Ocean views and a vacation-like atmosphere in Ocean Isle Beach
Panoramic Atlantic views and palm-lined streets are around every corner in Ocean Isle Beach. Around 10 miles from the South Carolina Border, the town is bordered by the ocean to the south and the intracoastal waterway to the north. Many locals have second houses in Ocean Isle Beach and seasonally rent out their homes to vacationers, with some residents living in the community year-round. “We’re almost exactly halfway between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach,” says Jesse McCrery, a long-time resident and real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Sloane Realty. “You can get to either city in about 45 minutes, but you’re away from the hustle and bustle. Ocean Isle Beach has a sleepy, beach-town atmosphere.”
Colorful beach houses and private water access
Palm trees dot the quaint front lots of coastal-style homes, with pastel greens, yellows and blues contributing to a laid-back beach-town atmosphere. Most of the area’s homes have private water access, either to the beach or to the Intracoastal Waterway. Houses sit on small, 5,000-square foot lots, and many feature in-ground pools. Fixer-uppers and houses without direct water access range from $650,000 to $850,000, while canal and beachfront houses can go for $750,000 to $4.1 million, with prices increasing with square footage, modern upgrades and private pools. Condos and townhomes range from $220,000 to $875,000.
A fishing pier, walking trails and oceanside strolls
Ocean Isle Beach has a large boating community. Canal-side residents have private dock access, while other boat owners can use the nearby Ocean Isle Marina or the boat ramp along Causeway Drive. There are numerous public beach access points on First Street, while anglers can often be found gathering along the Ocean Isle Beach Pier. “Our beaches here face south,” says McCrery. “It’s pretty unusual. In the summer, we get the cool breeze from the ocean, and, in the winter months, we are shielded from the harsh winds coming from the northeast.” Walkers can take a stroll along the mile-long nature trail on the east side of town or venture out to the secluded far east end of the beach for a walk along Shallotte Inlet.
Summertime events at Town Center Park
Town Center Park has a playground, a splash pad, open field space and an amphitheater. On Wednesday evenings from May to August, the park hosts Moonlight Movies, where people gather with camp chairs and blankets to enjoy a movie under the stars. The park also hosts the Summer Concert Series on Friday nights.
Seafood restaurants and sunset views
Causeway Drive is dotted with shops and restaurants, including Jinks Creek Waterfront Grille, which is known for its seafood, cocktails and views. “Jinx Creek has the best sunsets on the island,” McCrery says. “It has a large, west-facing patio and, at sundown, everything turns red and purple.” 59 Causeway Grill is the go-to local spot for breakfast, serving coffee, homemade bagels and pancakes. For dessert, Ocean Isle Creamery offers hand-scooped ice cream and milkshakes. Sheffield’s sells fishing gear, bait and freshly caught seafood and is accessible by both car and boat. Lowe’s Foods and Publix are both nearby options for groceries.
Career and technical education courses at West Brunswick High
Most full-time residents are served by Union Elementary School, which earns an A-minus grade from Niche. Shallotte Middle School receives a B-minus and has a variety of elective offerings, including handbells, art and business education. Also with a B-minus, West Brunswick High School has seven career and technical education pathways, with courses ranging from horticulture and sustainable agriculture to business management and biomedical technology.
Driving along the Coastal Highway
United States Route 17, locally known as the Coastal Highway, can take drivers around 40 miles northeast to Wilmington and the Wilmington International Airport or 140 miles south to Charleston.
Written By
Jillian Pillow
