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
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On average, homes in Calabash, NC sell after 79 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 $334,500, down 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
The Belair 2- One of the most popular models at Calabash Station.This brand new home will have all the upgraded finishes like a model. Deluxe walk in shower, Deluxe Kitchen with double oven/microwave, vented hood over flat stovetop. Level 2 quartz countertops, brushed nickel hardware, Herringbone style 3x8 backsplash, upgraded baseboards, floor outlet in family room and in walk in pantry,
Welcome home to Calabash Station our newest community in the heart of Calabash NC. This is our Oceana 1 plan which boast 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, formal dining room (or flex space), laundry, mud room and casual dining, along with covered front and rear porch. Our design team has added (3) additional windows in the casual dining for extra light. In the kitchen, (3) pendant lights and 6 can lights
Discover the Litchfield plan in Brunswick Plantation's premier golf community! This spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bath home offers a versatile layout with a dedicated study featuring French doors, perfect for a home office or private retreat. The open-concept main living area includes a kitchen with modern finishes and a large island, flowing seamlessly into the dining and family spaces. Enjoy outdoor
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,
Exquisite craftsmanship and thoughtful design shine throughout this beautiful Meadowlands home. From the wide brick steps and columned front porch to the elegant two-story foyer with crown molding, hardwoods, and a beautifully crafted staircase highlighted by an upstairs catwalk, every detail impresses. The expansive great room is perfect for entertaining or relaxing, featuring custom built-ins,
Luxury Carefree Living for 55+ Experience a lifestyle where everything is designed for comfort, connection, and convenience. In this vibrant community, one simple monthly payment covers it all—no more worries about repairs, insurance, or taxes. Enjoy the peace of mind of maintenance-free living while making new friends through daily activities, social events, or over the complimentary mid-day
Luxury Carefree Living for 55+Experience a lifestyle where everything is designed for comfort, connection, and convenience. In this vibrant community, one simple monthly payment covers it all—no more worries about repairs, insurance, or taxes. Enjoy the peace of mind of maintenance-free living while making new friends through daily activities, social events, or over the complimentary mid-day
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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