Relaxed beach community on North Carolina’s Pleasure Island
One term is commonly used to describe Carolina Beach: laid-back. And there’s an unofficial uniform to match. “You wouldn’t know a billionaire from someone who lives paycheck to paycheck because everyone is in shorts and a T-shirt,” says Kristen Dunn, a Realtor with BlueCoast Realty Corporation. Established in the 1800s by Captain John Harper, Carolina Beach remains a steadily growing vacation destination, with approximately 6,500 full-time residents ranging from young families and surfers to retirees. But instead of boarding a steamer and then a train to reach this coastal town, people today simply drive over the Snow’s Cut Bridge. “When you come over the bridge, your stress level goes down,” Dunn says, who’s been a resident for nearly 20 years. “A term here is OTB or ‘over the bridge.’ Nobody wants to do anything over the bridge. You can go to the grocery store here and go to school here. Locals really don’t leave,” she says.
There’s a noticeable shift in vibe when tourists, ready to hit the beach and boardwalk, arrive in droves for the summer. “People are everywhere. You can drive down the street with your windows down and hear live music from all the different places,” Dunn says. “Locals know to go grocery shopping on Thursday and to go out on weeknights.” Tourism is the biggest industry here, with retail, hospitality, and food service being some of the most common jobs, in addition to health care and social assistance. If not working in town, people commute to Wilmington.
Carolina Beach’s population continues to rise by 1.3% each year. Amid this growth, more than $70 million worth of projects are on the books as part of the CB2045 Infrastructure Plan, including a new water treatment facility, upgrading water storage and improving stormwater infrastructure.
Carolina Beach is a laid back beach town for visitors and full-time residents.
Carolina Beach’s population continues to rise by 1.3% each year.
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Oceanfront condos and coastal single-family homes
In Carolina Beach, condos, townhouses and detached homes in coastal colors sit along tightly packed gridded streets. Properties near the shore are often built on stilts and typically have two or more stories with balconies offering views of the Atlantic Ocean. Some homes have private boardwalks, accessible the beach, while some properties around Myrtle Grove Sound feature docks and boat slips. In the Carolina Sands neighborhood, tall Charleston-style homes sit next to smaller cottages and ranch-style homes. Seagrove features Craftsman bungalows and transitional two-story designs on highly manicured lots.
Home prices rose 4% from 2023 to 2024. Currently, the median home price is $870,000, nearly double the national median. Prices range from $307,000 for a one-bedroom condo to nearly $2.5 million for a seven-bedroom with an ocean view. On average, properties sell after 67 days on the market, which is above the national average of 44 days. While there are plenty of permanent residents, investment properties are popular. “Vacationers stay for a week, and then they want a condo,” says Derek Criscitiello, an agent with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage.
Prices range from $307,000 to $2.5 million with an ocean view along Carolina Beach.
The median price of homes in Carolina Beach is $870,000.
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From the Atlantic Ocean to the Cape Fear River
With several miles of public shoreline, lounging on the beach, swimming and surfing are a part of daily life. Beyond the northern pier, Canal Drive suddenly switches from pavement to sand at the entrance of Freeman Park. “Back your car or truck right up to the ocean, put down the tailgate, bring out the grill and have a good time,” says Criscitiello, who has camped at the park with friends. On the island's western side is Carolina Beach State Park. The park has over 700 acres of forest hugged by marshland and dunes, complete with tree-shaded campsites and a marina along the Cape Fear River. Sandy hiking trails weave through oak and pine trees, offering the chance to spot the park’s many flora and fauna, like the Venus flytrap and the eastern fox squirrel. With ballfields and courts, Mike Chappell Park hosts several athletic leagues, including Pleasure Island Youth Baseball.
The town is continually updating and adding to its park system. In May of 2024, the newly expanded Ben Wingrove Carolina Beach Skate Park opened, and there are plans to build a new volleyball court on Cape Fear Boulevard.
Carolina Beach is a boat lovers dream, with easy access to the Cape Fear River.
Mike Chappell Park in Carolina Beach has as a skate park, playground & dog park, and fields.
