes, Helmecki says.



The area is considered at moderate risk of flooding, according to the climate modeling website First Street. About 25% of properties in the area are at risk of flooding over the next 30 years.

Nour Habib
Written By
Nour Habib
Justin Stapp
Photography Contributed By
Justin Stapp
Jason Jacot
Video By
Jason Jacot

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Ceilidh Creech, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Area Facts

Number of Homes
5,207
Number of Homes for Sale
357
Median Year Built
2005
Months of Supply
5.10
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,057
Above the national average
1,931
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,684
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,097
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
638
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,018

Open Houses

  • Tuesday, Apr 7
    Open Tue 12PM - 4PM

    7622 Kilbirnie Dr, Sunset Beach, NC 28468

    $1,295,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 3,624 Sq Ft
    • 7622 Kilbirnie Dr

    This beautifully crafted new construction home by Kirk Pigford Homes is tucked away at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in the secluded golf resort of Thistle Downs. Located at 7622 Kilbirnie Drive in the gated Thistle Golf Club community, this 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath design offers over 3,600 square feet of thoughtfully planned living space with panoramic golf course views. With only 143 homesites in

    Agent Photo
    Jason Ellis
    JTE Real Estate
    (472) 202-7564
    Section Image
    Section Image
  • Sunday, Apr 12
    Open Sun 2PM - 4PM

    8718 Nottoway Ave NW, Calabash, NC 28467

    $412,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,733 Sq Ft
    • 8718 Nottoway Ave NW
    • New 2 days ago

    This beautiful one-level, 3 bedroom, 2 full bathroom home offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, convenience and Coastal elegance. Thoughtfully designed with an open-concept floor plan, the spacious great room is bright and airy, creating an inviting space for everyday living and entertaining. Luxury vinyl plank flooring flows throughout the entire home, complemented by 10' ceilings and

    Claire Yoder Coldwell Banker Sloane

    Section Image
  • Sunday, Apr 19
    Open House 4/19

    1069 Chadsey Lake Dr, Calabash, NC 28467

    $302,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,406 Sq Ft
    • 1069 Chadsey Lake Dr

    Located in the highly sought after planned community of Calabash Lakes is this popular Tuscan Duet townhouse. With all exterior maintenance & landscaping provided through your HOA, this can easily become a place to call home. You are welcomed by an open-concept floor plan where a dining room, living room & kitchen provide gracious space for all to gather making it easy to entertain & enjoy family

    Dan Riley Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage

    Section Image

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Calabash Has More Owners

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
14
Median Rent
$1,662
Median Single Family Home Rent
$2,000
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$2,400
Median Townhouse Rent
$1,650
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$1,700
Median Condo Rent
$1,438
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$1,413

Demographics

Total Population
2,918
Median Age
59
Population under 18
14.2%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
39.4%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$61,065
Significantly below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$73,072

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
94%
College Graduates
27.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8.6%
% Population in Labor Force
42.4%
Below the national average
64.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
52''
Average Winter Low Temperature
36°F
Average Summer High Temperature
87°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat friendly

Bike Score®®

30 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Walk Score®®

20 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Calabash
Ceilidh Creech
Southern Realty Advantage LLC
Section Image