Hoi Toider heritage and newer residents on Harkers Island
On Harkers Island, it’s easy to tell deep-rooted lifers from newer locals drawn to the allure of waterside living. The Hoi Toider accent — named for the speakers’ phonetic pronunciation of “high tider” — developed in isolated Outer Banks and Down East Carteret County communities over hundreds of years, and is still spoken by longtime Harkers Island residents today. The brogue has declined over the past few decades, as dingbatters — the dialect’s term for newer residents — now outnumber those with island ancestry. But plenty of Hoi Toiders remain, anchoring the community’s past as a small fishing village to its more tourist-focused present. “Whenever you get to talk to one of them, you just know that their family grew up down there,” 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. “It’s their heritage. You know you’re going to get some good stories.”
Newer builds along the water and older Cape or ranch-style homes
Harkers Island’s homes tend to be split between recent builds near the water, often bought by newer residents, and older houses inland. The community has a fraught relationship with the water; generations of islanders have fished for a living, and new homebuyers see the access to the waterways as a plus, but flooding has become worse in recent years. In particular, Hurricane Florence, in 2018, brought heavy rain and storm surge, causing severe damage. Residents may be required to purchase flood insurance for their mortgage. Newer homes near the water, generally built as traditional coastal cottages, are often elevated. These can sell from $600,000 to $710,000. Older architecture, often Cape Cod or ranch-style homes, can go from $340,000 to $430,000, while manufactured homes or fixer-uppers go between $150,000 and $210,000.
Residents enjoy boating and fishing from the island
Much of Harkers Island’s heritage revolves around boating and fishing. Both remain popular today, though mainly as leisure activities. Waterfront homes often have piers, while several boat slips and marinas are scattered along the shoreline. Many marinas offer fishing charters, a draw for visitors and part-time residents. Parks include Earl & Lillian Davis Park, a small waterside green space, and the Soundside Trail at the Harkers Island Visitor Center. A ferry departs from the visitor center and heads to Cape Lookout, popular with both locals and tourists who want a day at the beach. “The Cape is huge for us in the area,” Garner says. “It’s just a big a part of Down East as anything.”
Local staples include the Fish Hook Grill
Harkers Island is mainly residential but offers several shops and restaurants. Billy’s is a staple for groceries, having been around since 1960. Dollar General has other items. But smaller spots like Wild Rose Glass, a stained glass studio that offers workshops alongside custom commissions, and the Fish Hook Grill, a local favorite seafood restaurant, give the island its comfortable character. For more shopping and dining options, residents can head to Beaufort.
Driving across the new bridge or boating to Beaufort
A single, two-lane bridge connects Harkers Island to the mainland. The span opened in 2023, replacing a 50-plus-year-old drawbridge. While most residents own cars, the Carteret County Area Transportation System operates a demand-response transportation service throughout the county. Beaufort, the seat of Carteret County, is around a 17-mile drive, but it’s often quicker on the water. “The biggest thing is you can get on your boat and go to Beaufort,” Garner says. “Where it would normally take you 25 or 30 minutes, it now takes you 10 or 15.” Coastal Carolina Regional Airport in New Bern is roughly 50 miles away and offers commercial flights to Charlotte, Orlando and Hartford. The nearest hospital is Carteret Health Care, a little more than 20 miles west in Morehead City.
Celebrating the island's heritage with the Core Sound Decoy Festival
Alongside fishing, waterfowl hunting is a large part of Down East’s history. The area celebrates the pastime with the annual Core Sound Decoy Festival, held each December. The event includes whittling demonstrations and competitions for the best decoy. Meanwhile, the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center is open year-round and has monthly events open to the public.
Education at Carteret County Public Schools
Carteret County Public Schools serve the community, with students starting at Harkers Island Elementary. The school receives a B-plus grade from Niche. Next is Down East Middle, which also receives a B-plus grade. B-graded East Carteret High School offers several career education pathways, including courses on boating, one of the region’s historic industries.
