Situated in the heart of the sunny Outer Banks region, Kill Devil Hills might be one of the best-known towns on the North Carolina barrier islands. This laidback beach town is smack-dab in the middle of the Northern Beaches, less than 10 miles from the mainland via Wright Memorial Bridge. “When you cross that bridge, it’s like a weight is lifted off your shoulders,” says Michael Siers, an Outer Banks resident and broker with Howard Hanna Outer Banks Realty. “It’s not like a continual vacation because it’s a much more relaxed lifestyle than you can get on vacation. That’s what people are buying when they move here.” According to Siers, families from across the country have been coming to the Outer Banks seeking a slow-paced lifestyle and the tranquility that comes with living near the water. Not everyone who lives in Kill Devil Hills is a year-round resident, as seasonal rentals are a popular investment. Although the town has a permanent population of just 7,700, the Outer Banks welcomes over 2 million visitors annually, and tourism accounts for approximately 45% of jobs in Dare County.
Charming homes throughout Kill Devil Hills blend seamlessly with the coastal landscape.
Kill Devil Hills is the perfect destination for relaxation and adventure.
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From waterfront mansions to beachy bungalows
Homes in Kill Devil Hills span multi-million-dollar mansions to petite beach cottages. New construction homes are easier to find here than in other parts of the Outer Banks, as are condos and townhouses. Wooden piling, large ocean-facing windows and colorful exteriors with cheeky slogans are just a few of the trademarks of the area’s homes. The median price for a single-family home is $550,000, higher than the national median of $410,000. Townhouses sell at a median price of $520,000. Houses spend 65 days on the market on average, longer than the national average of 45 days.
Homes in Kill Devil Hills span multi-million-dollar mansions to condominium beach homes.
Vacation rentals along the shores of Kill Devil Hills offer ocean views and the relaxing sound of waves just steps away.
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Beach bumming on the Atlantic Coast, and a memorial to the first flight
The number one attraction in Kill Devil Hills is its beaches, which stretch uninterrupted for miles along the coast. Thanks to the Outer Banks’ excellent swells, water sports such as surfing, kiteboarding and windsurfing are especially popular, and the sandy shores offer sunbathing spots aplenty. From Avalon Pier, fishermen can cast a line to catch some bass, bluefish or mackerel. The other side of Kill Devil Hills is bordered by Kitty Hawk Bay and the Albemarle Sound, offering even more room for waterfront recreation. “You can see some of the best sunsets over the bay while walking along Bay Drive,” Siers says.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to the Wright Brothers National Memorial, which commemorates the world’s first controlled flights that took place in the Outer Banks in December 1903. Although the memorial is a well-known tourist destination, Siers says that its sweeping views also make it a popular place to walk and enjoy the sunrise. Multiple other recreation facilities are right next door, including a skate park, arboretum and pickleball courts, while wooded preserves along the sound grant secluded walking trails.
Outer Banks at Kill Devil Hill welcomes over 2 million visitors annually.
Visitors flock to the Wright Brothers National Memorial, in Kill Devil Hill, which commemorates the world’s first controlled flights that took place in the Outer Banks.
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Along a major highway and 80 miles from Norfolk, Virginia
U.S. Route 158 runs through Kill Devil Hills, connecting it to the other Outer Banks villages as well as the mainland via the Wright Memorial Bridge in Kitty Hawk. While the island has its own hospital, Outer Banks Health Hospital in Nags Head, the nearest international airport is 80 miles north in Norfolk. “You have everything you need on a day-to-day basis in Kill Devil Hills,” Siers says. “Most people only occasionally need to travel to Norfolk or Virginia Beach for specialty services.” To the south, U.S. Route 64 crosses the Roanoke Sound to Roanoke Island, where Manteo is located. Many homes are within walking or biking distance of the beach and restaurants.
