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
Philip Bishop,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Oak Island, NC sell after 79 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Oak Island, NC over the last 12 months is $685,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This lovely cottage is only one year old and barely used with no HOA dues. Great location in the wooded golf-cart-friendly area of Oak Island. At the north end of 78th Street and only about 900 feet from the house is the public-use 78th Street Crab Dock where wide views of the marsh creek and the Intracoastal Waterway have ever-changing four-season views. The Dock is a popular fishing and
Live the Oak Island dream in this beautifully maintained, move-in-ready 3BR/2BA bungalow featuring brand-new flooring! Perfectly situated in the heart of the island and outside of a flood zone, this charming single-level home offers the ideal blend of comfort, convenience, and coastal living. The bright, welcoming layout provides plenty of room for family and guests, making it a fantastic primary
Every detail of this stunning one level, like new island retreat has been thoughtfully curated to blend timeless coastal elegance with modern luxury. Tucked away in a peaceful island location yet minutes by golf cart to a beach access and convenience store, this exquisite 3-bedroom, 2-bath home welcomes you with striking curb appeal featuring a sleek metal roof, gutters, black-framed windows,
This lovely cottage is only one year old and barely used with no HOA dues. Great location in the wooded golf-cart-friendly area of Oak Island. At the north end of 78th Street and only about 900 feet from the house is the public-use 78th Street Crab Dock where wide views of the marsh creek and the Intracoastal Waterway have ever-changing four-season views. The Dock is a popular fishing and
This beautiful 2015 home is designed for gathering, flexibility, and coastal living, this home delivers space where it matters most. A giant open living area with vaulted and high ceilings sets the WOW tone, offering an expansive and welcoming environment ideal for hosting large gatherings while remaining comfortable for everyday living. The home also features a large laundry room/mud room area
Live the Oak Island dream in this beautifully maintained, move-in-ready 3BR/2BA bungalow featuring brand-new flooring! Perfectly situated in the heart of the island and outside of a flood zone, this charming single-level home offers the ideal blend of comfort, convenience, and coastal living. The bright, welcoming layout provides plenty of room for family and guests, making it a fantastic primary
WHAT!!?? AT THIS PRICE!!! AND SOOO CLOSE THE SAND AND THOSE OCEAN WAVES!!! Welcome to your turnkey beach retreat just steps from the shoreline! This beautifully furnished ground-level 2-bedroom, 1-bath condo offers the perfect combination of personal getaway and income-producing potential. Located only about 100 steps from public beach access, you can have your toes in the sand in
Spectacular Ocean-View Beach Retreat - Turnkey, Fully Furnished & Rental Ready!Wake up to breathtaking Atlantic Ocean sunrises and sweeping views of the iconic Ocean Crest Pier from the expansive decks of this beautifully updated second-row beach home. Perfectly positioned in one of the island's most desirable locations, this immaculate three-bedroom, three-bath coastal retreat offers the
This beautifully renovated home with a split-bedroom floorplan is now available for showings, and it's one you won't want to miss. Tucked away on a quiet dead-end street just a few streets from the 20th Street Crossover, you'll enjoy easy beach access and even hear the ocean from the home. The spacious, updated kitchen is designed for both style and function, featuring a gas stove with exhaust
Every detail of this stunning one level, like new island retreat has been thoughtfully curated to blend timeless coastal elegance with modern luxury. Tucked away in a peaceful island location yet minutes by golf cart to a beach access and convenience store, this exquisite 3-bedroom, 2-bath home welcomes you with striking curb appeal featuring a sleek metal roof, gutters, black-framed windows,
This 4-bedroom, 2 full bath home offers truly breathtaking views and endless potential to make it your own. Showcasing beautiful exposed wood throughout, the property provides the opportunity to preserve its natural charm or customize with your favorite coastal-inspired colors. Offered fully furnished, this home is move-in ready with rental history available, making it an excellent investment
The soft swish and sway of sea oats atop the dune as you sit in your favorite rocker, a cool ocean breeze caressing your shirt, and all the stars in the sky winking at you over the Atlantic Ocean. This is what memories are made of. That's what welcomes you at 645 Caswell Beach Road, Memory Maker, an OCEANFRONT retreat perfectly situated between historic Southport and Oak Island on one of North
Experience elevated coastal luxury with breathtaking panoramic views of the Intracoastal Waterway in this extraordinary 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath penthouse residence complete with a private elevator and private boat slip with boat lift. Perfectly positioned in one of the area's most desirable locations, this exceptional home offers front-row access to the very best of island living. Designed for both
Welcome to 1401 E Oak Island Drive, a versatile 4-bedroom, 3-bath coastal retreat designed for comfort, style, and flexibility. This well-maintained home is perfect for island living, whether you're hosting guests or enjoying the peace and quiet. Inside, you'll find updates including flooring installed in 2021, new water heater in 2025, and new KitchenAid appliances installed in 2025, adding
Now is our your chance to own this spectacular, spacious 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom beach house on a remarkable .26 acre second row lot and a half! That's 75 feet of road frontage on Oak Island's desirable West Beach Drive! Adorned with a comfy outside covered front porch where you can relax and take in the ocean views and smell the salty air! Step inside to 1,500+ sq.ft. in this oversized 3 Bedroom /
Welcome to Hawthorne at Pine Forest Apartments in Oak Island, North Carolina, offering luxurious one, two and three bedroom apartment homes. With an exclusive market-leading 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
STUNNING OAK ISLAND BEACH HOME. FULLY FURNISHED. OCEAN BREEZES AND SHORT WALK TO BEACH. TOTAL OF 4 DECKS. GORGEOUS VIEW OF THE INTERCOASTAL WATERWAY. ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED. AVAILABLE 10/1/26 to 4/1/27. MINIMUM OF 3 MONTH RENTAL.
**OAK ISLAND WINTER WONDERLAND AWAITS! SUN, SAND, AND SERENITY – YOUR PERFECT COASTAL GETAWAY****INTERIOR FEATURES:*** Three comfortable bedrooms, two full bathrooms* Open-concept living area, perfect for relaxing and entertaining* Fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops* Single-story home for easy accessibility* Convenient
*** AVAILABLE NOW *** IN SOUTH HARBOUR VILLAGE NEAR OAK ISLAND AND SOUTHPORT NC . 3 bed / 2 bath . Screen porch . 2 car garage . Corner lot . All appliances (no Washer/dryer provided) .Lawn maintenance included . Access to pool/clubhouse, tennis and pickleball . Prefer no pets . Tenant pays water/sewer/power/internet .
Brian DeutschSouthport Realty, Inc.
$2,500 per month
HOT TUB ANYONE? THIS OFF-SEASON RENTAL IS AVAILABLE NOV-FEB '27
UNWIND & RELAX: YOUR OFF-SEASON BEACH COTTAGE AWAITS!INTERIOR FEATURES:* Three bedrooms* Two bathrooms for convenience* Spacious living area with Smart TV and sectional sofa* Fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances* One-story home with easy access* Washer and dryer for your convenience* Coastal cottage décor* Pet friendlyEXTERIOR
**YOUR COASTAL RETREAT AWAITS! FURNISHED MONTHLY RENTAL AVAILABLE!**INTERIOR FEATURES:* Four bedrooms, including primary suite with ensuite bath* Three bathrooms* Comfortable living room with sectional sofa and large TV* Fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances and island seating* Open floor plan ideal for gatherings* Top floor suite perfect for
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