At the southern tip of North Carolina is a coastal town of just under 10,000 people, where anglers gather along the pier in the early morning, and summertime sees beaches full of families lounging beneath fluttering umbrellas. Oak Island, the largest barrier island surrounding Southport, has long been known as a tourist destination for its natural scenery, waterfront lifestyle and laidback community feel. “A lot of people who visit for vacation decide they want to live here,” says Sue Singleton, who lived on the island for seven years and works as a Realtor for Carolina Coast Homes Real Estate LLC. “Despite the tourism, it’s just a small-town vibe. We live on island time — real slow. You can go to Wilmington and Myrtle Beach for the big shows and shopping, but at the end of the day, you want to come back to a relaxed community.” Many living on Oak Island are either retired or work remote jobs.
Oak Island Pier is a popular saltwater fishing spot where anglers catch large Bluefish.
Oak Island residents go for a fun bike ride on the beach with a nice ocean breeze.
Live the coastal lifestyle on the waterways in Oak Island with serene marsh views.
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Fresh produce at Middleton Park Complex
Oak Island Parks and Facilities oversees several green spaces, nature trails, and sports complexes. Wainwright says the city provides many beach access points and public parking, which is helpful when the island hits peak tourist season. “Boating is huge here, to the point where a buyer may not pick a property if it can’t have a boat lift built in,” Wainwright says. “With all our different waterways, including the intracoastal, kayaking and fishing is a big deal, too.” The Middleton Park Complex, considered a central city park, is the site of the Oak Island Farmer's Market and the Middleton Park Amphitheater.
Oak Island residents love to take a stroll on the nice walking trail at Middleton Park in Oak Island.
Meet friends on the courts for a fun game of pickleball at Middleton Park in Oak Island.
Families love to gather to chat, play, and watch concerts at the Middleton Park Complex Amphitheater in Oak Island.
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Relaxing to the tunes of the Summer Concert Series
For a relatively small area, Oak Island hosts many events throughout the year. “There’s lots of opportunity to get out in the community,” Singleton says. “Marathons, parades for any holiday, you name it. Not to mention the small pop-ups, like artisan and produce markets.” From May to August, the field surrounding the Middleton Park Amphitheater fills with residents toting in their lounge chairs and coolers to catch the annual Summer Concert Series tunes.
Coastal homes on Oak Island
The median price in Oak Island for a contemporary single-family home is $680,000, much higher than the national median. With the area's extensive housing stock, prices are lower here than in other waterside communities. “Sure, your direct waterfront homes with multiple bedrooms can get over a million dollars. But it’s insane to me that in most homes, you’re within walking distance from the beach and it’s less than $700,000,” says Jessica Wainwright, local Realtor and owner of Live Love Brunswick. “Now more than ever, people want to live here year-round."
Oak Island has spacious waterfront homes with double porches and coastal styles.
Find gorgeous waterside homes with private docks and boat lifts.
Oak Island locals love the walking distance to the beach from their front door.
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Heading to Southport for extensive shopping
Despite its small size, Oak Island has all the essentials. “We have your well-known grocery stores and, importantly, a Dollar General. If you’re from the South, you’ve come to love Dollar General,” Singleton says. “We have mom-and-pop shops, little boutiques and seafood restaurants — it’s a vintage feel. You’re a 10-minute drive to chain restaurants and more shopping.”
Dollar General in Southport is a popular store for shopping near Oak Island.
Beach Pantry on Oak Island is a quick and easy option for groceries on island.
Locals like to shop at Haag & Sons Seafood on Oak Island for fresh local seafood.
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Schooling with Brunswick County
Oak Island is served by Brunswick County Schools, which earns a B from Niche. There aren't any schools on the island, so many parents will drive their children to a nearby school. Singleton says most children attend schools in either Southport or Bolivia, and zoning is not set in stone; parents can apply to send their children to a school of choice.
Southport Christian School is a private, Christian school that serves students in grades PK, K-8 in Southport.
South Brunswick Middle School is a public school in Southport serving students in grades 6-8.
South Brunswick High School in Southport is a public high school serving students in grades 9-12.
