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 75 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Calabash, NC over the last 12 months is $332,990, down 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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
This is the one! Beautiful and large single level home on a corner lot in the desirable Meadowlands Golf Course community in Calabash NC. Welcome to style and luxury in this 4BR/3.5BA home that has it all! Double master suite, tons of storage, extended garage and more! The kitchen i updated and perfect for all your needs, boasting a huge center island, granite counter tops and stainless steel
Discover your dream home in the charming Calabash area with this exquisite 3-bedroom, 2.5 bath custom Colonial in Carolina Shores North. As you approach, a large and inviting ''sit a spell'' front porch welcomes you. The spacious living room, adorned with beautiful hardwood flooring, provides an ideal setting for relaxation and entertaining. This home boasts a nice sized private first-floor
Welcome to 695 Iredel Court, located in the established and highly sought-after community of Spring Mill Plantation in Calabash, NC. Perfectly positioned just minutes from the pristine beaches of the South Brunswick Islands and the vibrant attractions of Myrtle Beach, this former model home blends coastal convenience with timeless elegance.Move-in ready and thoughtfully designed, this
Where in Calabash can you find a WELL-LOCATED 1st floor CONDO that is as pristine or thoughtful? This unit is unbelievably completely redone and is being sold TURNKEY FURNISHED! Truly, what you see is what you gel, even fresh linens and towels are provided! So classy, paints are soft neutral colors and with a new LVP matching floor throughout. So smart for the beach! The popcorn ceiling,
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
Be the First to Live in This Brand-New Beauty!This stunning new construction townhome is ready for its very first occupants! You'll love the amazing open floor plan that perfectly blends style and functionality. The primary suite is conveniently located on the main level and features dual sinks and a spacious walk-in shower. The chef's kitchen is sure to impress with quartz countertops,
55+ Community! Prices, availability, and promotions are subject to change. Easy Living at Our Community River Rock at Shingletree, a River Rock Easy Living Community, is a vibrant community offering 2- and 3-bedroom homes for rent near Calabash, NC, complete with attached garages. Nestled in an ideal location in Carolina Shores, just a short drive from North Myrtle Beach, our community is
55+ Community! Prices, availability, and promotions are subject to change. Easy Living at Our Community River Rock at Shingletree, a River Rock Easy Living Community, is a vibrant community offering 2- and 3-bedroom homes for rent near Calabash, NC, complete with attached garages. Nestled in an ideal location in Carolina Shores, just a short drive from North Myrtle Beach, our community is
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