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 80 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Calabash, NC over the last 12 months is $355,500, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to The Alexander, where luxury meets coastal living at its finest. This spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bath unit spanning across an expansive 1,300 square feet. This residence boasts 9-foot ceilings, generously sized bedrooms, quartz countertops throughout, and low-maintenance LVP flooring in the living area and baths, ensuring both style and convenience. Step onto the screen porch, offering ample
If you love the low country feel then you do not want to miss this newer (2022) home in Devaun Park! Set amongst the live oak trees of Charleston inspired Devaun Park the first thing you notice as you drive up to the beautiful home is the full length front porch. Just perfect for rocking chairs and evening sunsets. As you enter the home the cool, beachy colors welcome you in and remind you that
Coastal Living at Its Finest in Devaun Park!Every detail of this home was designed to celebrate the beauty of coastal living. Nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac in the charming southern-style community of Devaun Park, this 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom retreat overlooks the saltwater marsh, where the views shift gracefully with the tides.At the heart of the home, the custom kitchen invites both gathering and
Welcome to Calabash Lakes! This sought-after neighborhood offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and coastal charm.This corner townhouse sits on a peaceful pond and features a side-entry garage for added curb appeal. Inside, you'll love the open floor plan with vaulted ceilings in the living room and bedrooms, creating a bright and airy feel throughout. The kitchen boasts plenty of
New Construction. The Bella is a spacious, 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo also known as a ''Super Two'' , sprawling across an impressive 1,465 square feet. The Bella features a generous open floor plan, complete with a versatile den - perfect for a home office, library, or media room. The primary bedroom is remarkably spacious, boasting its own private balcony. It's more than just a bedroom; it's a
New construction. Welcome to The Shelby, where luxury meets coastal living at its finest. First floor, 2-bedroom, 2-bath unit spanning across an expansive 1,149 square feet. This residence boasts 9-foot ceilings, generously sized bedrooms, quartz countertops throughout, and low-maintenance LVP flooring in living space and bathrooms, ensuring both style and convenience. Step onto the screen porch,
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
Three bedroom, two bath, second floor, furnished condo in The Lakes at Brunswick Plantation. Nicely decorated unit for long term or shorter term lease. Amenities included. Gated community close to beach areas. Available 11/1/2025
Egret Landing, nestled in the charming town of Calabash, NC, offers a pristine and welcoming rental home community. Boasting modern amenities, scenic surroundings, and thoughtfully designed residences, Egret Landing provides a serene and comfortable living experience for those seeking a coastal lifestyle just 20 minutes from the beaches of North Carolina. With its proximity to golf courses and
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