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Free rides with Brunswick Transit Services
Major thoroughfares include North Carolina highways 133, 906 and 211. All of them connect to Route 17 and Interstate 140. While most residents drive, Brunswick Transit Services offers on-demand rides that the North Carolina Department of Transportation sponsors. “For urgent care, you’ll have to cross the bridge into the Southport area — it’s still less than 10 minutes,” Singleton says. “And Cape Fear has a regional airport, but for most people, it’s worth it to head up for about an hour to Wilmington International.”
Oak Island crime statistics and weather patterns
The Oak Island Police Department reports that the island has significantly lower violent and property crime rates than state and national averages. When it comes to weather, the city experiences hot summers and mild winters. There is a risk of flooding and storms, though a good portion of the island is not in a flood zone. Oak Island has a Hazard Mitigation Plan that is maintained and updated at five-year intervals.
Written By
Kaitie Lamb
Photography Contributed By
Jon Puckett
Video By
Christian Gortler
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Brett Blizzard,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Oak Island, NC sell after 85 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Oak Island, NC over the last 12 months is $675,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Single-level island home close to west-end beach. Only two years old. Move-in condition. No HOA. Open floor plan with welcoming foyer and kitchen island. Large screened porch opens to custom fenced private backyard covered in sod with irrigation system. Two-car garage. Private outdoor shower. Upgrades include metal roof, 9-foot ceilings with crown moulding. All major appliances remain. Great
Slow Your Roll. Then watch your investment accelerate. This proven high-performing oceanfront rental offers 7 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, and 2,693 sq ft designed for capacity, comfort, and revenue. With a reverse floor plan, elevator, two family rooms, and a flex space, it comfortably accommodates large groups -- driving consistent, high-demand rental performance. The property has been exceptionally
Experience easy coastal living in this fully furnished 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo located in the sought-after South Harbour Village community. Situated on the second floor with elevator access, this residence offers both privacy and convenience. Inside, you'll find a bright, open layout with 9-foot ceilings and brand-new luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout. The kitchen flows seamlessly into the
This is the Waterfront home you have been waiting for! Almost a half acre with 2 lots give plenty of room to enjoy privacy amongst the nice landscaping where you can enjoy bird watching. Well and irrigation are available to keep it pristine. Most of your time will probably be spent on the dock or hopping onto your boat for joyriding. The detached garage is conditioned for workshop, tinkering or
This almost new 2023 pristine open floor-plan beach home includes an in-ground POOL, fenced-in backyard, furnishings, all appliances, walking distance to the beach and more!!! Live the Island Dream in this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 1,482 heated square feet home, completed in October 2023. Enjoy the back screened porch to watch over the saltwater pool, relax on the pool's lounge pad area, covered
More than just a beach house, this could be your forever home. Ideal for year round living or beach times with 5 bedrooms & 3.5 baths. Hardwood flooring and architectural details are an extra bonus. Featuring a dry entry + a grand double front staircase with landing. Convenience meets comfort in this thoughtfully designed home. The first floor welcomes you with the living room, kitchen, and
Welcome home to Oak Island--where luxury, comfort, and coastal lifestyle come together beautifully. This thoughtfully designed 3-bedroom, 3-bath home offers an open main living floor plan that perfectly balances spaciousness with warmth, making it ideal for both entertaining guests and enjoying quiet evenings at home. The main level features an expansive living area that flows seamlessly into the
OCEAN FRONT LIVING at it's best! Custom built by current owners & NOT a rental yet the potential is there with a healthy projection of $200,000.!. This is the ideal beach home and can be used as your Permanent, Vacation or Investment Home. Choose one of your covered porches or open deck to watch the ocean roll in, feel the salt water breezes and capture the sunrises and sunsets over beautiful Oak
Feel Reel Blessed living in this well-appointed beach home on Oak Island! This residence is close to some of the best attractions in Oak Island, walk or ride your golf cart to the Oak Island Nature Center or soak up the sun at one of the nearby public beach access points. This three bedroom, two bath home is being offered fully furnished and move in ready. With impressive rental income history,
Location Location Location on the Southside of Oak Island and only a few streets over to the 9th street Beach walkover with sidewalk to use to get there without crossing Oak Island Drive.! If you are Looking for something different in a Better than New home on beautiful Oak Island, This is the home for you with inviting front porch & a rear screened porch ideal for entertaining or relaxing.
