$720,833Average Value$383Average Price per Sq Ft73Homes 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.
There are several convenient public beach access points in Kitty Hawk.
1/2
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.
Homes in Kitty Hawk are all built on stilts to provide safety from flooding.
1/2
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.
Kitty Hawk Beach pier was originally built in 1953.
1/2
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.
A convenient Walmart is located within a mile of Kitty Hawk.
1/2
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.
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.
1/3
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.
Written By
Laura Copan
Photography Contributed By
Jay Ratchford
Video By
Charles Kennedy
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Steven Gross,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Kitty Hawk, NC sell after 70 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Kitty Hawk, NC over the last 12 months is $751,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover this stunning 6 bedroom, 6.5 bathroom beach bounty in Kitty Hawk NC, located in the heart of the Outer Banks and just steps from the ocean. Built in 2019, this beautifully maintained home offers the perfect combination of modern coastal design, luxury amenities, and strong rental income potential, making it an ideal investment property or second home. The top-level living area features
Perched among the soaring dunes of Duck’s exclusive Osprey community, this exceptional oceanside home enjoys one of the highest elevations in the area, with sweeping ocean and sound views, precious privacy, and unforgettable sunrises and sunsets. Surrounded by rolling coastal terrain and bordering the 176-acre Army Corps of Engineers Field Research Facility, the setting is both expansive and rare
This beautifully renovated 3-bed, 2-bath ocean-side condo delivers unmatched views and a fresh, modern interior. Every space has been thoughtfully updated, and the home comes fully furnished with new, stylish pieces that convey. The open layout is filled with natural light, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels both spacious and serene. Enjoy coastal living at its finest with a screened
Tucked away off the beaten path in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Kitty Hawk Landing offers a peaceful coastal community with great neighbors, endless water access, and abundant outdoor activities. Residents enjoy a private beach parking area complete with showers and restrooms, as well as a neighborhood boat ramp and open community space, making it easy to enjoy everything this coastal setting
This is the oceanfront getaway you've been waiting for! Located in the idyllic community of Sanderling, this perfectly sized and beautifully updated, this turnkey coastal retreat offers breathtaking, unobstructed ocean views that will capture your attention the moment you arrive. Designed with a reverse floor plan to maximize the scenery, the top-level living room, dining area, and kitchen all
Discover this stunning 6 bedroom, 6.5 bathroom beach bounty in Kitty Hawk NC, located in the heart of the Outer Banks and just steps from the ocean, or Seascape Golf course. Built in 2019, this beautifully maintained home offers the perfect combination of modern coastal design, luxury amenities, and strong rental income potential, making it an ideal investment property or second home. The
Single-story living with an indoor heated pool in the beautiful Chicahauk neighborhood in Southern Shores! This 3-bedroom, 2.5 bath has an open split floor plan layout. The large master bedroom suite includes a huge walk-in closet, a jacuzzi tub in the spacious master bath, and direct access to the backyard and pool area. The two other bedrooms are connected by a Jack-and-Jill bathroom and
Just a few steps away from the beach, The Bennett share 5 offers the perfect combination of beachside living and modern upgrades. This ideal floorplan features a king room and twin room on both the first and top floors, making it the perfect setup for two families vacationing together. Each room comes with its own ensuite for maximum comfort. Recent renovations include a brand new kitchen, new
Welcome to 4513 Beacham Lane, a distinctive home nestled on a generously sized lot in a quiet, secluded area of Kitty Hawk, yet just minutes from the beaches, dining, and attractions of the Outer Banks. The open layout with an abundance of natural light creates an inviting atmosphere, with the Great Room serving as the heart of the home. A vaulted ceiling with rustic beams add character, while
Your dream home starts here! This spacious .45-acre vacant lot in Martins Point offers a private, serene location in a gated Outer Banks community. With endless possibilities to design the home you’ve always wanted, it’s the perfect spot to embrace coastal living and all that Martins Point has to offer.
AMAZING OPPORTUNITY To own golf course frontage lot on the beautiful Seascape Golf course. This lot is large 20,000 ft.2 CLEARED and LEVELED by the late Matt Octavia Landscaping. Ocean views possible. READY to build your dream home.
Exceptional investment opportunity (Asking just 71% of current tax assessed value!) in the heart of Duck offering rare scale, resort-style amenities, and deeded beach access directly across the street via Georgetown Sands Road. The Drake at Founders Ridge presents a unique chance to own one of Duck’s largest and most versatile vacation rental properties, designed to maximize guest experience,
3 month starter lease and then option to do month to month or resign 3-6 mo lease Cozy studio perfect for someone who has demanding work and or social life and want a quiet place to rest… utilities included, limited laundry access on property, 25lbs per allowed with pet deposit of. $200 non refundable and additional monthly pet rent of $50 … unit has small fridge and large cabinet space to
$3,800 per month
5 Bedroom/3.5 Bath Long Term Rental in Martin's Point
Spacious 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath home located in the gated community of Martin's Point featuring upscale finishes, a gourmet kitchen, large dining room, sunroom, home office, bonus room, and playroom.The living room and screened porch each feature a fireplace, creating inviting spaces to relax and entertain. Outside, enjoy a private backyard with a pool and mature landscaping. Pool
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.
