Hatteras, often called Hatteras Village to avoid confusion with the larger Hatteras Island on which it’s located, is a small town with no shortage of attractions. Notably, Hatteras is home to the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, which offers educational exhibits on the Outer Banks’ history of seafaring and shipwrecks. It was also once the site of a Confederate fort during the Civil War that fell during the Battle of Hatteras Inlet Batteries. Today, however, the town is best represented by its motto: “laid back since way back.” Populated mostly by tourists in summer and roughly 600 permanent residents in winter, this remote Outer Banks village is known as a fishing destination with an easygoing vibe. Carla Reynolds is the broker-in-charge at NC 12 Realty and a longtime Buxton resident, but she says that her favorite place on the island is Hatteras. “It’s got a different feel,” says Reynolds. “It’s got a small year-round population, and it’s got a couple of the best restaurants and a lot of offshore fishing. You can take your golf cart to your favorite restaurant or the grocery store and feel like you’re on vacation, even if you live on the island.”
Discover coastal living in Hatteras with unique home styles and striking architectural detail.
Learn about maritime history and ship wrecks at Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras.
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Vacation rentals and permanent residences
Homes in Hatteras line the coast and the Sound. In typical beach town fashion, it’s common to see multi-story homes in bright pastel hues with rambling wraparound balconies. Others have rustic shingle siding and other desirable waterfront features, such as space to park or dock a boat. No matter the style, most houses sit atop wooden pilings, a feature that helps protect these homes from water damage during flooding. Hurricanes, tropical storms and nor’easters can affect properties along the coast, as most houses in Hatteras are in a flood zone. In addition to high winds and heat, home maintenance costs may be higher, as the salty sea air can cause metal to rust faster. Those prepared to take on the challenges of coastal living can find a one-bedroom cabana or a condo for $200,000 to $400,000, a rare price range for the Outer Banks. However, single-family homes with more space start at $400,000 and can climb to $2 million for beachfront views. “Since Hatteras has Soundfront, oceanfront and canals, it’s definitely more populated by tourists, but some people do live there year-round,” Reynolds says.
Hatteras has elevated oceanfront homes with large balconies and lovely views.
Hatteras has stunning craftsman style homes on the water with docks in Hatteras.
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Kids attend school in nearby Buxton
Dare County Schools serve students in Hatteras, with campuses located roughly 10 miles east in Buxton, about a 20-minute drive. Cape Hatteras Elementary scores a B-minus, while Cape Hatteras Secondary School receives a B grade and houses grades six through 12. The secondary school is known for its coastal studies program, which partners with the Coastal Studies Institute to bring the island’s marine ecosystem into the classroom. Both schools are small, with less than 400 students each.
Cape Hatteras Elementary School serves students pre-k to 5th grade in Buxton, NC.
Cape Hatteras Secondary School in Buxton, NC serves students from grades 6th-12th.
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The OBX capital of offshore fishing
On the ocean side of the island, miles-long stretches of beach comprise the Cape Hatteras National Shoreline. The currents here are some of the strongest on the East Coast and make for plentiful fishing, whether from the surf or out on the sea. In fact, Hatteras is commonly labeled the offshore fishing capital of the Outer Banks. “It’s one of the closest spots to get out to the Gulf Stream, so it has several marinas and charter boats that you can take out,” says Wendi Munden, a Realtor with NC 12 Realty and a Hatteras Island resident. On the Pamlico Sound side of the island, the waters are calmer, making it suitable for windsurfing and kayaking. For outdoor activities on land, Hatteras Village Park provides a shady place for a short walk through the marshland. Playgrounds and sporting facilities are located at Fessenden Center in Buxton, roughly 10 miles east, or a 15-minute drive.
Hatteras residents enjoy boating for a day of fun in the sun in the Outer Banks.
Hatteras beach is easily accessible with boardwalks in the neighborhood for residents.
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Dinner with a marina view
Amenities are sparse in Hatteras, but residents choose this village for its remote feel. There’s also just enough to get by without leaving town, with a local library branch, a pharmacy and a couple of small grocery stores, such as Village Red & White Market. The nearest chain grocer and doctor’s office are located in Avon, about 20 miles away, or half an hour’s drive. For other shopping needs, residents have to head further north to Nags Head or Kitty Hawk, where they’ll find some big-box stores and the Outer Banks’ only hospital. For such a small town, however, Hatteras has a surprising amount of dining options. Hatteras Sol Waterside Grill sits right on the Pamlico Sound, overlooking the boats in Teach’s Lair Marina. Here, diners can watch fishermen haul in their catches while enjoying fresh seafood. “They have live music all the time, so it’s very loud and full of energy,” Reynolds says of the restaurant. “At a lot of places like that on the Sound, you can just pull your boat up to the back deck.” To satisfy a sweet tooth, Scratchmade Snackery is the place to go, recognizable by its narrow saltbox shack painted bright red. More than the average bakery, this pastry shop is known for its unique confections, including key lime croissants and hippo bread, a super-sized version of monkey bread that weighs in at a whopping one pound.
