$937,989Average Value$458Average Price per Sq Ft56Homes For Sale
Southeastern North Carolina beach town on Pleasure Island
Named after the family who built the community from the ground up, Kure Beach is a summer destination for many. But a little over 2,100 people call this small New Hanover County beach town home year-round. The word “relaxed” is often used to describe the vibe in this once-sleepy community, where the Atlantic Ocean is visible on nearly every street. “Think of this as a mini, quaint Carolina Beach,” says Derek Criscitiello, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage who has visited the town since childhood. “A lot of people group them together, but they have their own differences. Kure is a little bit quieter.” Kure Beach is part of several communities that make up the coastal barrier island known as Pleasure Island.
Although the town was incorporated in 1947, its story began earlier, when Hans Kure purchased a tract of land between Fort Fisher and Carolina Beach in 1913. Three years later, the family’s Kure Land and Development Co. would help build a road from Wilmington to Kure Beach. A fishing pier would rise in 1923, and Kure Beach would become a hot spot for angling. Today, the pier remains an integral piece of the community. Along with generational residents, the town is home to young families and retirees, many of whom moved in from out of state to fulfill a lifelong dream of living here.
Given that they live in a primarily residential town about 18 miles south of downtown Wilmington, most working residents travel about 25 minutes into the city for their jobs or work from home. Kure Beach's largest industries are professional, scientific and technical services, hospitality and food service. While not hosting any major companies, the town is home to the North Carolina National Guard’s Fort Fisher Training Center.
Kure Beach is a summer destination for many.
Approximately 2,100 people call Kure Beach home year-round.
Atlantic Ocean is visible on nearly every street in Kure Beach.
The heart of the community is Kure Beach Fishing Pier.
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Multimillion-dollar oceanfront homes and a hot short-term rental market
First a community of small cottages, Kure Beach today features a wide variety of coastal-style single-family homes, condos and townhouses. “It’s got some really beautiful, colorful homes along the beach — purple, pink, blue, orange and yellow all in a row, some on the waterfront,” says Mary-Katherine Smith, a broker with Keller Williams Realty Innovate. Low-lying brick ranch-style homes fill the Beachwalk neighborhood, while towering Charleston-style designs populate the Seawatch subdivision. Waterfront condos look out over the Atlantic at the southern end of town.
Home prices here rose over 20% between 2023 and 2024. The median home price is $435,000, slightly under the national figure. “You’re going to spend a lot on an oceanfront property compared to something a block or two inland,” says Smith, who’s lived in this part of North Carolina for 12 years. “$1.5 million for an oceanfront standalone would be a good price.” On the low end, a one-bedroom condo can list for $325,000. At the top of the market, a seven-bedroom oceanfront home can top $2.5 million. Homes in Kure Beach sell after 91 days on average, nearly twice as long as the national average. Smith adds that many homes are short-term rentals, but “there are more restrictions. Some neighborhoods don’t allow it.”
You can find beautiful, colorful homes along Fort Fisher Blvd, in Kure Beach.
Kure Beach today features a wide variety of coastal-style single-family homes.
A seven-bedroom oceanfront home in Kure Beach can top $2.5 million.
The median home price in Kure Beach is $435,000.
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Earning the nickname Nature’s Playground
The people of Kure Beach enjoy active lives centered around the ocean, with the coastline a daily stop year-round. They use the town’s parks and green spaces to exercise, unwind and connect with nature. The heart of the community is Kure Beach Fishing Pier. Originally constructed by Lawrence C. Kure in the 1920s, it stretches more than 700 feet over the Atlantic. Today, residents mix with tourists as they cast lines into the water or take in the view and the salty sea breeze. A seaside boardwalk connects the pier to Ocean Front Park and Pavilion, the town’s central spot for live music and events. Joe Eakes Park is a more traditional town park known for its pickleball courts and a challenging disc golf course where whipping winds are at play. Untouched coastline and marshland trails draw people to the Blakeslee Air Force Recreation Area, home to the North Carolina Aquarium. The Cape Fear River also offers sailing, fishing and kayaking. Kure Beach Community Center is in the center of town for indoor recreation.
the original Kure Beach Pier was constructed by Lawrence C. Kure in the 1920s.
