$543,400Average Value$302Average Price per Sq Ft64Homes For Sale
Once a bustling port city, now a popular vacation spot
In the mid-1800s, North Carolina Gov. John Motley Morehead implemented a plan to create a port city for the state. In February 1861, Morehead City was incorporated. What started as agricultural land in the 1700s grew into a major exchange hub. Morehead City had steady population and economic growth until many residents fled during the Civil War. In the years following the war, the county became a popular vacation spot known as the Crystal Coast. But for the nearly 10,000 people who now live here permanently, the city offers a variety of homes, a highly rated school district and plenty of outdoor recreation. While locals have to travel a few miles south to get to the beaches, Morehead City offers lower-priced homes compared to nearby coastal communities. “You're still close to the beach, but you have lower taxes than you would in Atlantic Beach,” says Kathy Myers, a Realtor with RE/MAX Homestead Swansboro, who’s been selling homes in the area for over a decade.
Today, tourism is Carteret County’s main source of revenue. Retail, health care and food services make up the top industries in the area. Other major employers in Morehead City include the North Carolina Port, the U.S. Coast Guard station at Fort Macon and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, which is 15 miles north.
Brandywine Bay is divided by North Carolina Highway 24, resulting in two sections.
You can head to Atlantic Beach to enjoy a day of sun and waves.
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Variety of home styles, townhouses and condos
Homebuyers can find early- to mid-1900s Craftsman and cottage-style homes, ranch-style houses and colonials from the late-1900s and contemporary homes that are still frequently being built. “There’s a lot of new construction because we’re so close to the military bases,” says Myers. Single-family homes sell for a median price of $475,000, just below the national average and above the state average. The city also offers one- to five-bedroom townhouses and condos that go for a median price of around $375,000.
Townhomes are a popular option in the Brandywine Bay neighborhood.
Many of the homes on the Sound Side enjoy beautiful views of Bogue Sound.
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Highly rated Carteret County schools, Carteret Community College
Students are served by Carteret County Public Schools, which earns an A-minus from Niche and is ranked in the top 15 districts in the state. Around 8,000 students attend nine elementary schools, five middle schools and four high schools. Carteret Community College’s campus is also in the city with over a dozen undergraduate programs.
The Morehead City Primary School has just over 545 students.
The Morehead City Middle School has a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1.
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Miles of sandy beaches, Fort Macon State Park
Bogue Sound separates Morehead City from the beach, but the sandy coast is just 2 miles south across Atlantic Beach Bridge. Also just to the south, Fort Macon State Park’s more than 400 acres include sandy trails, fishing inlets and a preserved fort to explore. Back in the city, there are several marinas to dock boats for easy access to nearby waterways. And Shevans Park has a large playground, tennis courts and a picnic area.
The Atlantic Beach is only a 10 minute drive from Brandywine Bay.
The surrounding community of Brandywine Bay is rooted in the commercial fishing industry.
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Shopping centers along Interstate 42
Most shopping and dining are concentrated along Interstate 42. In the city's west end, there’s several big-box stores, grocery markets, and chain retailers. The Friendly Market has local products and prepped meals. Local restaurants can also be found throughout the city, with popular options serving seafood and American favorites. “El’s Drive-In, which has been in business for what seems like a million years, was just renovated,” says Myers.
You can find fun and beautiful local art and wares at Parsons General Store.
Brandywine Bay is only a mile away from many of the big box stores.
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Annual events on the Crystal Coast
Events are held throughout the year on the Crystal Coast. In February, the Carolina Chocolate Festival is held at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City. The Emerald Isle St. Patrick's Festival, which has been running for over 25 years, features local vendors, food trucks and amusement rides. And in November, the Beaufort Pirate Invasion, which started in 1960, sees the nearby town invaded with reenactors commemorating a battle with Spanish privateers in 1747.
Flooding concerns, discounted insurance premiums
With its coastal location, flooding is a big concern for the city during hurricanes and storm surges. As of June 2024, Morehead City gets a class five rating from the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System, making residents eligible for a 25% discount on flood insurance premiums.
Commuting on Interstate 42
Commuters can take Interstate 42, also considered U.S. Route 70, to get in and out of Morehead City. Carteret Health Care is in the city's center, and Coastal Carolina Regional Airport is 30 miles north.
