8

Emerald Isle, NC Homes for Rent

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  • 3307 Emerald Dr Unit East, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
    3307 Emerald Dr Unit East, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
    3307 Emerald Dr Unit East, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
    /22

    $3,000 Per Month

    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • Apartment for Rent

    3307 Emerald Dr Unit East, Emerald Isle, NC 28594

    Lovely furnished duplex on the island. Minutes to ocean access and sound. 3 bedroom K* Q* Q* B (D down, S up). 3.5 bath. Gorgeous hard-surfaced flooring throughout. Spacious and open living/kitchen/dining space. Large master suite is located on the primary level. Master bath has separate tub and walk-in shower. Two bedrooms & another den/living room on second level. Washer/dryer included.

    Jessica Weimer Emerald Isle Realty

    3307 Emerald Dr Unit East, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
  • 236 W Shorewood Dr, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
    236 W Shorewood Dr, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
    236 W Shorewood Dr, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
    /5

    $2,600 Per Month

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,680 Sq Ft
    • House for Rent

    236 W Shorewood Dr, Emerald Isle, NC 28594

    Island home in upscale neighborhood features master suite on 2nd level with balcony.Enjoy fine living in this soundfront subdivision whic3 BR 2 Ba garage screened porch and private h is a short walk to the beautiful Emerald Isle beaches.

    Darlene Larson T. WALKER APPRAISAL COMPANY

    236 W Shorewood Dr, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
  • 7019 Sound Dr Unit South, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
    7019 Sound Dr Unit South, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
    7019 Sound Dr Unit South, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
    /12

    $2,150 Per Month

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • Apartment for Rent

    7019 Sound Dr Unit South, Emerald Isle, NC 28594

    Nice duplex on soundside of Emerald Isle. Great water view & large deck! 3 bedroom. 2 bath. Hard-surface luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout. Large kitchen with bar seating at the floating island, opens to living room with vaulted ceiling. Gorgeous live oak trees on large lot. Minutes to beach & sound access, restaurants, shopping, etc. Covered parking. Utility/laundry room with washer/dryer

    Jessica Weimer Emerald Isle Realty

    7019 Sound Dr Unit South, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
  • 7019 Sound Dr Unit North, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
    7019 Sound Dr Unit North, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
    7019 Sound Dr Unit North, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
    /11

    $2,050 Per Month

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • Apartment for Rent

    7019 Sound Dr Unit North, Emerald Isle, NC 28594

    Nice duplex on soundside of Emerald Isle. 3 bedroom. 2 bath. Recent improvements include interior paint and hard-surface luxury vinyl plank flooring. Open living area w/large open deck. Gorgeous live oak trees on large lot. Minutes to beach & sound access, restaurants, shopping, etc. Covered parking. Utility room on ground level. Unfurnished. Pets negotiable; only one (1) small pet considered

    Jessica Weimer Emerald Isle Realty

    7019 Sound Dr Unit North, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
  • 5901 Mclean St, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
    5901 Mclean St, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
    5901 Mclean St, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
    /15

    $3,700 Per Month

    • 4 Beds
    • 4 Baths
    • 2,989 Sq Ft
    • House for Rent

    5901 Mclean St, Emerald Isle, NC 28594

    Come tour this wonderful Emerald Isle home, complete with 4 bedrooms, a home office, a huge two port garage with full bathroom, an amazing kitchen, and beautiful hardwood flooring on both levels. This island home is one to see in person, schedule your tour today!

    Phillip Richard Liberty Properties NC LLC

    5901 Mclean St, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
  • 407 Hickory St Unit Up, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
    407 Hickory St Unit Up, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
    407 Hickory St Unit Up, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
    /15

    $2,550 Per Month

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • Apartment for Rent

    407 Hickory St Unit Up, Emerald Isle, NC 28594

    Sound side duplex, upstairs only. 3 bedroom, 2 bath. New paint and flooring throughout. Screened back porch and open deck overlooking a large back yard. Shared washer and dryer. Outdoor shower. Minutes to sound and beach. Close to shopping restaurants, pubs, coffee shops, area attractions, etc. No smoking permitted. No pets. All utilities included (w/ $200.00 electric cap). Lawn maintenance

    Jessica Weimer Emerald Isle Realty

    407 Hickory St Unit Up, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
  • 8711 Plantation Dr Unit 302, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
    8711 Plantation Dr Unit 302, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
    8711 Plantation Dr Unit 302, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
    /50