The people of Kure Beach enjoy active lives centered around the ocean.
Joe Eakes Park is known for its dog run, pickleball courts, and disc golf courses.
Kure Beach's seaside boardwalk connects the pier to Ocean Front Park and Pavilion.
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The Kure Beach Downtown Preservation District
From casual joints to elevated date-night spots, Kure Beach is home to a small collection of cafes, restaurants and bars, all locally owned. These tiny, brightly colored businesses sit in a four-block area designated as the Kure Beach Downtown Preservation District, which aims to protect the town’s oldest buildings. Fresh, locally caught seafood is the specialty, often enjoyed on an outdoor patio, but American fare, Italian cuisine and Caribbean-inspired food are also available. Many of these eateries have been around for decades. With no chain stores in town, residents head to Carolina Beach for grocery shopping and name-brand retailers.
Brightly colored businesses sit along Kure Beach Downtown Preservation District.
Jack Mackerel's Island Grill, is a beloved coastal-inspired dining spot in Kure Beach.
Bud & Joe's SandBar is a local favorite for its casual vibe, and cold drinks in Kure Beach
Fresh, locally caught seafood is the Kure Beach specialty.
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A supportive Pleasure Island art scene
While small, Kure Beach’s art scene comes with coastal flair. Live music can often be heard flowing from the stage at Ocean Front Park, host of the Boogie in the Park concert series. Bands covering various genres, from blues and country to jazz and reggae, play twice a month throughout the summer. In November, the annual Cape Fear Kite Festival takes flight along the shore, with professional flyers using the sky as a canvas and wowing audiences with kites of all shapes and sizes.
The Island Arts Council supports artists and artisans who make their homes in Kure Beach and neighboring Carolina Beach. The nonprofit helps art-based organizations get off the ground and brings new art-related events to Pleasure Island. Art in the Yard is one of those events. Initially organized by a group of island residents, it’s modeled after a yard sale and provides local artists a way to sell their work and connect with the community.
The small coastal town vibes of Kure Beach are attracting filmmakers to the area. Various parts of the community can be seen in the Netflix summer drama “Along for the Ride,” filmed in 2021, and “Merv,” an upcoming Amazon romantic comedy starring Zooey Deschanel, which features scenes at the Kure Beach Fishing Pier and shoreline that were shot in April 2024.
A one-stoplight town and the route to Wilmington
U.S. Route 421 is the main road through town. It parallels the shoreline, heading north through Carolina Beach all the way into downtown Wilmington. It’s common for bikes and street-legal golf carts to share the road with cars here. Several companies offer bike rentals, and Route 421 has bike lanes. When traffic is heavy, commuters will use Dow Road as an alternate route. Wilmington International Airport is about 22 miles away. The Fort Fisher Ferry crosses the Cape Fear River to reach the city of Southport.
There are no clinics or hospitals within Kure Beach. Pleasure Island Health Urgent Care and Wilmington Health Family Medicine are about 4 miles away in Carolina Beach. The closest hospital is Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, roughly 16 miles north in Wilmington.
A new greenway could be on the way for Kure Beach. The proposed 4.8-mile trail would go from Carolina Beach to the ferry terminal in Fort Fisher, providing cyclists a path off main roads. Other future investments in Kure Beach include replacing the fire department’s ocean rescue equipment and truck. Meanwhile, a rescue buoy marker sign pilot program is underway that, if successful, will add rescue buoy markers at all public beach accesses, helping beachgoers easily find a buoy in case of emergency.
U.S. Route 421 is the main road through Kure Beach..
It’s common for bikes and street-legal golf carts to share the road with cars in Kure Beach.
Fort Fisher trails wind through maritime forests, salt marshes, and dunes of Kure Beach.
