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Kitty Hawk

Kitty Hawk

Located in Dare County

$707,018 Average Value
$383 Average Price per Sq Ft
79 Homes For Sale

Kitty Hawk blends beach-town charm with modern conveniences

Located right off the Wright Memorial Bridge, Kitty Hawk is the first community to welcome drivers to the Outer Banks. The town is just up the road from the Wright Brothers National Memorial, which commemorates the world’s first official airplane flights in 1903 that launched nearby at Kill Devil Hills. Kitty Hawk’s coastal homes are close to sandy beaches, shopping and restaurants along the area’s two major thoroughfares, U.S. Route 158 and Highway 12. Kitty Hawk is made up of a centrally located coastal forest, which separates the Atlantic coast from the Albemarle Sound. The natural surroundings and coastal lifestyle attracts buyers, many of whom first come to the area for a summer getaway. Year after year, thousands of visitors flock to Kitty Hawk for a seaside vacation, and some decide they don’t want to leave. “When my husband and I decided to move to the Outer Banks, we just kept coming back to Kitty Hawk,” says Tammy Goodrich, a resident and local artist. “It’s got a small-town feel, but it’s still close to the important stuff like Harris Teeter or Home Depot.” The overall CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.

Kitty Hawk is a small community east of highway 158 in the Outer Banks.
Kitty Hawk is a small community east of highway 158 in the Outer Banks.
There are several convenient public beach access points in Kitty Hawk.
There are several convenient public beach access points in Kitty Hawk.
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Kitty Hawk offers homes by the sea and the sound

Along the gridded residential streets near the ocean, sidewalks lead straight to the beach. On the Albemarle Sound side of Kitty Hawk, long streets lined with homes in the Kitty Hawk Landing neighborhood provide access to deepwater canals and the west-facing homes provide scenic sunset viewing opportunities. Single-family homes range from about $450,000 to $1.4 million, with oceanfront views on the eastern side available at all price points. Three-bedroom homes typically occupy the lower price-point range, while mid-range and peak prices fetch four-bedrooms. The most expensive homes are likely to be custom built 21st-century houses with perks like backyard pools. Townhouses and condos generally range from $370,000 to $530,000. Multifamily units cost between about $280,000 and $460,000. Kitty Hawk has a widespread flood risk, so homes sit atop wooden pilings to prevent flood damage. Still, flood insurance is an important consideration. High winds during hurricane season and summer heat can also affect life in the area, and the salty sea air can raise home maintenance costs.


Properties often have wide windows and wraparound balconies that face the sea. In typical Outer Banks style, many cottages have cedar shake siding or light-colored exteriors. Many homes are rented out seasonally to vacationers, and bear unique, cheeky names such as “Lattitude Adjustment” or “Dune it Wright.” “There tend to be more permanent residents on the west side of the island, but there’s still a strong year-round community in Kitty Hawk,” says Daphne Degabrielle, a Broker with Outer Banks Realty Group. “A lot of it is dictated by budget, but it’s a great place to live.”

The most affordable beachfront homes in Kitty Hawk sell for over $1 million.
The most affordable beachfront homes in Kitty Hawk sell for over $1 million.
Homes in Kitty Hawk are all built on stilts to provide safety from flooding.
Homes in Kitty Hawk are all built on stilts to provide safety from flooding.
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Kitty Hawk’s beaches, coastal forest and golfing terrain

Kitty Hawk Beach’s miles of shoreline are often crowded with vacationers during the summer, but in the offseason, residents have this coastal retreat all to themselves. “For about seven months out of the year, I can go out to the beach and never see another soul,” Goodrich says. Public beach access points lie at the end of most blocks: short dunes dotted with beachgrass separate the road from the wide-open swath of sand and sea. Kitty Hawk Pier is a popular spot to cast a fishing line or enjoy the view. Away from the coast, there’s more fun to have inland. Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve is a sprawling forested nature preserve, with nearly 2,000 acres to explore on foot, bike or horseback. Tucked into the woods is a dog park, a skate park and Sandy Run Park, where hikers may spot turtles in the creek or raccoons amongst the trees. Additionally, local golfers enjoy discounts at Sea Scape Golf Links, a public 18-hole, par 70 course set amongst the sand dunes and coastal forest.

