Marshallberg's heart lies in its community and proximity to the waterfront
Sitting on the shores of the Atlantic, Marshallberg is a secluded waterfront community where fishing, boating, oyster farming and family are the highlights of life. This quiet locale is close to some of the Crystal Coast's islands, which are rich with wild horses and blue herons. “It’s a great little old-time community,” says Realtor, broker and former resident Truby Proctor with Real Broker LLC. “I like to call it an ‘end of the road’ kind of area because it’s very secluded. But everyone here knows each other—you’ll see your neighbors riding their golf carts around or getting on the boat and hanging out on the sandbars together.” Proctor also notes the importance of fishing and boatbuilding here, as the community has one of few public harbors on the East Coast, and many people make their living out on the water. “Both of my sons learned boatbuilding in school here,” Proctor says. Families also enjoy Marshallberg because it’s part of the highly rated Carteret County Public Schools District. With its exquisite views of the water and rich community feel, Marshallberg is a place where people who come to the “end of the road,” as Proctor puts it, are often here to stay.
Close to the wild ponies of Shackleford Banks
Settled at the convergence of two sounds off mainland North Carolina, Marshallberg has an unspoiled, secluded shoreline. Many residents boat across the Core or Back sounds to beaches, including Shackleford Banks, part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. There are ferries available in Morehead City, Harkers Island and Beaufort. “You’re right across the sound from these islands and sandbars, so most people go there to camp out for the day or fish,” Proctor says. Shackleford Banks is a large swath of golden sand, seashells, and scrub dunes that offers plenty of space for visitors to spread out and enjoy the scenery. The island also has a herd of protected wild horses, often called "Banker Ponies," that freely graze and gallop across the dunes. While some residents have private docks, the Marshallberg Boat Ramp is a community launch for anyone fishing, crabbing or exploring the water and surrounding islands. At the end of the peninsula is Marshallberg Park, which has a small picnic area and benches. “It’s the sweetest little park,” Proctor says. “It’s a great place to go fishing or watch the sunset.”
Homes are rarely for sale, but options include land to develop
Marshallberg is a generational community, with families remaining on the land for many years. “It’s a small area and there isn’t much for sale, but when there is, we have people moving in from Johnston County to be close to the water,” Proctor says. Most homes are close together on streets that wind around the peninsula. Towering pine trees shade yards, and the marshy expanses surrounding the community are hubs for wildlife. Homes on the water often have private docks, but many residences have yards large enough to house their boats and other watercraft. When homes are on the market, buyers typically find ranch-style residences, manufactured homes and cottages, with prices generally between $230,000 and $265,000. Large, multistory coastal contemporary homes on the waterfront offer views of the sound and surrounding marshland and islands. Prices are usually between $560,000 and $900,000. There are also one-quarter- to three-quarter-acre parcels of land for sale, listing between around $65,000 and $500,000, depending on available water frontage.
East Carteret High offers dual enrollment classes
Carteret County Public Schools serves Marshallberg students. Down East Middle offers prekindergarten through eighth grade and earns a B-plus rating from Niche. Students may then attend B-minus-rated East Carteret High. The school offers dual enrollment classes through Carteret Community College and has a career and technical education program with options in marine trades, business and agriculture.
Close to family-owned markets and seafood restaurants
In the center of the community, at the intersection of Polly Hill and Marshallberg roads, are a post office, fire department, churches and Yogi’s, a long-standing, family-owned market that sells all the necessities. A few miles north in Smyrna is a G&R Supermarket and El's East, a quick stop known for its oyster and shrimp burgers. Residents must travel to nearby communities like Beaufort for more amenities. The town has grocery stores like Food Lion, pharmacies, supply shops and local restaurants like Clawson's 1905 Restaurant. This popular location features fresh-caught seafood dishes and comfort foods. Marshallberg is about 50 miles from New Bern, home to the New Bern Mall and numerous big box stores like Target and Walmart.
Commuting from Marshallberg
Marshallberg Road connects to Highway 70, one of the area's major thoroughfares. The highway travels west into Beaufort and Morehead City and northeast to New Bern. The area is car or boat-dependent and doesn't have public transportation available. There are urgent care centers in nearby communities like Beaufort, but the closest hospital is Carteret Health Care, 20 miles away. Marshallberg is 45 miles from Coastal Carolina Regional Airport and 120 miles from Wilmington International Airport. The community has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, lower than the national figure of 4.
Hurricane season is from June to November, so residents should be aware of evacuation routes during a hurricane or tropical storm, as Marshallberg has a high flood risk. Local radio and news stations are the best sources for information on storm warnings.