Kure Beach is named after the family who built the community from the ground up.
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Inspiring future marine scientists
New Hanover County Schools serves over 25,000 students and earns an A-minus from Niche. Students interested in marine science can start learning about the field in elementary school and can later move on to the Marine Science Academy in high school. The program partners with the University of North Carolina Wilmington to help students earn college credits before they receive their high school diploma. The B-plus-rated Coastal Christian High School in Wilmington is the closest private school.
The student population of Carolina Beach Elementary is 409 and the school serves K-5.
The entrance to Charles P Murray Middle School.
Eugene Ashley High Sxchool in Wilmington, NC provides quality mentorship and guidance.
The University of North Carolina Wilmington is only 9 miles from Arrondale.
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Common crimes and protecting the coastal environment
Kure Beach has a CAP Index crime score of 1 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4. Thirteen police officers patrol the town year-round, and three to four part-time officers help during tourist season. According to the department, traffic accidents, vandalism/property damage and domestic-related crimes are some of the most common incidents.
It’s hot in Kure Beach in the summer, with temperatures often above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Fall is warm, while winter and spring are mild. Snowfall is rare.
Hurricanes and tropical storms are a reality of coastal living in the Carolinas, and like many beachside communities, Kure Beach is impacted by beach erosion. The town has a 50-year beach nourishment contract with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which began in 1995. Every three years, sand is pulled from the depths of the Atlantic Ocean and added back to the shoreline. Kure Beach adopted a Universal Storm Water Ordinance in 2007, requiring developers to have an approved, professionally engineered storm-water plan before applying for a building permit. This is to control the negative impacts of post-construction runoff. The town also has storm-water dune infiltration systems that capture rain and filter out pollutants before the water flows into the ocean.
Written By
DeeVa Payne
Photography Contributed By
Anna Cheng
Video By
Daniel Willingham
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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On average, homes in Kure Beach, NC sell after 94 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Kure Beach, NC over the last 12 months is $758,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Awesome 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath custom built home. Large open floor plan with top-notch finishes. Tons of natural light and lots of windows. Fantastic home for larger gatherings. Gourmet kitchen includes Viking gas cook top with grill, 2 self-cleaning convection ovens, over-sized refrigerator and a large pantry. There is a beautiful kitchen island, granite counters, granite wet bar, wine cooler, gas
Discover your oceanfront retreat at Ocean Dunes in Kure Beach, NC. This fully furnished and beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo offers sweeping Atlantic views and direct beach access, making it an ideal coastal getaway or investment property. Inside, the open living area features fresh paint and a modern color palette. The kitchen is equipped with granite countertops and a new tile
Positioned along one of Kure Beach's most desirable stretches, this second-row coastal residence offers the rare combination of ocean views, multiple outdoor living spaces, and a private pool--an increasingly hard-to-find feature in this location. Ideally situated midway between two public beach accesses, the shoreline is always within easy reach, whether for a morning shell hunting visit or a
This is ''The Spot'' located on a quiet street directly across from the island Greenway. This immaculate custom built home features an ideal floor plan for a full time residence or vacation getaway with 2 bedrooms downstairs and 2 primary suites, each with baths on main living level. High end craftsman style features of moldings and trim, with beautiful LVP flooring throughout. chefs kitchen with
This beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 3-bath townhome-style condo is tucked into a quieter residential area, out of the flood zone, and within walking distance to the beach -- plus just minutes from both downtown Carolina Beach and Kure Beach. The fenced backyard is a true highlight, featuring a private above-ground saltwater pool, deck, picnic area, and covered dining space -- perfect for
The Harris Group is excited to present this fully remodeled and furnished turn-key 4-Unit Ocean-Access Quadplex located on the Texas Ave beach access in Carolina Beach. Located adjacent to the CB/KB pipeline, ''Surf Station'' is built on one of the most popular beach access surfing locations on the island. This opportunity is perfect for a 1031 exchange, investor looking to capture Bonus
Welcome to Atlantic Towers—where oceanfront living meets everyday ease. This first-floor condo offers direct access to the community's lush lawn, the perfect place to enjoy coffee at sunrise or relax after a day at the beach. Inside, you'll find a comfortable, move-in-ready space that also gives you the freedom to add your own updates and make it truly yours. Atlantic Towers provides resort-style
This is the OCEANFRONT Condo you have been waiting for! 2 bed 2 bath end unit that comes fully furnished. Excellent rental history for investment or wonderful getaway for your own escape to the island. New bay window and sliding glass door that opens up to an amazing balcony overlooking the ocean for unforgettable sunsets. Nicely remodeled. HOA fees include flood and wind & hail insurance, pest
Welcome to Atlantic Towers - oceanfront living at its finest! This premier first-floor unit offers easy access to a spacious green lawn, perfect for morning coffee or a relaxing afternoon unwind. Inside, enjoy modern updates throughout, including newer appliances, cabinets, and flooring that create a fresh, coastal vibe. Plus, with the HVAC and hot water heater already updated, this unit is truly
Opportunity to own a 2-bedroom oceanfront condo at Atlantic Towers. Unit 612 offers the simple, coastal lifestyle buyers are looking for--morning coffee on the balcony, easy beach access, and the ability to truly settle in and enjoy the coast. This unit is part of Atlantic Towers' full-service rental management program, making it a strong option for both personal use and income potential heading
This is more than just a condo it's a proven, income-producing coastal investment property with $44,000+ in gross rental income for 2025, even while the owners reserved approximately 8-10 weeks for personal use, offering immediate income with additional upside potential.This bright, welcoming and fully furnished, 2-bedroom, 2-bath 2nd-floor condo with building elevator access at Kure Beach is
''This Is a True Must-See'' - Oceanfront Resort-Style Living at Its Finest Experience coastal living in this spacious, oceanfront, townhouse-style 3-level condo located in the highly desirable Ocean Dunes community. Enjoy resort-style amenities including three outdoor pools, a clubhouse recreation center featuring the largest indoor pool on the island, men's and women's locker rooms with saunas,
An exceptional custom Townhome offering within one of Kure Beach's most desirable communities, this fully furnished, turnkey residence blends proven investment performance with elevated coastal living. With established summer 2026 bookings in place, the property delivers immediate revenue while remaining an elegant personal sanctuary by the sea. Perfectly positioned overlooking the community's
This custom coastal residence offers a rare opportunity for a Summer seasonal stay in Carolina Beach, NC. Fully furnished and thoughtfully designed, the 2,476 sq ft home features Serena & Lily inspired interiors, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a private elevator, and a 360 rooftop lounge with sweeping ocean views. A bright open-concept floor plan connects the main living areas, complemented by a private
AN AMAZING OCEANFRONT RENTAL AT AN AMAZING PRICE!ESCAPE TO KURE BEACH! FURNISHED MONTHLY RENTAL WITH OCEANFRONT VIEWS AWAITS!INTERIOR FEATURES:*One bedroom with queen bed and ensuite bathroom*Comfortable living area with sofa bed and ocean views*Fully equipped kitchen with upgraded appliances*Open floor plan, single-story unit*Washer and dryer in unit*No
