Philanthropy and friendship shape life in Pine Knoll Shores
Community is big in Pine Knoll Shores. Realtor and resident Marian Goetzinger with Pine Knoll Shores Realty describes the area as “Truly one of the most kind and caring communities I’ve ever been in, and I’ve been all over the world.” Pine Knoll Shores is built for people who desire a strong sense of community and connectedness, where residents get involved in charities and host philanthropic events, like Kayak for the Warriors, a kayak race to raise money for service members wounded in action and their families. And Goetzinger credits that community to the diversity of its residents. “We’re from all over here,” Goetzinger says. “Pine Knoll is about 70% second or vacation homes, and that changes the dynamic, but when everyone is here, we love to spend time together.”
From private docks to public parks, outdoor life thrives here
Pine Knoll Shores is best known for miles of Atlantic Ocean beaches, which are accessible from several public and private areas across the community. The beaches are habitats for loggerhead turtles, and many locals are turtle watchers, Goetzinger notes. Swimming, beachcombing and boating are huge activities in the community. “Kayaking is also huge here, and many residents have access to the sound through their HOA’s private dock,” Goetzinger says. Residents on the side of the Bogue Sound may have private docks, but there is a public boat launch and fishing pier off Pelican Drive in Atlantic Beach. There are also boat ramps and marinas in nearby communities like Emerald Isle and Morehead City. Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium is also popular, surrounded by nature trails lined with pine trees and marshy observation areas overlooking the sound in the Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area. There are a few private parks in various subdivisions around the community, but Atlantic Beach Town Park is a popular public space with a playground, splash pad, skate park and mini-golf course. Residents may also book public tee times at the Crystal Coast Country Club. The club also features a pool, tennis courts and an events space.
Coastal homes range from cottages to multimillion-dollar estates
Pine Knoll Shores features rolling dunes with pine trees and scrub brush on the ocean side, while grassy, wildlife-rich marshes are on the sound side. Much of the community features cottages, ranch-style and Cape Cod homes. Prices range between $575,000 and $800,000. Many houses facing the sound have private docks on the water for fishing and boating. There are also townhouse communities with prices ranging between $465,000 and $750,000 and condos between $750,000 and $985,000, depending on water proximity. Large, multi-story coastal homes near the coasts usually sell from $900,000 to $2 million but can top out at $4 million. Homes here typically have HOAs, which operate private parks and boat launches for residents. Most areas in Pine Knoll Shores are in flood zones and may face storm damage, so residents should purchase flood insurance. During storms, the community has designated evacuation routes and shelters available.
Students attend B-plus and A-minus-rated public schools
Carteret County Public Schools serve students living in Pine Knoll Shores. Students can start at Morehead City Elementary, which earns an overall B-plus rating from Niche. Students can then attend A-minus-rated Morehead City Middle and B-plus-rated West Carteret High. Niche also ranks the school as the second-best high school in Carteret County. The school offers college credits through Carteret Community College and CTE classes with pathways such as agriculture and business management.
One local shop and plenty of dining options nearby
Goetzinger owns the only retail shop in Pine Knolls Shores, Spoondrift. “We sell gifts, novelties and clothing," Goetzinger says. "It turns into a fun little gathering place sometimes." While the community's only restaurants are those in the hotels, Goetzinger notes residents easily go to Atlantic Beach or Emerald Isle for those amenities. There's a Food Lion for groceries and an abundance of seafood restaurants showcasing the area's local catch. On The Rocks is a classic seafood shack with surf and turf, and Amos Mosquito's has a patio overlooking the water and more eclectic seafood options. One of the community's unique offerings is The Barnacle Bar, a scenic outdoor bar that sits over 1,000 feet in the ocean on the Oceanana Pier. In nearby Morehead City, grocery options include Lowe's Foods, Walmart and Harris Teeter. There are chain and local restaurants like Cox Family Restaurant, a Morehead City staple serving comforts like breakfast plates and fried chicken. Residents are 40 miles from New Bern and Jacksonville for more dining and retail.
Low crime, nearby care and easy access to the mainland
Highway 58 spans the length of the barrier island Pine Knoll Shores sits on. Residents take the Atlantic Beach Bridge to the mainland and nearby Morehead City. Then, Highway 70 runs northwest to larger towns like New Bern. The community is largely car-dependent, but there is an on-demand transit service. The nearest hospital is Carteret Health, about 8 miles from Pine Knoll Shores. Coastal Carolina Regional Airport is just outside New Bern, 40 miles away. The community has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