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All-day fun at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk
Seagulls squawk overhead as a light breeze carries the salty scent of the ocean to the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, an iconic landmark known for its amusement rides, live music and endless shopping and dining. Narrow alleyways are lined with colorful boutiques, surf shops, bars and eateries, mostly locally owned. Britt’s Donuts is a mainstay dating to 1939. It’s nationally recognized for its glazed donuts. While no restaurants are truly on the water, Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar has a long pier stretching over the sand. Dunn says there is a huge crowd on Thursday nights for the weekly fireworks show held throughout the summer.
Colorful murals, often with a beach theme, are sprinkled around the city, adding swaths of color to walls and alleyways. All of this public art is thanks to The Carolina Beach Mural Project. “We find a wall, get in contact with the owner, and then we raise money and hire artists to create something historical or something that has special meaning to Carolina Beach,” explains Dunn, a former member of the organization’s Board of Directors. According to Dunn, there are nearly 20 murals displayed in the city.
From beach music festivals to Flamingo Bingo nights, community events are held year-round. Dunn says the year's biggest event is the Parade of Lights, held on the first Friday in December along Lake Park Boulevard. This annual Christmas Parade with a beachy twist features traditional floats, decorated golf carts and boats, marching bands, car clubs and Santa as the finale. “The streets are packed several people deep. It’s really old-timey Americana,” Dunn says.
The ferris wheel at Carolina Beach is popular amongst residents and visitors.
You can enjoy the boardwalk when you visit Carolina Beach.
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Biking down the Island Greenway
U.S. Route 421 is the main road through Carolina Beach and the only road off the island. It connects to Wilmington, about 15 miles north, and can get congested around Snow’s Cut Bridge during beach season. Residents walk, bike and drive to get around Carolina Beach. However, golf carts are another favored and accepted way to traverse the city. There are even dedicated golf cart parking spots. A popular route for walkers and cyclists is the Island Greenway, a trail system that includes a 1.2-mile stretch starting at Mike Chappel Park. “It’s like a highway with so many people walking and biking,” Dunn says. In partnership with Kure Beach, plans are underway to extend the greenway southward to Fort Fisher. Wilmington International Airport is about 18 miles away for a quick getaway or extended vacation.
Golf cart is one of the popular modes of transportation near Carolina Beach.
Residents walk, bike and drive to get around Carolina Beach.
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Arriving at Carolina Beach Elementary in a golf cart
New Hanover County Schools receives an A-minus grade from Niche and serves 25,000 students, including those on Pleasure Island. Sitting next to the 11-acre Carolina Lake is Carolina Beach Elementary School. Earning an A-minus from Niche, the school has a unique morning tradition. “There’s a whole bunch of bikers and walkers, but the car line is mostly golf carts,” Dunn says. “Everybody knows everybody, and everyone knows your kids. I don’t know if it's the salt in the air, but people are just so friendly,” she says. Students take the bus “OTB” to Charles P. Murray Middle School, which has an A-minus grade. Next door is the B-rated Eugene Ashley High School, which offers college-level courses for students in the Marine Science Academy. While no private schools are on the island, Coastal Christian High School, with a B-plus, and the unrated Innovative Academy are about 7 miles away.
A reduction in crime
According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Carolina Beach Department reports that all violent offenses decreased from 131 in 2020 to 86 in 2023.
The Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project and the chance for storms
Winters are mild, but the summers are hot and come with the risk of hurricanes and flooding. “Canal Drive floods monthly with the king tides, meaning high tides with full moons,” Dunn says. “After a hurricane, people help each other clean up. You see the best of humanity after a storm.” Combatting beach erosion is an ongoing effort. Wilmington’s Army Corps of Engineers routinely adds sand back to the shoreline.
Carolina Beach also protects endangered sea turtles during nesting season. May through August, volunteers with the Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project walk up and down the beach looking for nesting turtles and noting their location. The team also fixes damaged nests, builds sand berms for storm and tide protection and educates the public.
Helping heal sea turtles at the Karen Beasley Rescue Center.
Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project walk up and down the beach looking for nesting turtles.
