Despite its proximity to the larger towns of Manteo and Nags Head, Manns Harbor is an off-the-beaten-path fishing town with a rural feel. This village on the North Carolina mainland is a gateway to the Outer Banks, but Manns Harbor is a far cry from the bustling tourist towns across the Croatan Sound. “A lot of families have lived there for generations,” says Daphne Degabriette, a broker with Outer Banks Realty Group. “There’s a lot of boat building, and though it’s not exactly close to the beach, they’ve got a lot of great hidden spots over there.” Waterfront homes in Manns Harbor tend to come at a much lower price than beachfront homes in Nags Head or Kill Devil Hills, and without all the accompanying vacationers and traffic. “It’s a different kind of community because there’s not as many young families, so it has an older feel,” Degabriette says. “But it’s still a cool place with a distinct personality.”
Manns Harbor is a small, residential fishing village on the Croatan Sound.
Neighbors run into each other all day long at the Manns Harbor post office.
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Homes range from rural to waterfront
Unlike the towns in the nearby Outer Banks that are full of tourist shops and vacation homes, Manns Harbor comprises permanent residences and industrial fishing and boat-building space. Along the waterfront, stacks of mesh fish traps and rows of wooden docks sit directly across from residential houses. As of the 2020 census, this small town had a population of about 800, and its homes reflect a small-town, rural feel, with homes lining one-lane roads rather than clustering in distinct subdivisions. Ranch-style homes and small cottages reside inland on wooded lots, and they usually sell for $250,000 to $350,000. On the sound, more houses reflect the sensibilities of typical waterfront homes, with wraparound balconies, wooden pilings and a spot to dock a boat. These houses list from $500,000 to $900,000, while multiacre estate-style properties hover around the $1 million to $1.4 million range.
Large estates on sprawling lots command well over $1 million in Manns Harbor.
Ranch style homes are the most common type in Manns Harbor.
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Miles of waterfront on the Croatan Sound
As a fishing village, most of the activity in Manns Harbor is centered around the waterfront. Anglers can launch out onto the Croatan Sound via the public boat ramp at Manns Harbor Docks or cast a line from Bebops Fishing Pier. The nearest beaches are across the bridges in Nags Head. Those who prefer family-friendly fun on land head to Manns Harbor Park to let the kids cut loose on the playground or shoot hoops on the basketball court. There’s a small walking path in the park, but for more scenic flora and fauna, folks can follow U.S. Route 64 to reach the entrance to Creef Cut Wildlife Trail. This little-known trail through the wilderness ranges from woodlands to marshland, with a few signs along the path to point out local species such as bluegill and turtles. Anyone taking the trek should keep their wits about them, though, as black bears and alligators are among the area’s native species.
Locals launch their boats at the ramp at Manns Harbor Docks.
Beautiful wooded beaches can be found near Manns Harbor.
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Travel to Manteo to shop or dine
This tiny town is sparsely populated with businesses, and residents typically travel elsewhere to run errands. White’s Food Mart is one of the town’s only convenience stores and provides an array of everyday needs, ranging from fishing and hunting gear to basic grocery items. In the back of the store is Harbor Grille, a small seafood restaurant that serves up fried fish and sandwiches. Right next to the gas station is Outland Seafood, a convenient in-town stop to pick up all the supplies for a seafood boil. However, folks in Manns Harbor do most of their shopping across the Croatan Sound in Manteo. “Manteo has turned into a pretty cool little place over the years,” Degabriette says. “Downtown, they have First Fridays, social districts and lots of live music.” Grocery stores such as Piggly Wiggly and Food-A-Rama provide day-to-day necessities, and there are more places to dine out close by. Stripers Bar & Grille offers sweeping views of Shallowbag Bay from its three-level deck, while casual cafes such as Front Porch provide morning caffeine.
For shopping needs, Manns Harbor locals head across the bridge to Manteo.
Manns Harbor locals drive over the bridge to dine at Stripers in Manteo.
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Schools across the sound in Manteo
Homes here are zoned to Dare County Schools, with the closest ones in Manteo. The elementary, middle and high schools are all located within a mile of each other, making pickups and drop-offs for big families easy. Manteo Elementary scores a B-minus from Niche, while Manteo Middle receives a B-plus. Manteo High also scores a B-plus and is home to an Ocean Science Bowl Team, which participates in national academic competitions focused on marine science.
Manteo Elementary School is a public pre-k, and elementary school in Manteo, NC.
Manteo High School is a public high school in the Dare County School District.
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The gateway to the Outer Banks
Despite its isolated feel, Manns Harbor actually has two entry points from Roanoke Island: Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge or William B. Umstead Bridge. The latter is locally referred to as the Old Manns Harbor Bridge, and in June 2024 the bridge closed for an estimated six-month restoration project targeting completion in 2026. U.S. Highway 64 runs along the Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge, leading into the heart of the Outer Banks in Nags Head. Kill Devil Hills lies approximately 20 miles to the north, a drive that typically takes half an hour. The closest airport is the Norfolk International Airport, which lies about 90 miles to the north, or approximately a two-hour drive.
Kill Devil Hills and the other Outer Banks communities are a short drive from Manns Harbor.
Manns Harbor is a residential fishing village on coast of North Carolina.
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The challenges of coastal living
Like most places on the coast, homes in Manns Harbor are at risk of flooding during hurricanes and nor’easters, driving up flood insurance rates and other essential upkeep expenses. “Home maintenance costs can be higher because of the damaging salt air,” says Tammy Goodrich, a local Outer Banks artist. “I’d say we have a shortage of doctors, too. You have to go somewhere else to see a specialist.” The nearest hospital, Outer Banks Health Hospital, is roughly 15 miles away in Nags Head.
The remnants of an old ferry dock sit on the coast of Manns Harbor.
Nags Head style homes can be found on the waterfront in Manns Harbor.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
North End Park
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Manns Harbor
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Manns Harbor, Manteo sell after 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Manns Harbor, Manteo over the last 12 months is $430,465, down 51% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Here is your opportunity to own a 50x20' boat slip with the BEST VIEWS in Shallowbag Bay! New power installed, fresh water, and a new ladder. Shallowbag Bay Marina is a 75 slip marina located just off the intercoastal waterway in Manteo, NC and home to the award winning Striper's Restaurant! The great amenities include wifi, 5 fueling stations, pump out stations, ship's store, , fitness center,
Samantha LauricBeach Realty & Construction - KH North
60 foot Boat slip in Pirate's Cove Marina. The location of Slip 15 offers convenient fueling, access to the Ship’s Store, fish cleaning station and paved parking. Pirates Cove is home to Bluewater Bar and Grill, a seasonal Tiki Hut and so much more! Pirates Cove offers convenient access to Oregon Inlet, inshore and offshore fishing. Slip Owners have the option to purchase amenity passes to
Here is your opportunity to own a 50x20' boat slip with the BEST VIEWS in Shallowbag Bay! Shallowbag Bay Marina is a 75 slip marina located just off the intercoastal waterway in Manteo, NC and home to the award-winning Striper's Restaurant! The great amenities include wifi, 5 fueling stations, pump-out stations, a ship's store, a fitness center, a clubhouse with a pocket billiard table & ping
Samantha LauricBeach Realty & Construction - KH North
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Christie Baer,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
365
Median Age
41
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
24.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$48,157
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$56,658
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
80.6%
College Graduates
7.4%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
0.8%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
64.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
50''
Average Winter Low Temperature
36°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
25/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
