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
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Morehead City, NC sell after 53 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Morehead City, NC over the last 12 months is $439,500, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
$5000 concession with accepted offer! Enjoy refined coastal living in Clearwater, where comfort, convenience, and an easygoing lifestyle come together. This well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home features a desirable main-level primary suite, creating an effortless everyday floor plan. Upstairs, two additional bedrooms and a full bathroom offer privacy and flexibility for guests, family, or a
Located in the prominent Country Club East community, this exceptional custom-built 2020 residence offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a thoughtfully designed floor plan, impressive craftsmanship, and refined finishes throughout. Wide baseboard trim, shiplap accents, granite countertops, and crisp white cabinetry create a timeless, polished interior.A private office is conveniently located on
Coastal charm meets endless possibilities. Set within South Shores waterfront community, this spacious 3-bedroom + office/flex space, 2.5-bath home in Morehead City offers a laid-back coastal lifestyle. Positioned on a second-row corner lot, this home has a large covered front porch to enjoy easy breezes, and an expansive interior layout provides ample room for gatherings. Convenience meets
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!
Enjoy refined coastal living in Clearwater, where comfort, convenience, and an easygoing lifestyle come together in this well-maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath home.The outdoor space adds to the appeal, with a welcoming backyard and comfortable sitting area ideal for morning coffee, quiet evenings, or simply enjoying the coastal air. It is an inviting extension of the home and a perfect setting
Updated, neutral, paint in all bedrooms, living room and dining room! Plus under appraisal value. Updated AI staging to envision room options. Unique opportunity outside city limits and taxes!Welcome home to this beautifully maintained, 3 bedroom 2 and a half bath, plus large bonus room, one-owner property on nearly half an acre in Morehead City where thoughtful updates meet timeless
Nestled among the coastal charm of Morehead City, this three-bedroom, three-bathroom home offers spacious living wrapped in a friendly, established neighborhood setting. From the first glance, you'll sense that this is a place designed for both easy everyday routines and effortless entertaining.Inside, the layout feels generous and thoughtfully arranged, complete with a dedicated office
Welcome home to easy single-level living in this beautifully refreshed 3-bedroom, 2-full bath property. Featuring a desirable split-bedroom floor plan, this home has been updated with durable LVP flooring throughout, fresh interior paint, new lighting fixtures, and updated bathroom vanities, mirrors, and toilets. Sitting on more than a half acre with no HOA, the property offers plenty of space
You will love this updated coastal home located in a sought-after sound side neighborhood, close to everything you enjoy about life on the coast--beach and boating, shops and restaurants, family and friends. This established waterfront community is an excellent choice for a primary residence, second home, or investment property, with quiet streets ideal for walking and biking and access to a
Experience coastal comfort in this first-floor 3BR/3BA condo in the sought-after Shores at Spooners Creek Marina Community. Every bedroom offers its own en-suite., and the master retreat features a large walk-in closet, double vanity, jacuzzi tub, and stand-up shower for added convenience. The fully furnished interior includes an inviting electric fireplace, open living spaces, and a private
Calling all Investors! These cute 2 bedroom-2 bath condos do not come on the market for sale often. This one has a great tenant who would love to stay in this spot. Or are you looking for a starter place or just down-sizing? HVAC replaced in 2023 and the water heater replaced in 2020. This condo is in Morehead City limits and very close to the hospitals, medical offices, restaurants, and just
Check out this premium 58' boat slip at Olde Towne Yacht Club! Set sail from one of the best slips at Olde Towne Yacht Club Marina. This highly desirable end slip on Radio Island is located for convenient access to Beaufort and Morehead City. With stunning views and quality amenities, do not miss this opportunity at slip B19!
Arbors at Morehead City is a brand-new apartment community in Morehead City, NC, offering modern 1- and 2-bedroom apartment homes designed for effortless coastal living. Our pet-friendly community features smart home technology and contemporary finishes, all with easy access to Carteret County beaches, marinas, shopping, and waterfront dining. Experience luxury apartment living on the Crystal
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,
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
Lovely apartment community. Unit has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and is freshly painted. Updated appliances, and LVP flooring throughout common areas. Carpet in bedrooms. Tenants enjoy a free membership to the local Sports Center that has an indoor and an outdoor pool, sauna, jacuzzi, large gym with state-of-the-art equipment.
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
Property Id: 2205024 One bedroom studio condo in the heart of downtown Morehead. King size bed and a queen pullout sofa. Fully furnished with reserved parking for one. Code lock secures building entrance for extra security. Experience living right on the waterfront and walking distance to many elite restaurants. This condo rents monthly except during the summer months when it is a vacation
Property Id: 2725862 Newly renovated one level 2 bed/2 bath cottage style condo in the heart of Morehead City. Condo will be rented unfurnished and is only shown furnished for viewing purposes. Property features include a porch with 2 black wrought iron benches. Screened and glassed in porch on back with outdoor closet. New LVP flooring throughout, interior paint, quartz countertops in
Property Id: 2874267 Experience luxury living in this stunning fourth floor penthouse, located in downtown Morehead within walking distance to many restaurants and overlooking Big Rock Landing. This brand new residence features breathtaking waterfront views, five spacious bedrooms, and five modern bathrooms, comfortably sleeping up to 12 people and offering ample space for family and guests.
Single level townhome close to all of downtown Morehead City and area beaches. Community dock, water view, new kitchen and LVP flooring. Year lease and tenants responsible for utilities and pest treatment.
Waterfront Living at Its Finest in Morehead City! Welcome to 4425 Arendell Street, Unit 609! This beautifully furnished, three-bedroom, three-bathroom marina-front condominium offers comfortable coastal living in the heart of Morehead City. Tastefully decorated and thoughtfully appointed, this spacious residence is ready for you to move in and enjoy. All utilities are included, making
Available NOV 1. 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 unit located in the Harborside Club at 70W. The Harborside Club are luxury condominiums that are convenient to restaurants, shopping,
Just Reduced. This charming nostalgic large 4 bedrooms cottage has 1 bathroom with the master bedroom on 1st level. Hardwoods and vinyl flooring. Freshly painted. Conveniently located in downtown Morehead city close to schools, shopping, medical and only a few blocks for city waterfront parks/recreational areas. No pets
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