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 "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.
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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 affordable housing with a median property value of $202,000 in 2023, significantly below the national average of $303,400.
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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 "Seafood Capital of the World" .
Calabash, NC, offers diverse entertainment options beyond its renowned seafood scene.
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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.
The Brunswick Center at Calabash, opened in 2018, is Brunswick County's fifth senior center, offering fitness classes, arts, meals, and social activities.
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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.
West Brunswick High School offers extracurricular activities, including clubs and organizations such as Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), JROTC, and the International Club.
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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.
Written By
Nour Habib
Photography Contributed By
Justin Stapp
Video By
Jason Jacot
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On average, homes in Calabash, NC sell after 82 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Calabash, NC over the last 12 months is $371,390, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Immaculate, Upgraded Home Just Minutes from Sunset Beach! Welcome to this exceptional 2-year-old home, ideally located less than 4 miles from the pristine shores of Sunset Beach, NC. Nestled on a serene pond lot, this thoughtfully upgraded property offers modern elegance, comfort, and breathtaking views. Step inside to a bright, open-concept layout enhanced by upgraded lighting throughout. The
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First floor, 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo in the desirable Crow Creek community. This like-new unit features luxury vinyl plank flooring in the main living areas, quartz countertops in both the kitchen and bathrooms, and a stylish shiplap accent wall in the living room. The open-concept layout flows seamlessly to a screened-in porch, perfect for relaxing and entertaining. Additional highlights include
Enjoy easy, low-maintenance living in this beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath ground-floor condo in the highly desirable Crow Creek Golf Course community. This unit has never been rented and has been freshly painted, making it truly move-in ready.Relax year-round on the enclosed patio with newer EZ Breeze windows perfect for morning coffee or unwinding after a day on the course or
Discover comfortable coastal living at Tides at Calabash Apartments in Sunset Beach, North Carolina. Our welcoming apartment community offers thoughtfully designed 1- and 2-bedroom apartments with features including spacious kitchens, private patios or balconies with additional storage, walk-in closets, full-size washer and dryer, and select units with beautiful hardwood-style flooring.Enjoy
Introducing our newly available 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo located in the serene town of Calabash, NC. This charming residence offers a comfortable and convenient living experience. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by a spacious and well-designed layout that effortlessly blends style and functionality. With water and sewer services included in the rent, you can enjoy hassle-free living
Welcome to The View at Crow Creek, a brand-new luxury apartment community in the heart of charming Calabash, North Carolina. Located near the scenic Crow Creek Golf Club, our spacious two- and three-bedroom apartments are designed with modern amenities and upscale finishes to elevate your lifestyle.Enjoy premium features like a resort-style pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and
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