Manns Harbor
Neighborhood in Manteo, North Carolina
Dare County 27953, 27978
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.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.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.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.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.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.


Agents Specializing in this Area
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Christie Baer
Pirates Cove Realty
(252) 596-0703
79 Total Sales
2 in Manns Harbor
$335K - $340K Price Range
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Mark S. Brink
A Better Way Realty, Inc
(252) 302-4225
103 Total Sales
1 in Manns Harbor
$1,400,000 Price
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Patricia Lusk
Responds QuicklyCentury 21 Nachman Realty
(252) 475-7949
144 Total Sales
1 in Manns Harbor
$365,000 Price
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Matt Preston
Responds QuicklyTwiddy and Company - Corolla
(252) 599-5501
167 Total Sales
1 in Manns Harbor
$39,500 Price
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Trisha Midgett
Responds QuicklyMidgett Realty - Rodanthe
(252) 650-8051
1,304 Total Sales
2 in Manns Harbor
$18K - $320K Price Range
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Ann Taylor Lusk
Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty KH
(252) 475-7137
120 Total Sales
1 in Manns Harbor
$1,400,000 Price
Schools
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to
, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.Parks in this Area
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
Manns Harbor Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Manns Harbor, Manteo sell after 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Manns Harbor, Manteo over the last 12 months is $430,465, down 51% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Neighborhood Facts
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to
, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Finances
Education and Workforce
Weather
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
Car-Dependent
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.
Nearby Neighborhoods

Fishing village of locally owned businesses and homes passed down for generations

A private Outer Banks community with more full-time residents than vacationers

A waterfront and golf course community with resort-style amenities

A waterfront Nags Head subdivision with shopping, dining, parks and beach access

Oceanfront living in the Northern Beaches of the Outer Banks