Duck is a coastal town and popular vacation spot
In North Carolina's Outer Banks, the town of Duck has a small year-round population that balloons each summer with vacationers. Every property here is within walking distance to the beach, with many properties overlooking the ocean to the east or Currituck Sound to the west. "Duck is a unique town. That's one of the things I love about the Outer Banks. Each town has its own individual feel and vibe," says Jean-Paul Peron, Realtor at eXp Realty. Buyers in this quaint town are often looking to retire to the beach or generate income from short-term vacation rentals. "There's still definitely a sense of community, especially in the off-season when all that's left are the residents. In the middle of the summer, you don't have time to enjoy a sense of community, because you're busy running around making a living off the renters," Peron says.
Homes in Duck have waterfront views
Homeowners in this area often purchase properties with the intention of generating short-term rental income. According to Peron, some buyers here purchase second homes to rent out and move into later when they retire. Coastal Cottages typically sell between $600,000 and $1 million, while larger beachfront properties with five or more bedrooms can sell between $1.2 million and $3.8 million. As nearly all homes here are within a few blocks of the ocean or sound, most properties are on stilts. Some are in a flood zone.
Boutiques and local restaurants within walking distance
Several shopping and dining options are within walking distance of Duck. NC Coast Grill & Bar and AQUA Restaurant are among several spots serving fresh seafood and cocktails overlooking the sound. Several boutiques and gift shops, such as Kitty Hawk Kites and Duck's General Store, appeal to visitors and residents. Major retailers like Walmart Supercenter and Food Lion are down the road in Kitty Hawk.
Quick access to the ocean and the sound
Whether it's busy summer days in the water or walks along the sand during the off-season, the beach is the centerpiece of outdoor recreation in Duck. Additionally, the side of Duck facing the Currituck Sound is home to the town park, which has a playground, walking trails and a picnic shelter. Park visitors can take in sunsets and views of the water from the boardwalk, and kayaking is allowed. The park has a small amphitheater that hosts low-key concerts overlooking the water. Locals also bring their lawn chairs and blankets for free concerts and movie nights on the Town Green.
Local kids attend Dare County Schools
For families living in Duck, the area is zoned for Dare County Schools, which has an overall A-minus Niche rating. Kids may start at Kitty Hawk Elementary School, which has a B-plus from Niche, and continue to A-minus-rated First Flight Middle School and B-plus-rated First Flight High School. Students at the high school have the opportunity to take college-level courses and earn credits through dual enrollment with the College of Albemarle.
Employment opportunities and getting around in Duck
Peron notes that as vacationers and locals walk throughout the area, speed limits throughout the town are typically slow. "It's 25 MPH throughout the entire town, so it's a bit of a pain to get from one side to the other," he says. North Carolina Highway 12 is the main road leading through the community and takes drivers along the Outer Banks. Many people living here full-time work in hospitality and tourism. "Unless you're truly retired, whatever job you're doing on the Outer Banks, you're busiest from June to August. You've got to make enough money to last you the rest of the year," Peron says. The Outer Banks Health Hospital is about 18 miles away as well, though Peron says hospital employees typically live a bit closer to the facility.
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Faith Wakefield