    $2,700 Per Month

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • Townhouse for Rent

    8711 Plantation Dr Unit 302, Emerald Isle, NC 28594

    Welcome to Emerald Plantation, one of Emerald Isle's most desirable gated communities. This spacious and freshly painted townhome offers nearly 1,700 square feet of living space, making it significantly larger than many island condos and townhomes. Enjoy access to outstanding community amenities including a pool, tennis and pickleball courts, clubhouse, boat ramp, boat storage, and a newly

    Gerald Seddon Landmark Sotheby's International Realty

    8711 Plantation Dr Unit 302, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
  • 410 Lee Ave, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
    410 Lee Ave, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
    /2

    $2,350 Per Month

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • House for Rent

    410 Lee Ave, Emerald Isle, NC 28594

    Great unfurnished beach cottage on Emerald Isle. 3 bedroom. 2 bath. Open floor plan & sunroom. Large workshop on ground level. Outdoor shower. Washer/Dryer included. Minutes to beach access & sound access. Close proximity to restaurants, coffee shops, pubs, shopping, area attractions. No pets permitted. No smoking permitted. Available June 1st. 410 Lee Avenue, Emerald Isle, NC 28594.

    Jessica Weimer Emerald Isle Realty

    410 Lee Ave, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
North Carolina Carteret County Emerald Isle

Homes for Rent in Emerald Isle, NC

Why Live in Emerald Isle

Emerald Isle, located between North Carolina's Bogue Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, is a coastal town known for its soft white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. With a population of nearly 4,000 year-round residents, it transforms into a bustling tourist destination during the summer months. The town features over 75 public beach access points and the largest public boating facility on North Carolina's coast, making outdoor recreation a central part of daily life. Emerald Isle is accessible via the Atlantic Beach Bridge and the Emerald Isle Causeway, with Emerald Drive serving as the main commercial corridor. Housing styles range from modest cottages and mobile homes to luxurious waterfront estates, with a mix of full-time residences, vacation homes, and investment properties. The town boasts a lower crime risk compared to the national average. Local students attend highly rated schools such as White Oak Elementary School, Broad Creek Middle School, and Croatan High School. Emerald Isle offers a variety of things to do, including events like the EmeraldFest Concert Series, the St. Patrick's Day parade, and the Emerald Isle Youth Fishing Derby. Dining options include Fish Hut Grill and Surf’s Up, with live music and casual eateries that match the town's laid-back atmosphere. The island features grocers, hardware stores, salons, and beach shops, with larger retailers available in nearby Morehead City, Swansboro, and Jacksonville. Residents should be aware of coastal living concerns such as tropical storms and hurricanes, with the town maintaining strong efforts to protect the dunes and implementing strict building permits and evacuation plans.

Learn more about living in Emerald Isle

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent a home in Emerald Isle, NC?
The median rent for a home in Emerald Isle, NC is $2,550 per month, though prices vary by neighborhood, size, and property type. As of May 2026, condos tend to be the most affordable option while townhouses and single-family homes are currently more expensive.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Emerald Isle, NC?
To comfortably afford the median rent in Emerald Isle, NC, a household needs to earn roughly $102,000 per year. This is based on the common guideline that households should spend no more than 30% of gross income on housing. Most landlords require monthly household income of at least 3x the monthly rent, and with a median rent of $2,550 per month in Emerald Isle, NC, renters typically need to show $7,650 per month in gross income to qualify. Actual affordability will vary depending on household debts, other living expenses, and overall budget.
Is it more affordable to rent or buy in Emerald Isle, NC?
In Emerald Isle, NC, the price-to-rent ratio is 25.3, which generally favors renting. This ratio divides the median home price by the annual median rent: below 15 typically favors buying, 15 to 20 is balanced, and above 20 typically favors renting. Your finances, how long you plan to stay, and costs like mortgage rates, taxes, and maintenance all factor into the decision.
What neighborhoods in Emerald Isle, NC are best for renting a home?
The best neighborhood for renting in Emerald Isle, NC depends on your priorities: commute, walkability, budget, and lifestyle all play a role. Popular areas for renting a home include Hubert and Piney Green, each with its own character and price range.

Rental Home Trends in Emerald Isle, NC

There are currently 8 homes available for rent in Emerald Isle, NC. The median rent is $2,550 per month, with single-family homes renting at $2,725, townhouses at $2,150 and condos at $2,100.

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
8
Median Rent
$2,550
Median Single Family Home Rent
$2,725
Median Townhouse Rent
$2,150
Median Condo Rent
$2,100
How to Rent a Home

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