$724,867Average Value$381Average Price per Sq Ft78Homes For Sale
Family friendly beach town on North Carolina’s Topsail Island
Home to less than 5,000, Surf City is one of the quieter coastal communities in Southeastern North Carolina. In both Pender and Onslow counties, the town sits in the middle of Topsail Island and extends inland across the Intracoastal Waterway to U.S. Route 17. “We’re a little beach town, though it’s not as quaint as it used to be,” says Steve Herring, a lifelong resident and the owner of Herring’s Outdoor Sports.
First, a little fishing village and then the site of the U.S. Navy’s secret guided missile testing program Operation Bumblebee, Surf City was officially established in 1949 as a seaside resort town. Today, it’s the largest community on Topsail Island, swelling each summer with the tide of tourism. “You’re going to have your busy months of May through August, and you’ll have to get used to it,” Herring says. “You don’t go grocery shopping on a Saturday at 3 o’clock.” But the vibe is more laid-back in the off-season. “Everything gets back to a slower pace,” he says.
While not the subject of Jan & Dean’s beloved hit “Surf City,” the town did inspire the swinging “18th Avenue,” written by North Carolina’s so-called Singing Senator Charlie Albertson. The song evokes why many families, retirees and surfers fall in love with this town along the Atlantic Ocean: “The folks down there treat you mighty fine. When you’ve worked all week, and it’s time to unwind, relax and have one that’s cold, and let the good times unfold.”
As a popular summer vacation spot, Surf City has a tourism and service-based economy. Major employers include the town of Surf City, the State of North Carolina, the Pender County and Onslow County school systems, Harris Teeter and Lowe’s Home Improvement. As a primarily residential town, Herring notes that some residents commute roughly 30 miles to Wilmington to work at companies such as General Electric and Corning Inc. “They go to work in Wilmington but want to live with their family in Surf City,” he says.
Enjoy the view or fish along Surf City Pier.
Reel in the tranquility of Surf City's shores.
The perfect blend of sun, sea, and surf in Surf City.
Dogs live their best life on Surf City's sandy shores.
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From oceanfront homes to master-planned subdivisions
Colorful three-story stilt homes and condo communities line the oceanfront, while townhouses face the sound in Osprey Cove. “We’re not your big high-rise beach town like Myrtle Beach,” Herring says. The coastal vibe shifts to a suburban atmosphere in off-island neighborhoods like the master-planned Magnolia Reserve, which features newly built New Traditional homes.
Home prices in Surf City are dropping, down 6% from October 2023 to October 2024. The median price is $1.2 million, significantly higher than the national median of $416,700. On the low end, a one-bedroom condo near the sound can list for around $150,000, while prices can reach nearly $3 million for an oceanfront estate. Homes typically sell after 50 days on the market, near the national average of 44 days. Herring notes that the town is a hot spot for investment properties. “People have second homes that they rent out. During the summer, it’s a Sunday-to-Sunday crowd renting homes,” he says. “The homeowners come down before May and after August.”
Find a variety of homes along the waterfront of Surf City beach.
Coastal charm meets ocean views in Surf City
Surf City's inland homes offer a peaceful retreat just minutes from the shore.
a The perfect blend of color and coastal charm in Surf City.
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Family focused parks and the new Earl G. & Inez Batts Recreation Complex
A town surrounded by bodies of water, Surf City’s geography encourages an active and outdoorsy lifestyle all year long. Miles of sandy shoreline are used for sunrise walks, fishing off the Surf City Pier, swimming and surfing. The marshy sound is popular with kayakers and paddleboarders, while the busy Intracoastal Waterway provides a highway of sorts for sailing. The town park system is family friendly by design, with Soundside Park being one of the most popular. It features an amphitheater, a public boat ramp, picnic shelters with views of the sound and a playground. Herring says it’s often used as a starting point for long walks over the Surf City Bridge, which has a barrier-protected sidewalk. “Wrightsville Beach has the loop. Surf City is known for the bridge walk,” Herring says. “There’s parking available at either end, but at Soundside Park, you can walk along a wooden bridge leading you to the high-rise bridge. It can be a little noisy with the traffic.” The high-rise bridge replaced the town’s aging swing bridge in 2018.
The Earl G. & Inez Batts Recreation Complex is a new addition featuring a skatepark, sand volleyball courts and an inclusive playground. Green spaces here often double as event spaces, hosting children’s fishing tournaments, outdoor movie showings and holiday gatherings. From recreational leagues to amateur surfing competitions, athletes of all ages stay active in Surf City. The community center is the hub for many sports, including youth football, basketball and t-ball teams as well as adult volleyball, softball and futsal leagues.
Beach access from Tower 3, also a symbol of heritage and coastal pride, in Surf Beach.
Soundside Park offers stunning waterfront views, and of Surf City Bridge.
Surf City added 45.85 acres to the Earl G. & Inez Batts Recreation Complex.
Fall offers the best conditions with clean swells and fewer crowds in Surf City
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Coastal-themed art, a compassionate community and eateries in view of the Atlantic Ocean
A colorful mural representing Surf City, featuring images such as a sea turtle and the former swing bridge, welcomes residents and visitors arriving on Topsail Island. This public art piece, unveiled in May 2024, is the newest addition to Surf City’s creative scene. The coast's natural beauty often inspires area artists whose work decorates the walls of Surf City Coffee, Seacoast Art Gallery and Locals Art Gallery & Wine Bar. Pieces will soon adorn the Surf City Community Center, which hosts Art Exploration sessions for children and Artful Afternoons for adults.