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Written By
DeeVa Payne
Photography Contributed By
Anna Cheng
Video By
Emily McNamara
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On average, homes in Carolina Beach, NC sell after 87 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Carolina Beach, NC over the last 12 months is $645,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 3-bath townhome-style condo is tucked into a quieter residential area, out of the flood zone, and within walking distance to the beach -- plus just minutes from both downtown Carolina Beach and Kure Beach. The fenced backyard is a true highlight, featuring a private above-ground saltwater pool, deck, picnic area, and covered dining space -- perfect for
Oceanfront Condo on North End of Carolina Beach - Million Dollar Views Without the Price Tag!Discover coastal living at its finest in this oceanfront 3-bedroom, 2 1/2 bathroom condo located on the highly sought-after north end of Carolina Beach, NC. Wake up to breathtaking, unobstructed ocean views and enjoy your morning coffee as the sun rises over the Atlantic. Just steps from the beach,
Welcome to this gorgeously updated 6-bedroom, 3 full bath coastal home in Carolina Beach, offering extensive renovations inside and out. The exterior features a new GAF Camelot II designer roof installed to fortified specifications, fresh exterior paint, new gutters, mostly new windows, new deck handrails, new zoysia sod, a newly poured driveway, and one of HVAC units is new including the air
Welcome to 1419 Mackerel Lane, Unit 2, a modern coastal townhome located just four blocks from several public beach access points. Built by W3 Built, this thoughtfully designed home offers over 1,500 square feet of living space with stylish finishes and a functional layout. The ground level features two spacious bedrooms, a full bathroom with tiled walk-in shower, and access to the one-car garage
The Harris Group is excited to present this fully remodeled and furnished turn-key 4-Unit Ocean-Access Quadplex located on the Texas Ave beach access in Carolina Beach. Located adjacent to the CB/KB pipeline, ''Surf Station'' is built on one of the most popular beach access surfing locations on the island. This opportunity is perfect for a 1031 exchange, investor looking to capture Bonus
Located on a double corner lot in the Seagrove community, this home offers a layout designed for both everyday living and entertaining. Just steps from the community pool and close to everything Carolina Beach has to offer, the setting is hard to beat. Inside, the home features Brazilian Cumaru hardwood flooring, open living spaces, and a kitchen centered around an oversized quartzite island. A
Perfect coastal dream retreat at charming Carolina Beach! This super cute 1-bedroom, 1.5 bathroom condo is the ideal vacation spot for families and couples seeking a relaxing ocean escape with spacious accommodations. Comfortably sleeps up to 6 guests with a cozy queen bed, a convenient hideaway bed, and a pull-out sofa, making it perfect for family getaways or group vacation. Enjoy captivating
Welcome to Atlantic Towers—where oceanfront living meets everyday ease. This first-floor condo offers direct access to the community's lush lawn, the perfect place to enjoy coffee at sunrise or relax after a day at the beach. Inside, you'll find a comfortable, move-in-ready space that also gives you the freedom to add your own updates and make it truly yours. Atlantic Towers provides resort-style
Downtown Carolina Beach Living at Its Best — Stunning 2BR/2BA Condo, with dual owners suits, unbelievable ocean views and strong rental history. Welcome to this beautifully furnished, turn-key coastal retreat with breathtaking views from every window. Located in the newly built TownePlace Complex, this modern end-unit condo sits just one block from the beach and steps from the boardwalk,
Welcome to Piper's Point unit A4! This is a fully furnished 3-bedroom, 3-bath condo offering 1,320 square feet in an intimate, eight-unit community just steps from the beach. Thoughtfully maintained and move-in ready, the home includes two refrigerators, a washer and dryer, and an oversized two-car garage complete with new beach gear. Enjoy both front and rear balconies - ideal for morning
This beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 3-bath townhome-style condo is tucked into a quieter residential area, out of the flood zone, and within walking distance to the beach -- plus just minutes from both downtown Carolina Beach and Kure Beach. The fenced backyard is a true highlight, featuring a private above-ground saltwater pool, deck, picnic area, and covered dining space -- perfect for
Steps from the BEACH, by the LAKE, above the POOL -- this is Carolina Beach living at its best. Welcome to this beautifully refreshed 2-bedroom, 2-bath lakefront condo, where every detail is designed for easy coastal living. Fresh paint throughout and newer appliances make this home completely move-in ready, while the open, airy layout brings in natural light and relaxed beach vibes. Step out
Stunning Atlantic views define this top-floor oceanfront one-bedroom condo in Sea Colony. With no overhead neighbors and sold fully furnished, the unit presents a turnkey opportunity with strong rental appeal. The open living and dining area flows directly to a private balcony overlooking the dunes and shoreline, creating seamless indoor-outdoor connection. The kitchen offers efficient workspace