Written By
Logan Soter-Reardon
Photography Contributed By
Ryan Gwilliam
Video By
Ellie Brown
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Walter LaRoque,
an experienced agent in this area.
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.
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On average, homes in Morehead City, NC sell after 61 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Morehead City, NC over the last 12 months is $409,000, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Waterfront living in the heart of Morehead City. This 3rd floor, 2 bedroom, 2 full-bath condo offers direct water access on Peletier Creek with direct access to Bogue Sound and the Intracoastal Waterway. Enjoy stunning water views from the kitchen, living room, primary bedroom, along with evening sunsets overlooking the water from the balcony or the waterfront in-ground pool. The primary suite
Calling all investors! This prime commercial land offers an exceptional investment opportunity in the heart of Morehead City. Boasting a strategic location with high visibility and easy access, this property is perfect for a variety of commercial developments. Currently zoned OP (Office/Professional) Uses include medical, office, hospitality, education, and many more!
Great home away from home for your yacht ! Boat slip on floating dock approx 65 ft with extra ft with dolphin by 22 ft wide . Buyer to take into account line poles with dolphins. Olde Town Yacht Club features the best location and amenities on Crystal Coast. Gated and secured area offering pool, club house with locker rooms and baths , grills, shaded areas , private gate to beach and plenty of
Discover a beautiful residential lot in the highly desired Morehead City area, offering tranquil water views of the Pelletier Creek. This 90 x 125 homesite is dotted with large oak trees and requires no flood insurance, giving you peace of mind. Conveniently located near shopping, restaurants, and schools, it's also just a short walk to several marinas and dry stack boat storage. The area is a
Welcome to Dill Creek, a quiet, established community situated in the heart of Morehead City. Beautiful well-loved and maintained home featuring a main level primary bedroom, spacious living areas, perfect for entertaining, and a kitchen with plentiful cabinetry and counter space. Upstairs, you'll find two large bedrooms and full bathroom. A double garage to add to the storage for your tools and
*Motivated seller*In the heart of Morehead City sits a home nestled in Mitchell Village that's waiting for you to call it home. This lovely 3 bedroom 2.5 bath home is a canvas for you to create your own masterpiece. Upon entry you will see hardwood floors, solid wood cabinets, gas burning fireplace, lots of light coming from windows and French doors to the back yard. The island in the kitchen
Nestled in Morehead Bluffs, just behind 70W Marina, this impeccably maintained 3BR, 2BA residence offers the perfect blend of coastal charm and modern comfort. Positioned on a high lot outside of the flood zone, you can enjoy a sneak peek of Bogue Sound from the covered front porch—an ideal setting for morning coffee. Newly updated features include carpet in the primary bedroom, LVP flooring in
Build your dream home on this gorgeous 80 x 125 lot in one of Morehead City's most sought-after neighborhoods. Enjoy water views of Pelletier Creek and the benefit of no flood insurance required. The location is unbeatable—close to shops, dining, and schools, and just a short walk to multiple marinas and dry stack boat storage. And the beaches of the Crystal Coast are just a short drive away.