$2,500 per month
OCEANFRONT OFF-SEASON MONTH RENTAL READY FOR YOUR FALL ESCAPE
ESCAPE TO KURE BEACH THIS OFF-SEASON! BREATHTAKING OCEANFRONT VIEWS AWAIT YOU!INTERIOR FEATURES:* Two bedrooms, two bathrooms (primary with ensuite)* Spacious living area with comfortable seating and access to the deck.* Fully equipped kitchen with upgraded appliances and bar seating.* Third-floor condo with an open and airy floor plan.* New doors and windows.*
$2,500 per month
PERFECT OFF-SEASON MONTHLY "WORK FROM HOME" LOCATION NOW AVAILABLE
ESCAPE TO YOUR BLUE HAVEN!Enjoy off-season tranquility and oceanfront living in this beautifully remodeled Kure Beach condo.INTERIOR FEATURES:*Two comfortable bedrooms and two full bathrooms*Spacious living area with deck access*Fully equipped kitchen and bar seating*Convenient one-level living*In-unit washer and dryer*Sorry, no pets allowed for renters per HOA
$3,800 per month
PERFECT "WORK FROM HOME" LOCATION TO ESCAPE THE WINTER
ESCAPE FOR THE OFF-SEASON TO THE STARFISH SHACK: YOUR CAROLINA BEACH RETREAT AWAITS!INTERIOR FEATURES:* Four bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom for ultimate privacy* Spacious living area* Fully equipped kitchen and island seating* Unique split-level floor plan offering distinct living spaces* Convenient washer and dryer included* Coastal-inspired decor
ESCAPE TO KURE BEACH FOR THE FALL & WINTER! ENJOY OCEANFRONT LIVING IN THIS LUXURIOUS CONDO.Imagine waking up to breathtaking ocean views every morning in this stylish Kure Beach condo. Available for seasonal monthly rental, this is your chance to experience coastal living at its finest!INTERIOR FEATURES:* Two comfortable bedrooms and two full bathrooms* King bed in the
ESCAPE TO KURE BEACH! Enjoy a peaceful seasonal getaway in this charming, fully furnished condo with resort-style amenities!INTERIOR FEATURES:* One bedroom and one bathroom, ensuite details* Comfortable living area* Fully equipped kitchen with full-size appliances* One-story unit on the first floor, accessible by elevator* Washer and dryer in the unit* No pets
ENJOY BREATHTAKING OCEANFRONT VIEWS AND RESORT-STYLE AMENITIES AT OCEAN DUNES 2107 – THE SANDBOX. YOUR PERFECT SEASONAL RETREAT AWAITS!INTERIOR FEATURES:* Three bed/two bath for comfortable living* Oceanfront primary bedroom suite with private balcony access* Spacious living area with comfortable seating and a Smart TV* Fully equipped kitchen with granite countertops*
ESCAPE TO KURE BEACH! ENJOY OFF-SEASON TRANQUILITY AND BREATHTAKING OCEAN VIEWS FROM THIS FURNISHED MONTHLY RENTAL.INTERIOR FEATURES:* 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms* Primary bedroom suite with ensuite sun deck* Open living area with oceanfront views * End unit with extra window for lots of natural light* Fully equipped gourmet kitchen with granite countertops*
ESCAPE TO KURE BEACH – YOUR COASTAL HIDEAWAY AWAITS!Enjoy off-season tranquility and breathtaking ocean views in this fully furnished, move-in ready condo at Ocean Dunes!INTERIOR FEATURES:* Three bed/two bath* Primary bedroom suite with king bed and ensuite bathroom* Open living space with comfortable seating and deck access* Fully equipped kitchen with granite
$2,700 per month
TIME TO SECURE A FURNISHED PROPERTY FOR THE FALL OF '26-SPRING OF '27
Comfort is king at COMFORT ZONE, a lovely family home located in Kure Beach. Make yourself at home in this comfortably furnished townhome. INTERIOR FEATURES: *Garage converted to family suite and storage. *Bedroom on lower entry level with ensuite with small patio perfect for guests. *Open concept living area *Fully equipped kitchen with quartz countertops *Formal
$5,400 per month
ENDLESS ELEGANCE AT THIS OFF-SEASON FURNISHED RENTAL
ALL-SEASON OCEANFRONT ESCAPE AWAITS!INTERIOR FEATURES:* Five bedrooms and four bathrooms* Ocean-facing dining room and great room perfect for family gatherings* Fully equipped gourmet kitchen with upgraded appliances and granite island* One-story living with a studio apartment-style ground level* Full-size washer and dryer for your convenience* Unique deco features
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