Hatteras Sol is a popular family restaurant for dinner with amazing seafood in Hatteras.
Village Red & White Market in Hatteras is the best place to shop for all of your grocery needs.
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Celebrating the community’s resilient spirit
With fewer tourists and a lower year-round population than many other towns in the Outer Banks, Hatteras is able to maintain a tight-knit community sustained by annual events. Water-based competitions such as the Surf Fishing Tournament and the Offshore Open attract anglers from across the islands and beyond, while other festivals, such as Day at the Docks, are longstanding local traditions. “The Day at the Docks started after Hurricane Isabel came through and cut off Hatteras from the rest of the island. So, the following year, they came up with the Day of the Docks to celebrate the community coming together,” Munden says. Today, residents gather for a chowder contest and the Blessing of the Fleet, where fishermen parade through the Pamlico Sound on their boats so that the community can pray for their safety and success at sea.
Hatteras Marina is a great place for family and friends to charter a boat in Hatteras.
Beautiful coastal murals can be frequently seen on buildings around Hatteras.
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Take the ferry to Ocracoke
As the last stop on Hatteras Island, a ferry operates out of the Hatteras Ferry Terminal to carry travelers to Ocracoke. Traveling south along N.C.'s barrier islands, Hatteras is considered the second to last in the chain of towns that comprise the Outer Banks. North Carolina Highway 12 connects it to the Northern Beaches. Kill Devil Hills, the Outer Banks’ largest and most populous town, is roughly 70 miles to the north, about a 90-minute drive.
Hatteras to Ocracoke ferry is a great way to commute on and off Hatteras.
Hatteras residents commute around the Outer Banks on North Carolina Highway 12.
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Your Dream Beach Home Awaits!Welcome to Star of the Sea — a stunning 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom single-family home in Oceanside Hatteras that checks every box! Just 800 feet from your private community beach access and steps from the community pool, (have pool right next door, but not the hassle of maintaining it) this beautifully maintained property offers the ideal blend of comfort, style,
Unique location at Sea Whisper Condos! This condo is a corner unit with the Best of Both World. Atlantic Ocean on one side to go Surf fishing and the Pamlico Sound on the other to go out in a Kayak or Canoe. Condo has additional side windows. Fabulous views of the sound and ocean from the private deck. Watch the sunrise from your private deck and on full moon nights watch the moon rise over the
Welcome to your slice of island life in the heart of Hatteras Colony in Hatteras Village—a relaxed coastal community perfect for year-round living, a dreamy second home, or a savvy investment. This classic beach bungalow blends charm and flexibility, all just a short stroll to the beach.Upstairs, you’ll find 925 sq. ft. of bright living space with an open-concept layout, hardwood floors,
Great opportunity to be soundside 1st floor at Villas of Hatteras Landing. Nicely appointed unit with beautiful views of the Pamlico Sound, Creek & Saltmarsh. Three units sold since May 27th. Schedule a showing today!
Experience a serene getaway with this 1-bedroom efficiency apartment, featuring 1 bath and accommodating up to 2 guests. Located on Hwy 12 in Hatteras, this charming cabana offers a tranquil escape with its calming colors and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day at the beach.This cabana is ideal for a party of two looking to relax and unwind. Cook up the day's catch in the
Let Mystical Sundaze shine on your vacation with this 1-bedroom efficiency cabana, featuring 1 bath and sleeping accommodations for up to 4 guests. Located on Hwy 12 in Hatteras, this bright and cheery cabana will have you smiling every time you walk through the door. A short walk over the dune via the community walkway will have your toes in the sand, and after a long day at the beach, you can
Welcome to Brown Dog by the Sound, a top-floor, end-unit 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo located at the entrance to Hatteras Village. Situated at the edge of Pamlico Sound and less than 100 steps from the Atlantic Ocean, this scenic accommodation in the Sea Whisper Condominiums offers breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere. The condo features a comfortable living area, a fully equipped kitchen,
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Christie Baer,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
17
Median Age
48
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
23.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
29.4%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$47,500
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$57,143
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
100%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
41.7%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
16.7%
% Population in Labor Force
61.5%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
61''
Average Winter Low Temperature
41°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
40/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
41/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
