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Calabash

Calabash

Located in Brunswick County

$386,694 Average Value
$191 Average Price per Sq Ft
325 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.
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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 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.
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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
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.

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 Catherine 'Cate' Sutz, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

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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
5,193
Number of Homes for Sale
325
Median Year Built
2005
Months of Supply
4.60
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,057
Above the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,681
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,097
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
638
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,018

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Mar 15
    Open Mon 11AM - 4PM

    1155 Forest Bend Dr NW, Calabash, NC 28467

    $344,990

    • 5 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,015 Sq Ft
    • 1155 Forest Bend Dr NW

    The Kent plan has 5 bedrooms, and 2.5 full baths with laundry room. We have added a Covered porch and walk out storage. Our design team has added the following designer features to this home. Laminate flooring in the living areas. Carpet in the bedrooms and bonus room. Upgraded Quartz to the kitchen and bathrooms. Tile in all bathrooms. Luxury style cabinets in a Admiral Blue color with stylish

    Scott Glenfield Dream Finders Realty LLC

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  • Wednesday, Mar 18
    Open Wed 11AM - 2PM

    9278 Checkerberry Square, Calabash, NC 28467

    $649,900

    • 4 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 3,207 Sq Ft
    • 9278 Checkerberry Square

    Nestled within the prestigious Crow Creek Golf Community, this beautifully maintained home offers an exceptional blend of comfort, elegance, and breathtaking views of the second fairway and a tranquil pond. Crow Creek is one of Brunswick County's premier gated golf course communities, known for its resort-style amenities just minutes from Sunset Beach and the charm of downtown Calabash. Residents

    Amy Mezzanotte Intracoastal Realty

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  • Sunday, Mar 22
    Open Sun 1PM - 3PM

    1215 N Middleton Dr NW Unit 2308, Calabash, NC 28467

    $235,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,129 Sq Ft
    • 1215 N Middleton Dr NW
    • Unit 2308

    Welcome to your perfect getaway or investment opportunity in the heart of Brunswick Plantation Golf Course! This turnkey, fully furnished 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo is ideally situated on the #1 Dogwood Fairway, offering views of the green right from your back deck. Designed for flexibility, this unit features a lockout suite complete with its own kitchenette and bathroom, making it ideal for

    Chris Kinstle Kinstle & Company LLC.

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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

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