Single-level island home close to west-end beach. Only two years old. Move-in condition. No HOA. Open floor plan with welcoming foyer and kitchen island. Large screened porch opens to custom fenced private backyard covered in sod with irrigation system. Two-car garage. Private outdoor shower. Upgrades include metal roof, 9-foot ceilings with crown moulding. All major appliances remain. Great
Double your pleasure with 2 lots and 2 bedroom 1 bath home on Oak Island! Popular in the 70's this classic style home gives a nostalgic nod to lazy summers and has circled back around to today's island living. Recently installed fortified roof. Complete with carport and utility room, This home has a spacious kitchen and the laundry room is off the kitchen leading out to the carport. The huge
Welcome to this inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in the sought-after community of South Harbour Village. The open layout connects the living, dining, kitchen, and all-season room, creating an easy flow for everyday living and entertaining. The living area features vaulted ceilings and a cozy gas fireplace, while the Carolina room shines with lots of windows, leads out to the arbor and has views of
What if the best parts of Oak Island were right outside your door? Perfectly positioned just down the street from direct public access to the Atlantic Ocean and only steps from the Intracoastal Waterway, this charming coastal cottage offers an incredible opportunity to enjoy island living in one of Oak Island's most desirable locations. Imagine morning walks to the beach, afternoons casting a
Ocean Front living at its finest, featuring in-ground pool, oversized covered deck, gazebo, brand new luxury kitchen, 5 bedrooms, 4 newly remodeled bathrooms, LVT & tile flooring throughout, brand new 2-car garage (418 square feet), 9x12 storage room, fully furnished, and the list goes on!!! Huge rental potential, projections over $175,000/year. The high-end kitchen takes your breath away, FORNO
Welcome to Hawthorne at Pine Forest Apartments in Oak Island, North Carolina, offering luxurious one, two and three bedroom apartment homes. With an exclusive amenity package like none other in the area, custom designer interiors and an ideal location just minutes from Oak Island and Southport. Hawthorne at Pine Forest has everything you need to create the perfect coastal lifestyle you are
This one story all brick ranch home on Oak Island is ready for you to move into. There is plenty of garage storage for your cars and the oversized corner home-site gives you extra room. Direct beach access is almost right across the street, and you can hear the ocean from your yard. Come on down and move in today! Lawn maintenance included.3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, Living Room, Kitchen, Family Room,
Beautifully furnished 2BR/2BA private guest apartment available March 1 in sought-after Oak Island Estates. This second-floor unit sits above a detached two-car garage (garage not included) and is completely private from the main residence with no adjoining walls. Accessed by one flight of covered exterior stairs, thoughtfully enclosed with wood slat siding for added privacy and weather
Apartments For Rent Close to the Beach in Southport, North CarolinaCome live in our gorgeous communitywe have studios and 1 or 2 bedroom apartments!Our Egret Crossing Apartments are located in the heart of Southport, offering a comfortable and affordable home that is mere minutes from the ocean. These beautiful apartments are spacious, clean, and ideal for individuals, couples, or
Live the Oak Island Dream! Fully Equipped Ranch-Style HomeForget lugging suitcases up and down stairs. This charming single-story home offers ultimate convenience in the heart of Oak Island. With a prime location, you'll be just a 4-block walk from the beach, grocery store, and local shops.3 spacious bedrooms and 2 newly updated bathrooms.Fully equipped and well-maintained
Marta ParilliColdwell Banker Howard Perry & Walston
This semi-furnished apartment is absolutely adorable! It is a one bedroom, one bathroom, but it has a loft that can be used as another bedroom or family/gathering room. There is a two level balcony/deck, from which the ocean view is spectacular at sunrise and sunset. There are hardwood floors and granite countertops in the kitchen, and lovely tilework in the bathroom. The water and sewer are
Coming Soon! Waterfront condo in South Harbour Village. Open layout, large bedrooms, and a private balcony. Minutes to downtown Southport, Oak Island, and local dining.
***MOVE-IN SPECIAL*** $500 OFF OF YOUR FIRST MONTH'S RENT AND APPLICATION FEES WAIVED UPON APPROVAL!!! WARMER ACCOMMODATIONS FOR WINTER TRAVELERS! Escape the winter chill and embrace the warmth in this perfectly situated, fully-furnished home! Designed with winter travelers in mind, this cozy retreat boasts three bedrooms and two bathrooms, providing ample space for relaxation and rejuvenation.
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