Corolla offers a laid-back coastal lifestyle on the Outer Banks
When most people cross the Wright Memorial Bridge to North Carolina’s Outer Banks, they turn south toward the buzzy beach towns of Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head, but to the north is Corolla, a quieter coastal community that moves at a slower pace. “It’s a little bit more isolated and... more nostalgic than some of the other sections of beach along the Outer Banks, kind of reminiscent of the way it used to be,” says Crystal Swain, an associate broker in the Corolla office of Twiddy & Co. who’s sold homes in the area for six years. “There are no hotels, so it really feels residential.” Corolla, which is pronounced cuh-RAH-luh, still has plenty to keep residents and vacationers busy, including miles of sandy beaches, a historic lighthouse and tours to see the area’s famed wild horses.
You will find restaurants with a view of the sunset within the Corolla neighborhood.
A duck hunting dog takes in a drink before a long day near the Carolla area of the Outer Banks.
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Beaches, parks and other recreation attract summer crowds
Atlantic Ocean beaches are the main draw for the area, and it’s where most people like to spend their time swimming, fishing and lounging on the sand. The Currituck Sound provides more water recreation on the west side of the island, and boaters can access it at Historic Corolla Park, which hosts events like the Corolla Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks. The Currituck Beach Lighthouse is one of the park’s attractions, and it’s also home to the Whalehead Club, a 1920s former hunting cottage that’s now open for tours. Golfers can reserve a tee time at The Currituck Club, which has an 18-hole Rees Jones-designed course. The Pine Island Raquet and Fitness Center has tennis and pickleball courts. Wild horse tours are another big draw for the area, where people are driven to the unpaved northern parts of the island in search of the famous Banker horses who live there. According to Swain, “Our prime season is the last week in June until the first week of August,” resulting in crowded beaches and parks, but the tourist volume drops off in other times and is practically nonexistent in winter. “It gets very quiet, and the people who live here year-round love that,” she says. “People think that we have warmer weather, which generally we do… but it gets pretty darn cold here in January and February.”
The Currituck Beach Lighthouse in Corolla overlooks the Outer Banks.
The views and options for beach access are unparalleled in the Corolla neighborhood.
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Beach houses with colorful exteriors and luxury amenities
Most homes here have classic coastal architecture and are raised on stilts. New Traditional designs are common, and these often have Queen Anne and Craftsman architectural elements. These colorfully painted properties often have paved driveways and parking under the house. Most properties have luxury amenities like swimming pools and hot tubs. Sound-side properties can have private docks, and oceanfront homes usually have private boardwalks to the beach. “We’re priced well for other beach communities on the northeastern seaboard,” Swain says. “From that standpoint, it's very desirable for people in terms of investing here, whether it’s a second home or it’s an investment property strictly for renting.” In general, inland homes range from around $520,000 to $1.1 million, while homes on the Currituck Sound or one house away from the ocean can cost between $1.1 million and $2 million. Oceanfront homes can range from around $1.8 million to $4.9 million. Townhouses and condos range from around $220,000 to $800,000.
Spacious, colorful homes make Corolla a winning destination.
Many of the homes in Corolla have large yards as well as direct beach access.
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Locally owned eateries and stores are on Route 12
Shopping centers along Route 12 are home to locally owned ice cream shops, seafood restaurants and gift stores. First Light is a popular spot for breakfast and lunch, while Uncle Ike’s Sandbar & Grill is a sports bar that serves pub fare and seafood baskets. “When we get into the off-season, a lot of the shops and restaurants go into a condensed schedule, so maybe they’re only open three or four days a week,” Swain says. The Corolla Beer Garden is only open from April through October, but its outdoor patio, beer selection and regular live music make it a popular hangout. Grocery stores here include Food Lion, Harris Teeter and the locally owned Butcher Block.
Stop by First Light Restaurant for an amazing breakfast to start your day in Corolla.
Make it a point to stop at First Light for breakfast or a burger in Corolla.
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Getting around Corolla and the rest of the Outer Banks
State Route 12 is the only nonresidential road in Corolla. It leads about 23 miles to Wright Memorial Bridge, which leads to the mainland, and it can have heavy traffic on summer weekends. “We try to minimize our traffic out on the weekends as much as possible, and then we structure our time around the influx and egress of the traffic,” Swain says. There’s a designated bike and pedestrian path along Route 12, and there are some walking paths leading to the oceanfront. Some residential communities, like The Currituck Club, have a trolley that goes to the beach. Corolla Chapel is an interdenominational Christian church that hosts year-round services. Outer Banks Health Hospital is around 33 miles away, and Norfolk International Airport is a 97-mile drive.
A charter school is nearby, and public schools are on the mainland
Kids can attend Water’s Edge Village School from kindergarten through eighth grade. This charter school receives an A-minus from Niche. They can also attend Currituck County Schools, which earn an overall rating of B and are located on the mainland. Here, kids might start at Jarvisburg Elementary and then go to Currituck County Middle; both earn a B. At the B-minus-rated Currituck County High, students can participate in the Advanced Placement Capstone Diploma Program. Families can also apply for a space at Dare County Schools, which earn an A-minus and are located on the island.
Jarvisburg Elementary has about 250 students and a student to teacher ratio of 14:1.
Currituck County High School's colors are red, black and white, and are home to the Knights.
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Risk of flooding and wind from coastal storms
Like the rest of the Outer Banks, Corolla is at risk of hurricanes, which can cause flooding and wind damage. Swain says the beaches in Corolla tend to see less damage than those farther south. She adds that the area also experiences regular nor’easters, which she says can cause more damage than a hurricane. Hurricane season typically runs from June through the end of November, while nor’easters are most common from September to April.
Written By
Annie Franklin
Photography Contributed By
Marc Smith
Video By
Kyle Keyes
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Winston Hawkins,
an experienced agent in this area.
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