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
Brendan Gordon,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Oak Island, NC sell after 81 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Oak Island, NC over the last 12 months is $685,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Best Condo in The Preserve! Welcome to this beautifully updated top-floor, corner unit where privacy, light, and thoughtful upgrades come together effortlessly. The Preserve is conveniently positioned between downtown Historic Southport and Oak Islands beautiful beaches. Step inside to a welcoming foyer with space for seating and a statement table, complete with a coat closet for added
BACK ON MARKET DUE TO NO FAULT OF SELLERS. This well-maintained coastal home in the Oakwood Glen community offers convenient access to Oak Island beaches, local shopping, and dining, all within approximately 10 minutes. Set on a spacious 0.5-acre lot with mature trees, the property provides a comfortable blend of indoor and outdoor living. The home features a bright, open living area with
Nestled beneath majestic live oaks on Oak Island's sought-after west end, this beautifully maintained 4BR/3BA home offers the perfect blend of coastal charm and spacious living. Designed for easy one-level living, the open floor plan features vaulted ceilings, a welcoming foyer, private office/den with glass pocket doors, and an updated kitchen with an oversized island, pantry, and abundant
Almost new and beautifully modern, this stunning home offers the perfect blend of coastal charm and high-end comfort--just moments from the Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean. Designed with both style and functionality in mind, every detail has been thoughtfully updated to create a truly move-in-ready retreat. Step inside to a bright and airy living space featuring soaring vaulted ceilings,
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
Seller is offering a $10,000 credit to the buyer, which may be applied toward closing costs, property improvements, or used at the buyer's discretion!Enjoy the Oak Island lifestyle in this beautifully maintained single level 3BR/2BA home. Ideally located in the center of the island and not in a flood zone. This charming bungalow offers a comfortable layout with space for family and guests,
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
Imagine morning walks to the beach and evening breezes enjoying the coastal air on your front porch swing. This Oak Island home, built in 2018, is elevated on pilings in an incredible location on the East side of Oak Island and moments from direct beach access. Natural light fills the open floor plan with vaulted ceilings, 3 beds, 2 baths, a laundry room with wood shelving in linen closet, and a
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
Where SE 22nd Street meets The Davis Canal, beneath a canopy of maritime oaks that wrap you in quiet, 108 SE 22nd Street has something harder to find than square footage: genuine peace. The trees, the stillness. It feels different from the moment you turn off Oak Island Drive. This is the kind of neighborhood where the pace slows down and stays that way. Also bringing peace are the NEW FORTIFIED
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
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
Apartments For Rent Close to the Beach in Southport, North CarolinaCome live in our gorgeous community—we 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
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
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
Stephanie SpencerRE/MAX at the Beach / Oak Island
$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
*** 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 .
**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
BECOME A LOCAL! ESCAPE TO OAK ISLAND THIS OFF-SEASON FOR SOME BEACH LIVING!INTERIOR FEATURES:* Four bed/1 full bath* Open-concept living space, perfect for gatherings* Fully equipped kitchen* Single-story living for easy access and convenience* Full size washer and dryer for your convenience* Unique deco features that bring coastal charm indoors* Furry friends
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