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
Rhonda Kelly,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Oak Island, NC sell after 84 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 $677,500, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this 3-bedroom, 2-bath beach home in Oak Island, offered fully furnished and move-in ready. Conveniently located near public beach access and just down the street from the Oak Island Nature Center, which offers walking trails, picnic areas, and a public boat ramp. The home features an open-concept living, kitchen, and dining area designed for comfortable coastal living and
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
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 this 3-bedroom, 2-bath beach home in Oak Island, offered fully furnished and move-in ready. Conveniently located near public beach access and just down the street from the Oak Island Nature Center, which offers walking trails, picnic areas, and a public boat ramp. The home features an open-concept living, kitchen, and dining area designed for comfortable coastal living and
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
This is where your beach life starts... and where it begins to pay you back. Tucked on a quiet non-through street in Oak Island with easy access to the beach corridor, this 2019-built 3BR/2BA home is designed for the way you actually want to use it. Long weekends, extended stays, mornings before the beach... and when you're not here, the option to let it work for you. Offered fully furnished,
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
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
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
Coastal living at an exceptional value! 6 White Lane offers over 1,900 square feet of living space with three bedrooms, two full baths, and a flexible bonus room, just a quarter mile from the beach without paying first or second row prices.Step inside to a comfortable living space accented by cathedral ceilings that bring in natural light and a relaxed coastal feel from the moment you walk
PRICE REDUCED!! Discover this beautifully updated, brick traditional two-story home in ''The Arboretum'' neighborhood of Caswell Beach. This spacious 5-bedroom (all upstairs) residence has been meticulously updated over the past several years, featuring newer paint, hardwood flooring, updated lighting, a heat pump, new ductwork, two A/C units, an encapsulated crawl space, a newer water heater and
Welcome to your perfect coastal getaway or high-performing investment property! This beautifully furnished ground level 2-bedroom, 1-bath condo is located just a stone's throw from public beach access--only 100 steps to the sand. Enjoy an open floor plan with a bright, beachy decor that instantly puts you in vacation mode. The home features newer waterproof LVP flooring, updated countertops and
Second Row Beach House with Ocean Views - Turnkey & Move-In Ready! Discover this beautiful second-row beach home offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the iconic Ocean crest Pier from both decks. This immaculate three-bedroom, three-bath home has been completely updated and is truly turnkey -- all furniture and furnishings are included. The thoughtfully designed floor plan makes it
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
**Stunning Remodeled Coastal Paradise!** This one-of-a-kind home is just steps away from the golden sands and sparkling waves, designed with large families in mind and features multiple living areas. It boasts two kitchens with quartz countertops and stylish tiled backsplashes. Enjoy game nights with ping pong and foosball in the rec room while taking in glimpses of the ocean through newly
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
Newer Fully furnished 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, Living Room,Kitchen w/Dining area, screened in rear porch, Fenced in yard.Rent = $2,200, includes water & InternetTenant responsible for Electric & CableSecurity deposit = $2,200.Pet negotiable.Available 5/1/26
Property Id: 2456182Nice Home for rent quiet end of the Island. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms , screened front porch, paved driveway , utility Bldg. Carpet and vinyl plank flooring. Stove, refrigerator
OAK ISLAND2 Bedrooms/2 BathroomsPets permitted with monthly pet fee Property Features:- First floor unit- Open Concept main living area.- Luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout- Primary bedroom with ceiling fan, features en suite bathroom.- Primary bathroom with walk in shower- Additional bedroom with en suite bathroom, ceiling fan and two closets- Washer and
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
GORGEOUS 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.
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 kitchen.
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