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 73 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Calabash, NC over the last 12 months is $336,990, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Coastal charm meets resort-style living in Kingfish Bay! This light-filled 2BR/2BA cottage features vaulted ceilings, quartz countertops, a spa-like primary suite, and a covered patio overlooking a specious fenced backyard. Enjoy riverfront amenities, walking trails, clubhouse, fitness center, swimming pools, and exclusive Beach House with oceanfront access at Sunset Beach.
This former Model Townhome in Kingfish Bay offers amazing upgrades at every turn! Seller is offering $5,000 towards new carpet or towards closing costs!! The beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-full bathroom, 1-half bathroom, 2,521 heated sq. ft., 2-car garage townhouse has been ''beautifully maintained'''; features vaulted ceilings, crown modeling, electric fireplace, loft and bonus rooms, beautiful LVT
Living is easy in this Nearly New Tasteful Open Concept ''Smart'' Home in a Gated Resort-Like Community! Fabulous 10' Ceilings create a cozy elegance, highlighted by exquisite LVP Flooring, stunning Windows and Electrical Décor. Every inch of this home is fully maximized, blending beauty with function. A welcoming entrance of stacked stone with an 8' front door brings you into its foyer, accented
Discover this updated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom single-family home for sale in the desirable Village at Calabash community of North Carolina. Nestled on a generous .29-acre lot near the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, this property offers both privacy and space with 1,344 heated square feet of comfortable living area. The residence features significant upgrades for peace of mind, including a full HVAC
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in the sought after Spring Mill Plantation community. Thoughtfully designed for both comfort and functionality, the open floor plan seamlessly connects the spacious living area with a formal dining space, ideal for everyday living and effortless entertaining. Durable luxury vinyl plank flooring runs throughout the main living areas,
Welcome Home to Coastal Living in Calabash, NC! 982 Charlotte Avenue is in a great location — just a short car ride to the heart of downtown Calabash, where you'll find seafood restaurants, charming boutiques, and all the coastal attractions this beloved town is known for! This move-in-ready home sits on a beautiful corner lot in the established community of Calabash Acres, with no HOA, county
Beautifully maintained and freshly painted, this 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home in The Farm at Brunswick offers a light coastal feel and a flexible floor plan just minutes from Sunset Beach and North Myrtle Beach. The main level features a spacious primary suite with walk-in closet and private bath, along with two additional guest bedrooms and a full bathroom.Upstairs you'll find a fourth bedroom
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
Coastal charm meets resort-style living in Kingfish Bay! This light-filled 2BR/2BA cottage features vaulted ceilings, quartz countertops, a spa-like primary suite, and a covered patio overlooking a specious fenced backyard. Enjoy riverfront amenities, walking trails, clubhouse, fitness center, swimming pools, and exclusive Beach House with oceanfront access at Sunset Beach.
Meticulously maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home nestled in the Lighthouse Cove community. An ideal primary home or second home retreat. This elegant home features engineered hardwood flooring throughout and a thoughtfully designed kitchen with pantry, abundant cabinetry, and an adjoining dining area. Perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The oversized primary suite serves as a private
Experience refined coastal living at 1220 North Middleton Drive NW in Brunswick Plantation. This barely used, better-than-new home offers 2,650 heated sq ft and 3,625 total sq ft on a wooded lot in Flood Zone X, with no homes behind for added privacy and peace of mind. This stunning coastal farmhouse blends modern luxury with Southern charm, featuring Hardi Board siding, board-and-batten exterior
Beautifully upgraded and recently remodeled home with rare golf and pond views in the amenity-laden community of Brunswick Plantation. All of the updates have been done at the owner's expense so move right in and start living the good life in Coastal NC. Enter the front door and note the beautiful hardwood floors leading you through the main living spaces. The marble framed fireplace in the great
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,
Welcome to Saltaire Village in the charming town of Calabash. Just minutes from the Carolina coast! This beautifully maintained home offers coastal living, complete with community amenities and low HOA dues. From the moment you arrive, you'll notice the inviting curb appeal, spacious front deck, and carport with attached storage. The exterior has been thoughtfully refreshed with refurbished
A Dramatic 16' Vaulted Ceiling sets the stage in this move-in ready 4 bedroom Beauty with ''real'' Hardwood Floors! White kitchen, formal dining, 3 full bathrooms, sunroom, screened porches and a fully fenced backyard creating a happy home. Enjoy the ease and comfort of this home's many offerings: a welcoming foyer, a pleasing living area with architectural angles and an open concept flair; a
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, fully 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.
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
Introducing a charming 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo located in the serene town of Calabash, NC. This cozy unit comes equipped with essential appliances including a stove/oven, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, and washer/dryer for your convenience. Step outside onto the private patio and enjoy the fresh air while sipping your morning coffee or unwinding after a long day. With a prime location
Just minutes from Ocean Isle Beach and Myrtle Beach, Heartsease at Calabash unites comfy cottage homes, sprawling outdoor spaces, next-level amenities and maintenance for an incomparable rental lifestyle with lock-and-leave convenience. Let us handle the “honey-do” list so you can work on your golf tan and your beach hair.
This Unfurnished 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom condo is located in Carolina Shores Resort, on the 2nd floor and it is a walk up. Great location in the quaint town of Calabash NC. Easy access to beaches, shopping and restaurants. Rent includes trash pick-up. This condo is NOT Pet Friendly.
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
First floor 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom condo for rent in Calabash. Furnished, freshly painted and move-in ready. Screened porch for relaxing. Community pool and picnic area. Location is ideal with close proximity to many restaurants, shopping, parks, beaches, and golf courses as well as banks, medical offices and more. Minutes to the NC/SC Stateline.
Welcome to Calabash Shores – Coastal, Carefree Living.Discover vibrant, maintenance-free living at Calabash Shores, a thoughtfully designed community just minutes from the beach. With 132 beautifully appointed 1- and 2-bedroom apartments and townhomes, you'll find the perfect layout to match your lifestyle.Enjoy modern apartment features, resort-style amenities, and effortless
Experience exceptional living in this charming, fully furnished 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence available for rent in the desirable Calabash Acres community. Enjoy the convenience of being just minutes from pristine area beaches and within walking distance to the heart of Calabash. This inviting home features a spacious, fenced backyard--perfect for relaxation or entertaining guests--as well as a
Property Id: 2495731BRAND NEW 2026 BUILD FOR RENT - Calabash, NC - $2,500/month Be the first to live in this never-occupied 1,780 sq ft home in the heart of Calabash! Cozy, modern 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom single-family house built in 2026 with all-new everything.Home Features: White shaker kitchen with quartz-style counters, large island, and all brand new stainless
This is a 3rd floor, 2 bed 2 bath condo with a poolside view. Located in the heart of the beautiful town of Calabash. This condo has laminate flooring, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances. Come check it out!
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