Located in the heart of Carolina Beach, just two blocks from the Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar, this 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath townhome offers over 2,200 square feet of living space across three levels. Designed for entertaining, the home features multiple outdoor areas, including a rooftop deck with ocean views. The main level includes two bedrooms and a full bath. An elevator provides access to the second
Welcome to 503 Fern Creek Lane! Located in the Ocean Ridge community, this home offers a quiet neighborhood setting on Pleasure Island just minutes to the beach, dining, and shopping. This one-level home features over 2,000 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, offering a functional and easy living layout. The updated kitchen provides a modern touch, while the oversized primary suite
Live the Carolina Beach lifestyle year-round in this well-appointed 3 BD/3.5 BA townhome featuring over 1,900 sq ft, an attached garage, and the best lot in the neighborhood -- with no HOA restrictions. The open main level features beautiful LVP flooring throughout and a well-equipped kitchen with updated counters, stainless steel appliances including a double oven, brand new dishwasher, and a
The advertised rate of $2,455/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of October 4, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
Island living, with a quaint neighborhood feel is where you'll find our 3 bed 3.5 bath townhouse near Carolina Beach State Park. Enjoy fishing at Snow's Cut, trails, and marina. Walk to shops, restaurants, and grocery stores. Relax and sip coffee on your balcony or patio with hammock swings. Modern furnishings, spacious living areas, and all the amenities you need to feel at home. Easy access to
The advertised rate of $3,087/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of September 23, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can
This triplex unit is blocks from the beach and centrally located in Carolina Beach. It has two bedrooms and one bath with a large deck and outdoor storage underneath. It's located in the back of the home next to an owners unit that is used for storage and an occasional visit. Power is shared within the C unit but is not on in the 3rd unit. Parking is shared with unit A and allows for 2 spaces per
Andrew LittenNetwork Real Estate
$4,800 per month
FURNISHED BEACH HOME WITH UNOBSTRUCTED VIEWS OF THE ICW
YOUR DREAM LOCATION NOW AVAILABLE FOR MONTHLY RENTALS STARTING AUGUST '26Location, location, location! Escape this year to a beautiful, fully furnished beach house with unobstructed views over the ICW. You will see every size boat under the sun, jet skis, sail boats, dolphins and birds, passing just a stones throw from your deck every day. This custom built 3600 sq foot luxury home will
Rare find...Long term rental available mid-May in Carolina Beach!!! 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, with garage to store all the beach toys. Fenced in backyard perfect for those with pets. The owners have thoughtfully updated the home with luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring throughout most of the space, giving it a fresh, modern coastal feel. Perfect for those seeking a long-term rental in a prime Carolina
Brian BaucomAnchored Real Estate, LLC
$2,800 per month
Spacious 3-Story Townhome in the Heart of Carolina Beach — Backs to State Park
Live the Carolina Beach lifestyle year-round in this well-appointed 3 BD/3.5 BA townhome featuring over 1,900 sq ft, an attached garage, and the best lot in the neighborhood — with no HOA restrictions. The open main level features beautiful LVP flooring throughout and a well-equipped kitchen with updated counters, stainless steel appliances including a double oven, brand new dishwasher, and a
The best of Carolina Beach - the boardwalk, the beach, the marina, and the shops and restaurants - are just a few blocks from one of the newest residential apartments in town. This unit lives more like a condominium or loft. It features a designer kitchen, luxury bathrooms, and lots of natural light across southern facing and western facing windows. Rather than living in a crowded complex, this
Clinton HowlettBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolina Premier Properties
Fully furnished 2 Bed 2 Bath in Paradise Cove! This quaint 2nd floor modern beach condo has a screened in porch with a view of the palm trees reminding you, that you are ALWAYS on vacation. This unit offers stainless steel appliances, a farm sink, faux quartz counter tops, washer/dryer in unit, and coastal furniture to keep you on Island time. The master bedroom & bath have a sizeable closet, a
Fully furnished 2 Bed 2 Bath in Paradise Cove! This quaint 2nd floor modern beach condo has a screened in porch with a view of the palm trees reminding you, that you are ALWAYS on vacation. This unit offers stainless steel appliances, a farm sink, faux quartz counter tops, washer/dryer in unit, and coastal furniture to keep you on Island time. The master bedroom & bath have a sizeable closet, a
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