Local restaurants on U.S. Route 158 and beachfront souvenir shops
Eclectic local restaurants and familiar chain shops line U.S. Route 158 right in the heart of town, with a handful of eateries located right on the beach. Some businesses operate out of converted homes, while other souvenir shops are tucked into shopping centers. “Kill Devil Hills is the most commercialized of the Outer Banks towns,” Siers says, noting that more big-box stores, such as Target, have recently opened in the area. Most businesses in Kill Devil Hills are open year-round, though some have limited hours in the offseason.
For vibrant coastal flavors, and delicious Southern comfort food, visit Jolly Roger in Kill Devil Hills.
It's been quoted that Kill Devil Hills is the most commercialized of the Outer Banks towns.
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Well-rated Dare County Schools
Dare County Schools serves the entire Outer Banks and scores an A-minus from Niche. Most Kill Devil Hills addresses are zoned for First Flight Elementary, First Flight Middle and First Flight High, although some are zoned to Nags Head Elementary.
First Flight Middle School serves 612 students throughout Dare County.
First Flight Elementary School is part of the Dare County School District.
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Overall low violent crime and falling property crime
Crime data provided by the FBI shows that violent crime in Kill Devil Hills increased from 20 counts in 2018 to 33 counts in 2023. Over the same five-year span, property crime decreased by 55%.
Coastal flooding and higher home maintenance
Summers in Kill Devil Hills are hot, and winters are mild. The town’s location on the Atlantic Coast makes it particularly vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms, which can cause severe flooding. Flood insurance is typically required for homes directly on the water, and the salty ocean air can contribute to higher home maintenance costs.
Homes built on stilts in Kill Devil Hills, are designed to protect from storms while offering stunning views of the Outer Banks.
New construction homes are easy to find throughout Kill Devil Hills.
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Written By
Elliot Schorr
Photography Contributed By
Anna Cheng
Video By
EB Fox
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Susan Sullivan,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Kill Devil Hills, NC sell after 79 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Kill Devil Hills, NC over the last 12 months is $532,000, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 111 Carlow Avenue located between the beautiful blue waters of the Atlantic and the iconic Wright Brothers Memorial. This beautifully updated coastal property is just a short walk to 4 conveniently located beach accesses, with local shopping and restaurants close by. A renovated cutie that perfectly blends comfort, convenience, and coastal charm.Step inside to discover a thoughtfully
This charming coastal property offers a rare opportunity to own not just ONE, but TWO homes just steps from the Atlantic Ocean. Unit A (the front house), originally built in 1947, exudes classic Outer Banks character with beautifully restored hardwood floors and a Cape Cod design that has stood the test of time—recently remodeled for modern comfort. With four bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a bonus
Welcome home to the Bridgewater Plan. This impressive home is sure to WOW you! With double front porches, soaring ceilings and an open-flow design, you are sure to fall in love with the efficiency and versatility of this home that is perfect for entertaining. A formal area greets you as you enter the home with a space that is perfect for dining or a private office retreat. The foyer will lead
Welcome to your perfect Outer Banks getaway! This beautiful 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom townhouse in the heart of Kill Devil Hills offers spacious coastal living with modern amenities. Enjoy an open-concept floor plan, a well-equipped kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, and a private balcony. Each bedroom features ample closet space and natural light. Located just
Welcome to your perfect Outer Banks getaway! This beautiful 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom townhouse in the heart of Kill Devil Hills offers spacious coastal living with modern amenities. Enjoy an open-concept floor plan, a well-equipped kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, and a private balcony. Each bedroom features ample closet space and natural light. Located just
Welcome to your perfect Outer Banks getaway! This beautiful 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom townhouse in the heart of Kill Devil Hills offers spacious coastal living with modern amenities. Enjoy an open-concept floor plan, a well-equipped kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, and a private balcony. Each bedroom features ample closet space and natural light. Located just
This 3-bedroom home in Kill Devil Hills, NC, offers everything you need for an amazing vacation. With a prime location, this coastal retreat features a hot tub, outdoor projector, seasonal community pool, and ample parking. Feel at home with plush beds, a fully stocked kitchen, and family-friendly amenities like a Pack n Play and high chair. Enjoy the convenience of a washer and dryer and the
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