Fishing is a popular activity along Kitty Hawk Beach.
Fishing is a popular activity along Kitty Hawk Beach.
Kitty Hawk Beach pier was originally built in 1953.
Kitty Hawk Beach pier was originally built in 1953.
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Kitty Hawk’s local restaurants and big-box stores

Kitty Hawk has a good variety of shopping and dining, especially compared to the more remote parts of the Outer Banks. Art’s Place is considered a Kitty Hawk classic, with its three-tiered patio overlooking the sea and live music shows. This beachy burger joint and breakfast spot is beloved for its lively atmosphere. After a meal, patrons can head next door to Winks for ice cream. Across from Winks sits Ocean Boulevard Bistro and Martini Bar, a preferred date night restaurant with a dimly lit, sophisticated feel. “Ocean Boulevard has the best atmosphere,” Goodrich says. “They have a small menu, but the martinis, filet mignon and scallops are all fantastic.” More restaurants line U.S. Route 158, including the popular Latin American restaurant Bad Bean Baja Grill, known for its array of flavored margaritas. National retailers such as Food Lion, Harris Teeter and Walmart Supercenter are clustered along the northern edge of Kitty Hawk near Wright Memorial Bridge. A few medical offices can be found here; however, the Outer Banks’ only hospital is located in Nags Head, about 10 miles south.

While primarily residential, Kitty Hawk does have a few shops and restaurants.
While primarily residential, Kitty Hawk does have a few shops and restaurants.
A convenient Walmart is located within a mile of Kitty Hawk.
A convenient Walmart is located within a mile of Kitty Hawk.
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Dare County Schools serve Kitty Hawk families

Dare County Schools, rated A-minus on Niche, serves the area. Kitty Hawk Elementary is rated B-plus and is ranked as the best public elementary school in the county, according to Niche. The school engages its students and the wider community with events like the annual Friday Night Lights fall carnival, where families gather around the bonfire to enjoy music, games and a petting zoo. First Flight Middle, rated A-minus, and First Flight High, rated B-plus, are located next to each other in Kill Devil Hills, roughly 5 miles away. The high school’s girls’ and boys’ lacrosse teams have gone on to play in the state playoffs several times; lacrosse is growing in popularity throughout the region, and became state-sanctioned in 2010.

The academics at Kitty Hawk Elementary School receive top ranks.
The academics at Kitty Hawk Elementary School receive top ranks.
First Flight Middle School receives an overall B+ grade from niche.com.
First Flight Middle School receives an overall B+ grade from niche.com.
First Flight High School is ranked as the best public high school in Dare County.
First Flight High School is ranked as the best public high school in Dare County.
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Easy access to the North Carolina mainland

As Kitty Hawk is located next to the Wright Memorial Bridge, residents are roughly 5 to 10 miles from reaching the North Carolina mainland. Two major thoroughfares run through Kitty Hawk, connecting it to the rest of the Outer Banks: Highway 12, locally known as “the beach road,” and U.S. Route 158, also called North Croatan Highway. Pedestrian crosswalks slow traffic along Highway 12, as this street runs alongside public beaches; vacationers and residents frequently tote their beach chairs across the road to reach the shore. Kitty Hawk borders Kill Devil Hills, one of the most populous and commercialized parts of the Outer Banks. The nearest major airport, Norfolk International, is about 80 miles north.

Laura Copan
Written By
Laura Copan
Jay Ratchford
Photography Contributed By
Jay Ratchford
Charles Kennedy
Video By
Charles Kennedy

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Brian Simon, an experienced agent in this area.

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Area Facts

Number of Homes
5,857
Number of Homes for Sale
79
Median Year Built
1988
Months of Supply
4.50
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,192
Above the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,306
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,192
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
646
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
17,859

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Mar 21
    Open Sat 12:30PM - 3:30PM

    4020 Bob Perry Rd, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949

    $759,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,382 Sq Ft
    • 4020 Bob Perry Rd

    Welcome to your custom Nags Head cottage on a spacious lot—an Outer Banks private oasis that perfectly blends coastal-country charm with enduring character. Enjoy breathtaking sunset views over saltwater marshes and direct water access to Kitty Hawk Bay via an approximate 200' pier stretching to the canal. Covered east- and west-facing porches plus a sunroom seamlessly extend your living outdoors

    Jayme Pilot All at Sea Realty

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  • Sunday, Mar 22
    Open Sun 10AM - 12:30PM

    5124 The Woods Rd Unit Lot 21, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949

    $859,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 4.5 Baths
    • 3,379 Sq Ft
    • 5124 The Woods Rd
    • Unit Lot 21

    Private nature retreat with Expansive Grounds & Versatile Living Spaces.Lovingly built and meticulously cared for by the same family, this inviting Cape Cod-style home offers the perfect blend of warmth, space, and flexibility. Set on an impressive 56,500 sq ft lot, the property provides plenty of room to breathe, play, and create the lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of.The home has two

    Donna Brodeur Century 21 Nachman Realty

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Kitty Hawk Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
4,164
Median Age
48
Population under 18
20.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
25.5%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$81,108
On par with the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$106,773

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96.9%
Above the national average
89%
College Graduates
36.8%
Advanced Degrees
12.4%
% Population in Labor Force
71%
Above the national average
64.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
50''
Average Winter Low Temperature
36°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Fairly friendly

Bike Score®®

50 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Walk Score®®

20 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Kitty Hawk