Maritime past and present in waterfront community of Gloucester
Like other Down East communities, Gloucester was shaped by its maritime heritage. Locals continue to take to the water, though newer residents enjoy it more as a leisure activity than an occupation. “Boating is such a part of the culture Down East, because all of those areas were little fishing towns before,” says Sharon Garner, an owner and broker at Bradberry Garner Real Estate, who grew up in Carteret County and has worked in real estate for over 20 years. “That’s what they did for a living, was live off the water. And it’s still very prevalent today.” Gloucester offers a quiet community along the water within easy boating distance of Harkers Island and Beaufort, plus lower housing prices than either community.
Newer waterfront homes, plus older ranch-style houses inland
Narrow drives branch off Gloucester’s main roads towards the water, with many of the community’s homes featuring access to the area’s waterways. Homebuyers, especially boaters, often view the proximity to water as a selling point. However, flooding is a serious issue Down East, with the community at a severe risk, according to First Street. Storm surge from hurricanes and tropical storms is the most significant factor; Hurricane Florence caused the worst damage in recent memory in 2018. Residents may be required to obtain flood insurance for their mortgage. “I think people are learning more and more about flood insurance, and becoming more and more aware,” Garner says. “They understand it’s just something they’re going to have to invest in if they’re going to be here.” Newer homes near the water are often elevated for flood mitigation, in traditional beach cottage styles. These sell between $450,000 and $750,000. Further inland, ranch-style houses tend to be older and can go from $180,000 to $330,000.
Recreation on the water and by the coast
Boating is popular in Gloucester, given the area’s water access and fishing heritage. Waterfront homes often have piers, and the community offers several public boat ramps. Gloucester also has a handful of campgrounds, though these are mainly utilized by visitors instead of locals. Eastern Park provides a playground, several baseball fields, a soccer field and tennis courts in neighboring Smyrna. Those wanting a beach day can hop on a ferry from the nearby communities of Harkers Island or Davis, heading across the sound to the Cape Lookout National Seashore.
Driving and boating to nearby destinations
U.S. Highway 70 is the main route Down East, cutting through Gloucester. Beaufort, the seat of Carteret County, is roughly 10 miles away, though residents often boat rather than drive. The Carteret County Area Transportation System operates a demand-response service, offering rides throughout the county. Coastal Carolina Regional Airport is located 40 miles away in New Bern, with direct flights to Charlotte, Orlando and Hartford. The nearest emergency room is 15 miles west in Morehead City.
Handful of nearby shops and restaurants, or boating to Beaufort
The area’s main commercial corridor sits along U.S. Highway 70, including a Dollar General and a gas station. Crossroads Pizza is nearby, and the neighborhood joint slings pies, subs and wings, and also features an attached ice cream shop. Several other restaurants are located just east in Smyrna, including El’s East, which features burgers, hot dogs and seafood platters. For more extensive shopping and dining options, including groceries, locals head the 10 miles to Beaufort. “The boat ride from Gloucester to Beaufort is not that far,” Garner says. “You can just head over there and have dinner.”
Attending school within the Carteret County district
Gloucester students are split between two elementary schools within the Carteret County Public Schools system. Smyrna Elementary serves the eastern half of the area and receives a B-plus grade from Niche, while students from the western side attend B-plus-graded Harkers Island Elementary. Down East Middle also receives a B-plus grade. East Carteret High School earns a B grade and offers roughly 20 Advanced Placement courses for its students.
Library events and festivals on Harkers Island
Gloucester is home to the Down East Branch of the Carteret County Public Library. The branch offers weekly community gatherings, from book clubs and writing workshops to kids groups like Lego Club. Residents can also enjoy the region’s events, such as the Core Sound Decoy Festival, which celebrates the region’s waterfowl hunting heritage and decoy whittling every December on Harkers Island.
