Emerald Isle's coastal charm and crystal-clear waters
Perched between North Carolina's Bogue Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, Emerald Isle is a laid-back coastal town known for its soft white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and cool ocean breezes. Emerald Isle is one of 11 communities comprising the Southern Outer Banks, often called the Crystal Coast. “It’s a little bit of a time warp,” says Katie Walker, a local Realtor with Advantage Coastal Properties. “It’s not a beach with high-rises and chains—it has that small-town feel with local shops and single-family homes. There are many families who have vacationed here for generations.”
Like its northern counterpart, Emerald Isle is a sought-after summer destination, transforming a sleepy community of nearly 4,000 year-round residents into a bustling tourist hotspot where sea turtles nest in the dunes, golf carts roam residential streets and a jam-packed calendar of events attracts both locals and visitors alike.
The island is accessible via two bridges: the Atlantic Beach Bridge to the north and the Emerald Isle Causeway, which merges with Emerald Drive, the town’s main road and commercial corridor. On the island’s southern end, mature foliage offers shade amongst its winding residential roads. Farther north, the island narrows, giving way to grid-style streets that span from the sound to the surf. “The people who live here and love it want to keep it the way it is,” Walker says.
Beaches, boats and more
With more than 75 public beach access points and the largest public boating facility on North Carolina's coast, outdoor recreation is central to daily life. Miles of beachfront entice joggers, shellers and sunbathers; red drum can be caught year-round, and crabbing is a popular pastime on the Sound. Although white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters are the main draw to Emerald Isle, the town's community center serves as a recreational hub, boasting a fitness center and yoga classes along Leisure Lane. Across the street, Blue Heron Park offers a playground, a basketball court and two tennis courts. Kids can search for hidden treasures in a small fossil pit, while a picnic pavilion offers refuge on sunny days.
The park borders McLean-Spell Park, a 30-acre green space along Archer Creek with wooded walking trails. “There’s greenery everywhere,” Walker says. “I have a listing surrounded by trees on all sides—it feels like you’re in a treehouse. To have that on a strip of island is incredible.” Additional trails await 3 miles down the road at Emerald Isle Woods Park. Situated along the Sound, this popular green space features a floating dock and a 9-hole disc golf course. Additional parks around town feature playgrounds, fishing piers and beach access points.
Emerald Isle has one central marina and one main public boat ramp adjacent to Senator Jean Preston Memorial Park's sprawling playground. Dozens of Sound-side homes feature private piers and boat docks, while the Bogue Sound features several small islands with hidden beaches waiting to be explored.
Condos, RVs, duplexes and single-family homes
Emerald Isle offers a mix of full-time residences, vacation homes and investment rental properties. While many buyers purchase for personal use, there’s been a post-pandemic uptick in remote workers from areas like Raleigh buying second homes. “But now, with people going back to the office and prices rising across the country, we’ve priced out many short-term investors,” Walker says. Housing styles range from modest cottages and mobile home communities to condominiums, three-story duplexes and luxurious waterfront estates with private pools and sweeping views. Those without a pool can spend the day at Salty Pirate Waterpark, while others opt to pay an annual fee to enjoy the Emerald Isle Beach & Pool Club. As of 2025, average home prices in Emerald Isle hover just over $1 million, ranging from the low-$200,000s to $4 million. Several RV parks are home to dozens of year-round and seasonal residents. However, prices are not readily available. The town also boasts a CAP Index Crime score of 2 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
Carteret County's top-rated schools
Carteret County Public Schools, which scores an A-minus on Niche, enrolls approximately 8,000 students across the county, including Emerald Isle. Local students may attend White Oak Elementary School, which boasts an A-minus. Broad Creek Middle School, which Niche ranks as the best public middle school in the county, garners an A. Croatan High School, the county's top public high school according to Niche, scores an A-minus.
Entertainment in Emerald Isle
Emerald Isle boasts a full calendar of events, from Christmas parades and holiday craft markets to the town's St. Patrick's Day parade. The EmeraldFest Concert Series attracts residents and visitors for live music during sunset on the beach each summer. Additional summer events include the Emerald Isle Youth Fishing Derby. Activities continue year-round, from art and garden clubs to knitting circles, running groups, supper clubs and Jeep meetups.
Amenities on and off the island
Emerald Drive is home to most of the island’s commercial development, located just off the Causeway. Causal eateries match the island's laid-back atmosphere, serving classic coastal fare and quick eats. Fish Hut Grill draws crowds with its dockside offerings. “The line gets long, but it moves fast and the food is incredible,” Walker says of the popular eatery. Another standout is Surf’s Up, one of the few restaurants with bar seating overlooking the water. “Most of our beaches are lined with houses, so Surf’s Up is one of the only places where you can eat and watch the surf,” Walker says. Live music is a weekly occurrence throughout the summer, and most restaurants stay open year-round but often have shorter hours during the off-season. Due to noise ordinances, nearly every establishment closes by 10 p.m., except the Emerald Club, a long-standing bar with the largest outdoor patio on the island.
The island features grocers like Publix, Food Lion and Dollar General, with hardware stores, salons and beach shops scattered throughout. For big-box retailers, residents can head to Morehead City, Swansboro or Jacksonville.
Commutes around the Crystal Coast
Public transit is limited on the island. North Carolina State Route 58, or Emerald Drive, is the main road through town. Med First Primary & Urgent Care is located near the south side of town, and Carteret Health Care is about 15 miles away in Morehead City. Aircraft activity is common, with several military bases scattered along North Carolina's shores. However, Wilmington International Airport is the nearest major airport, about 80 miles away via U.S. Route 17.
Coastal living concerns
Emerald Isle's location makes it susceptible to tropical storms and occasional hurricanes. “The town does a huge job maintaining the dunes,” Walker says. “Other beach towns are seeing houses swept into the ocean, but Emerald Isle has made strong efforts to maintain them.” Homeowners are responsible for checking the local floodplain map and insuring their property. Strict building permits and an extensive town-wide evacuation plan also seek to better equip residents in case of emergencies. Residents can sign up for Carteret County's CodeRED alerts, while the local Hurricane Re-Entry Permit Program ensures that homeowners can re-enter the island with ease after a natural disaster.