Premier location and amenities at Radio Island Yacht Club situated between Taylors Creek in Beaufort and the ICWW in Morehead City. Views across to Carrot Island and NC famous wild horses . Great opportunity to have a getaway at the beach with wonderful amenities and views! The HOA offers water , electric, pool , workout room, clubhouse , lockers and bath facilities , grills, private access to
Welcome home to this well-designed 3-bedroom residence in an established, desirable Morehead City community. Each bedroom features a walk-in closet, offering ample storage and comfortable living space. The open-concept kitchen, dining, and living areas create a bright, inviting layout ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. Enjoy time outdoors on the screened-in back porch overlooking a
Discover your dream home at 1213 Lantern Way, nestled in the premier waterfront community of Mariners Pointe, where you can truly have it all! This stunning 3BR/2.5BA residence features an open concept layout with a luxurious main-level master suite. Upstairs, enjoy two spacious bedrooms, a full bathroom, and a versatile bonus room ideal for a home office, gym, or guest retreat. The modern
Nicely maintained Mansfield Park home on a corner lot close to everything! With fresh paint throughout, this 3BR/2.5BA home is ready to move right in! Living room with fireplace is close to the sunroom that is loaded with sunlight & the perfect spot for entertaining, office space or hobbies; kitchen with pantry & new appliances in 2025, is bright and cheery; 2 guest bedrooms on the main floor
Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom townhome located in the heart of Morehead City! Perfectly positioned near the hospital, shopping, and just a short drive to the beautiful beaches of the Crystal Coast, this home offers both convenience and coastal living at its best. With spacious living areas, an eat-in kitchen, and a cozy sunroom, you'll have the perfect blend of comfort and
Welcome to Arbors at Morehead City, a brand-new apartment community coming to 4000 Galantis Dr. in Morehead City, NC. Opening in Fall 2025, our pet-friendly community features spacious 1- and 2-bedroom apartment homes designed with modern finishes and smart technology. Live your best life with resort-inspired amenities, including the largest fitness center in Morehead City, a resort-style
The Preserve at Carteret Place Apartments in Morehead City, NCExperience upscale living at The Preserve at Carteret with 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments featuring granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, smart thermostats, and in-unit washer and dryer.Enjoy resort-style amenities including a pool, fitness center with yoga room, dog park with grooming station, fire pits,
Nestled in the gated community of Brandywine Bay, this charming 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath two-story is the perfect place to call home. With vaulted ceilings, a beautiful exposed wood focal wall and lots of natural light in the living room, along with granite countertops, subway tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, this home is welcoming and great for entertaining. The
Experience modern living at The Retreat at Carteret Place with 1- and 2-bedroom apartments featuring high ceilings, granite countertops, stainless steel Energy Star appliances, and smart tech including keyless entry and smart thermostats.Enjoy resort-style amenities including a pool with cabana, outdoor grills, dog parks, fire pit, 24-hour fitness center, business center, club room, and
BOAT SLIP - WATER VIEWS - LOCATION - CONVENIENCE! What could be better than living in a quiet, gated waterfront community in the heart of Morehead City with views of the Intracoastal Waterway? You won't believe how easy life can be in this sought-after, carefree end unit located in the Harborside Club at 70W. The Harborside Club are luxury condominiums that are convenient to restaurants,
At Haven at Wild Dunes, every day feels like a vacation.Perfectly positioned just over a mile from the ocean and moments from local shopping, dining, and recreation, our seaside community offers the ideal blend of comfort, convenience, and coastal charm. With 16 thoughtfully designed floor plans across 228 apartment homes, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.Inside, you’ll
Welcome to this stunning two-story home located on a spacious corner lot in Morehead City. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a one-car garage, this property offers an open-concept kitchen, dining, and living area perfect for modern living. The interior has been beautifully updated with new LVP flooring on the first floor, fresh paint throughout, and absolutely no carpet. The kitchen is a
Charming & Spacious Home! Beautiful 2BR/1BA home full of classic character, featuring hardwood floors, a large dine-in kitchen, and a versatile laundry/family room or home office. Enjoy abundant storage, a convenient carport, and a spacious front porch with a swing. Lawn maintenance and pest control included. Pets welcome! Don't miss this inviting home—schedule your showing today.
Welcome home to this charming and beautifully maintained residence located in the heart of Morehead City—now available for rent! This move-in-ready home is spotless, updated, and thoughtfully designed for comfortable living. Offering three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a two-car garage, and an additional storage shed, the home provides plenty of space both indoors and out. You'll love the
Margaret HitchcockHitchcock Realty & Associates, LLC
Charming Updated Lower-Level Duplex in the Heart of Morehead City Welcome home to this well-maintained two-bedroom, one-bath lower-level duplex, ideally located in the heart of Morehead City. This inviting unit features a nicely updated kitchen complete with a stylish tile backsplash, and modern finishes, making it both functional and attractive. The updated bathroom adds to the home's fresh,
Danielle RoseBig Rock Real Estate & Property Management
Brand New - never been lived in. Available Immediately. 3/2.5 with 2300+ square feet. Open floor plan on the first floor with a nicely appointed kitchen with Stainless Steel Appliances. Spacious Rooms. Covered Rear Porch. Email inquiries only. NO CITY TAXES.
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