$1,400,212Average Value$451Average Price per Sq Ft
A waterfront subdivision with an eco-friendly focus
Whalebone Beaches may be a small section of Nags Head, but the waterfront subdivision has shopping, dining, parks and beach access all within walking distance. One of the most unique features of the neighborhood is Jennette’s Pier, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This fishing pier goes beyond angling with an education department that teaches the public about conservation and sustainability. “The state owns it, and it completely runs off of wind and ocean waves,” Michael Siers says, a broker with Howard Hanna Outer Banks Realty, who has been selling in the area for over 14 years. “They take the salt out of the water to make their drinking water. Everything they do is self-contained and encapsulated in one eco-friendly pier.”
Families have enjoyed sunset at Jeanette's Pier in Whalebone Beach since 1939.
Find tranquility listening to the waves under Jeanette's Pier in Whalebone Beach.
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Windsurfing, ziplining and nautical playscapes
In addition to experiencing Jennette’s Pier, all beach access in Nags Head is public. Harvey Soundside Park is a small recreation area by the water often used for windsurfing, kayaking and paddle boarding. The nautical-themed playground at Whalebone Park fits Nags Head’s coastal vibe. The park also has bocce ball and volleyball courts. “It’s probably the second most popular park in Nags Head,” Siers says. “The first would be Dowdy’s Park.” Dowdy’s spans 5 acres, providing inclusive playground equipment and access to outdoor events such as live concerts, movie nights and farmers markets. Adrenaline seekers of all levels can explore the 50 aerial obstacle courses and 14 ziplines at First Flight Adventure Park. There are a few mini-golf courses near the neighborhood, including the dinosaur-themed Jurassic Putt.
A sunset kayak trip on Roanoke Sound in a picturesque way to end the day in Whalebone Beach.
Waiting for the surf to come up is a pleasure at the beautiful Whalebone Beach.
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Eating like a local at the Outer Banks Seafood Festival
The Soundside Event Center hosts the Soundside Summer Market Series. Every Wednesday from June 19th to August 14th, over 60 local vendors gather to sell records, art, raw honey and other homemade goods. The event center has hosted the annual Soundside Fun Fair for over seven years. The carnival is considered the kick-off for the summer season. The Outer Banks Seafood Festival celebrates coastal heritage and community through food. Their website encourages festival attendees to “eat like a local and drink like a fish” while enjoying live music.
Nags Head style homes unique to the area
Homes comprise about 27% of the neighborhood’s livable space, while hotels, motels and villas comprise about 47%. Many homes in Whalebone Beaches have a distinct Outer Banks look. “They call it a Nags Head style,” Siers says. “It has a steeper architectural roof and a big porch to feel the coastal breeze.” Other styles include reverse architecture with an upside-down or inverted floor plan to take advantage of the ocean views. Houses go on the market for $880,000 to $3 million, with the number of bedrooms ranging from four to eight. On the higher end of the price range, properties are likely waterfront, have interior square footage up to 5,000 or more and have an inground pool.
Home sizes vary widely in Whalebone Beach.
Classic Nags Head style homes are found throughout Whalebone Beach.
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Dare County Schools in Manteo
Nags Head Elementary has a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1 and offers after-school care until 6 p.m. Students at Manteo Middle can join clubs and activities like a culinary club and STEM activities club. Manteo High partnered with the College of Albemarle to allow students to earn college credits. Students may earn an associate degree in engineering, science, fine arts or teaching. All three Dare County schools earn a B-plus on Niche. “All of the schools have been recently built,” Myatt says. “Our education system has drastically improved over the last decade or so. For the state, it’s really top-notch.”
Manteo Middle School serves students in grades 6-8 in Manteo, NC.
Manteo High School is a public high school in the Dare County School District.
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Crossing two bridges to the mainland
North Carolina Highway 12, known as The Beach Road, runs through Whalebone Beaches. U.S. Highway 158 runs parallel to the neighborhood’s western border. “I’m local, so I call it The Bypass,” Myatt says of U.S. 185. The two merge and cross the Washington Baum Bridge to Roanoke Island, a trip that will take less than 5 minutes to the middle of the island. The Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge goes from Roanoke Island to the mainland. There is no public transportation here, but Whalebone Beaches is within walking distance of some locations in Nags Head. Other destinations require crossing South Croatan Highway, which has limited crosswalks. The drive to Dare County Regional Airport will take around 9 miles or 20 minutes.
Whalebone Beach is connected to the mainland via the Wright Memorial Bridge.
The Washington Baum Bridge connects Whalebone Beach to Roanoke Island.
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Family owned and operated shops and eateries
Many small clothing boutiques, souvenir stores and ice cream shops are scattered throughout Whalebone Beaches. Cahoon’s Market and Cottages is a family owned and operated grocery store since 1962. The market’s deli provides quick lunch options before heading out on the water. There are plenty of seafood options for a sit-down meal, including one of the oldest restaurants in the Outer Banks. “Sam & Omie’s was started by a father and son as a fishing chartering service that served breakfast,” Siers says. This community staple opened in 1937 and is self-proclaimed for having a “barefoot and beachy” vibe. It serves morning, midday and nighttime dishes. Less than a half mile outside the community, The Outlets Nags Head is a short walk or drive away and houses brands like Aerie, Talbots and Sperry. “Nags Head has less of a noticeable commercial area compared to other parts of the Outer Banks,” Siers says. “It’s much more of a coastal village."
Locals shop for grocery essentials at Cahoon's Market in Whalebone Beach.
Dune Burger is one of several lunch spots in Whalebone Beach.
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Environmental factors
Whether visiting or living in Nags Head, knowing how to survive a rip current is essential. “It’s definitely something to educate yourself about,” Myatt says. “Anytime you get in the ocean, you should know how to spot a riptide.” Lifeguards will post red flags when swimming is prohibited. Hurricanes are another environmental concern for those residing in the Outer Banks. Everyone should watch for storm alerts from official sources, have an evacuation kit prepared and know evacuation zones and routes. Residents and non-residents will need a re-entry permit from Dare County Emergency Management during a State of Emergency.
Highway 12 runs through Whalebone Beach, connecting it to nearby beach communities.
Sunset over Roanoke sound is a relaxing sight in Whalebone Beach.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Brook Sparks,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Whalebone Park
Harvey Soundside Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Whalebone Beaches
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Whalebone Beaches Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Whalebone Beaches, Nags Head sell after 84 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Whalebone Beaches, Nags Head over the last 12 months is $938,400, up 36% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
"Jennette's Cottages" Was fully approved in 2018 as a Cottage Court consisting of 6 houses, 24 bedrooms with pool at Whalebone Junction, located directly across the street from Jennette's Pier and directly adjacent to Sam & Omie's Restaurant. This parcel of land extends from the Beach Road to US 158. Great ocean and sound views.As there have been no significant changes to the Town Code
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Brook Sparks,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
41
Median Age
62
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
9.8%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
41.5%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$74,999
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$106,932
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.2%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
47.2%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.6%
% Population in Labor Force
62.2%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
50''
Average Winter Low Temperature
36°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
59/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
43/ 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.
