Atlantic Beach is a classic North Carolina coastal community
Between the Atlantic Ocean and North Carolina’s Bogue Sound is Atlantic Beach, a Crystal Coast community with miles of public beaches, hiking trails and water recreation. “I still remember the first time I crossed the Atlantic Beach Bridge because it has a slight rise to it, and you look over and all you see is the ocean. You're over the Bogue Sound, and you see the boaters and people playing on the sandbars. As soon as you get to the top, the stress goes away,” says Sandra Johnson, a Realtor with Crystal Coast Realty Group who’s sold homes in the area for 10 years. Atlantic Beach has classic beach town amenities like surf shops and seafood restaurants. Although the community is located on a barrier island, Morehead City on the mainland is a 2-mile drive across the sound.
Outdoor activities include swimming, fishing and hiking
There are plenty of ways to access the ocean in Atlantic Beach, including the boardwalk area, which has public parking and sand volleyball, and the Oceanana Pier, known for its fishing and views. Fort Macon State Park on the island’s east end features 4 miles of hiking and biking trails, beaches and tours of the restored fort. Kayaking and fishing are popular in the ocean and the Bogue Sound. The Gulf Stream passes off the coast, and anglers can head there to catch blue marlin, tuna and king mackerel. Marinas, like Fort Macon Marina and Anchorage Marina, provide boat storage, and fishing charters like the Captain Stacy Fishing Center offer day trips offshore. Atlantic Beach Town Park has a mini-golf course, splash pad and playground, and Atlantic Station Cinema screens the latest movies.
Condos and coastal-style homes with access to the ocean or sound
“The housing is diverse,” Johnson says. “There’s a price range where most people can find a home.” Many of the condos and homes here have direct access to the water or views from upper levels. Shingle-style and raised beach houses, with parking underneath and spacious porches, are common on the ocean side. These typically cost between $1.5 million and $3.6 million. Near the sound, ranch-style and split-level homes are more common and are located on canals with private docks and boat lifts; these range from $950,000 to $2.3 million. Houses without direct water access range from $360,000 to $940,000. “We do see multiple offers, depending on the property,” Johnson says. “If you have an oceanfront property in high demand, it’s going to have multiple offers. It’s the same on the sound side.”
Low- and mid-rise condos are also available, ranging from $120,000 to $320,000 for a one-bedroom and $330,000 to $700,000 for a larger unit. Townhouse-style condos typically cost between $750,000 and $1.5 million. Condo owners have to pay monthly homeowners association fees between $390 and $1,250, which typically cover shared amenities like swimming pools. Townhouses can cost between $580,000 and $850,000, while those near the Atlantic Beach Bridge can cost between $1.4 million and $1.6 million.
Fishing tournaments and music festivals
Tourism and fishing are Atlantic Beach’s biggest industries, and this is apparent at the several fishing tournaments that take place in the area each year. For three weeks each October, the Atlantic Beach King Mackerel Tournament raises money for the Atlantic Beach Fire Department. Anglers compete for a $15,000 prize for the biggest king mackerel. In Morehead City each June, the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament attracts around 1,600 anglers to compete for over $6 million in cash prizes. The Beach Music Festival in May is another popular event, drawing around 5,000 music fans for a week of beachy music and food trucks.
A variety of restaurants and grocery stores are on the island
Beachy clothing stores, surf shops and gift shops are common along Fort Macon Road and the Atlantic Beach Causeway. Restaurants can be found throughout, like 4 Corners Diner, which serves breakfast and lunch year-round. For seafood, The Shark Shack is a casual outdoor restaurant serving seafood baskets and burgers, and Amos Mosquito’s Restaurant and Bar offers a variety of seafood and Southern cuisine. Island Produce and Atlantic Beach Seafood and Fresh Market are locally owned grocery stores, and Food Lion is on Fort Macon Road. National retailers like Lowe’s Home Improvement and Walmart are in Morehead City.
The Atlantic Beach Bridge connects to mainland amenities
Fort Macon Road is the island’s main thoroughfare. The Atlantic Beach Bridge connects to Morehead City on the mainland, about 2 miles away. “The bridge is four lanes, so it accommodates the influx of traffic, but it’s still traffic,” Johnson says. “It’s only on the holidays that it’s backed up, or if there’s an accident.” There are some dedicated bike lanes for getting around the island, and some streets have sidewalks. Houses of worship here include Bogue Banks Baptist Church and Shepherd of the Sea Lutheran Church. Carteret Health Care, the closest hospital, is 3 miles away in Morehead City. Coastal Carolina Regional Airport, which has flights to Charlotte, is about 35 miles away, and Wilmington International Airport is a 96-mile trip.
Kids attend schools on the mainland
Kids can start school at Morehead City Primary, which earns an A-minus from Niche and teaches pre-kindergarten through third grade, then go to the B-plus-rated Morehead Elementary at Camp Glenn for fourth and fifth grades. Morehead City Middle earns an A-minus. West Carteret High earns a B-plus and consistently earns a Purple Star Award each year for its support of military families through programs like resilience training and free tutoring.
At risk of flooding and hurricanes
Most of the community is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, a FEMA-designated zone of high flood risk. Homeowners might have to buy flood insurance. Flooding here often comes from hurricanes, which can also cause wind damage and power outages. Residents may be asked to evacuate before a hurricane; they can sign up for emergency alerts from the local government.
Written By
Annie Franklin
