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Oak Island

Oak Island

Located in Brunswick County

$678,681 Average Value
$478 Average Price per Sq Ft
61 Homes For Sale

Living on island time in coastal North Carolina

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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Oak Island has spacious waterfront homes with double porches and coastal styles.
Find gorgeous waterside homes with private docks and boat lifts.
Find gorgeous waterside homes with private docks and boat lifts.
Oak Island locals love the walking distance to the beach from their front door.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.

Kaitie Lamb
Written By
Kaitie Lamb
Jon Puckett
Photography Contributed By
Jon Puckett
Christian Gortler
Video By
Christian Gortler

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jessica Wainwright, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

Oak Island Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$707,500
Median Sale Price
$680,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$750,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$395,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
352
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
5%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$478

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
8,737
Number of Homes for Sale
61
Median Year Built
1989
Months of Supply
2.10
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,520
Significantly below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,646
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
982
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
880
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,405

Open Houses

  • 6634 Kings Lynn Dr, Oak Island, NC 28465

    $2,000,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 5 Baths
    • 2,590 Sq Ft
    • 6634 Kings Lynn Dr
    • New 5 days ago

    Aptly named ''Seain' is Believin' this WATERFRONT opportunity in the highly sought after Kings Lynn area of Oak Island offers everything you have been wanting. This magnificent home is situated on a deep sound side lot with good elevation. Enjoy mesmerizing views & superior water access from your private dock where you can catch your seafood dinner or hop onto your boat and go joy riding or

    Agent Photo
    Kim Anderson
    Art Skipper Realty Inc.
    (855) 589-4689
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  • 31 Augusta Dr, Oak Island, NC 28465

    $749,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 4 Baths
    • 2,807 Sq Ft
    • 31 Augusta Dr
    • New 13 days ago

    Discover the dream of islander living in this splendid home nestled within the Oak Island Estates community on the Golf Course (yet NO HOA!) This spacious residence offers an ideal blend of comfort and functionality with 4 bedrooms and 4 full baths! Incredible opportunity to purchase a FURNISHED home recently renovated & remodeled with everything you want including quartz counters & tiled

    Agent Photo
    Kim Anderson
    Art Skipper Realty Inc.
    (833) 454-8230
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  • 3012 W Beach Dr, Oak Island, NC 28465

    $2,250,000

    • 10 Beds
    • 10.5 Baths
    • 4,032 Sq Ft
    • 3012 W Beach Dr
    • New 2 days ago

    Boasting right at $200,000 rental revenue for 2025 this 10 Bedroom home is located less than 400 feet to the public beach access. Atlantic Horizon provides space for the whole crew to go along with a private pool, hot tub, shuffleboard table & pool table! Luxury meets coastal bliss right across from the ocean! Imagine waking up to ocean views from this custom-built beach paradise! Rise to the top

    Agent Photo
    Kim Anderson
    Art Skipper Realty Inc.
    (866) 624-5704
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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Oak Island Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
16,695
Median Age
60
Population Density
12 ppl/acre
Population under 18
11.1%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
39.9%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$80,038
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$102,300

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95.3%
College Graduates
40.6%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
15.7%
% Population in Labor Force
49.2%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
56''
Average Winter Low Temperature
34°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

25 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

0 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

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.
Oak Island
Jessica Wainwright
Live Love Brunswick
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