Herring says the beach culture here often includes good tunes. “There are a lot of restaurants with live music every week. A lot of local artists play at various spots around town.” He adds that the community loves to give back, with many events doubling as fundraisers. “We do so many things: Paddle for the Troops, Reel Housewives of Topsail Island, which is a breast cancer bike ride. There’s the Dolphin Dip, which goes to Share the Table, the local food bank. Oceanfest raises money for humanitarian and environmental causes.” Soundside Park is the venue for many town-sponsored events, from Movies in the Park to Sip, Shop & Stroll, highlighting local bands, vendors and food.
Surf City’s locally owned shops, beach bars and restaurants are centered around the town’s fishing pier that stretches over 900 feet into the Atlantic. “There are not many name-brand stores. We have some really cool surf shops, a lot of great little restaurants and good coffee shops,” Herring says. Fish tacos from Shaka Taco and hand-dipped donuts from Daybreak Donuts are the specialties. Still, Mediterranean cuisine, Italian classics, American fare and sushi can all be found on the island. On the mainland, micro-breweries, local restaurants and boutique businesses fill Triton Village Plaza. National retailers dot Roland Avenue, including Publix, Walmart Neighborhood Market and Pet Supplies Plus.
Unwind with a beverage at Unwined in Surf City.
Handcrafted delights hit the spot at Dreamy Donuts in Surf City.
Golden skies and peaceful waters as the sun sets on the Surf City Pier.
Vibrant murals bring color and creativity to Surf City.
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Topsail High School inspires the next oceanographers
Pender County Schools, which earns a B-plus grade from Niche and has nearly 11,000 students, serves most of Surf City. Onslow County Schools, which receives a B rating and has almost 28,000 students, serves a small portion of the northern part of town. “We have a lot of families moving in because of the school system,” says Herring, who adds that Topsail High is a standout school. Getting a B-plus from Niche, Topsail High offers classes in oceanography and hosts the Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program. The school’s gymnasium was used for basketball scenes in the early 2000s teen television drama “One Tree Hill.” While there are no private schools in town, Topsail Montessori in Hampstead and American Leadership Academy Coastal in Wilmington are the nearest alternatives.
Crime during beach season
The Surf City Police Department reports an over 16% increase in call volume from 2022 to 2023, and they expect this trend to continue as more people visit the town during the beach season, which is a particularly busy time of year for the department. FBI crime data from 2020 to 2024 indicates that violent crime in Surf City typically increases between May and August, when the city’s population more than doubles due to tourism. The same data shows that property crime has been trending downward after a spike in April 2020. The Surf City Police Department takes a community policing approach, hosting events such as Fishing with the Fuzz and Coffee with a Cop so the 18 officers and one police K9 who patrol the town year-round can build relationships with the public.
The overall crime rate in Surf City is 44.16 per 1,000 residents.
Mainland homes in Surf City are just a short drive away from Surf City beaches.
Inland homes in Surf City offer the perfect balance of peaceful living and beach access.
Take in the beauty of Surf City Beach as the sun sets.
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Karen Beasly Sea Turtle Rescue and combating beach erosion
A designated sea turtle sanctuary, Surf City is home to Karen Beasly Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center. Beginning as a small group of passionate volunteers in the 1990s, the center today occupies an over 13,000 square foot space featuring exhibits, a special bay for sick turtles and an observation area where the public can see turtles nearing the end of their stay. “They have teams that go out and monitor the nests. They rehabilitate injured turtles and have turtle releases,” Herring says. “Sometimes it’s kept quiet, but my goodness, it’s crowded when they do them. It’s special.”
Like many seaside towns, Surf City faces challenges due to its coastal environment, from stormwater runoff flooding roadways to beach erosion. The town has a handful of programs and partnerships to address these issues. The Coastal Storm Risk Management Nourishment Project periodically adds sand back to the beach in specific places to minimize the impacts of storms, while the Topsail Island-Wide Coastal Resiliency Project is working to install permeable pavers and vegetated roadside channels to collect and filter stormwater.
Surf City experiences all four seasons. Summers are hot and humid, but winters are mild. “The weather, barring hurricanes, is pretty nice,” Herring says. “October through November is one of the better times to come. It’s cooler. It’s beautiful, and people are catching on to that.” Hurricanes and tropical storms come with the risk of strong winds, heavy rain, storm surge and landslides. Sometimes, these events can lead to mandatory evacuations. The North Carolina Department of Insurance encourages homeowners along the coast to have flood insurance and separate wind and hail policies.
Surf City is a sanctuary for sea turtles and coastal wonders.
Helping heal sea turtles is the goal at the Karen Beasley Rescue Center.
Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center is a must visit in Surf City.
Surf City is known for its pristine beaches, surfing spots.
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Getting around Surf City, plus a look to the future
While small, this is a car-dependent community. North Carolina Highways 50 and 210 are the main roads on and off the island. U.S. Route 17 connects the community to Wilmington, Hampstead and Jacksonville, home to the nearest hospital, Onslow Memorial Hospital. Residents and tourists commonly use golf carts and bicycles to get around town. “You can own one or rent one. They have electric bikes all over the place,” Herring says. Bike lanes line State Highway 50 and the Surf City Bridge, which can get congested during tourist season. Wilmington International Airport is about 30 miles away.
Improving bike and pedestrian safety is a priority. According to the 2019-2024 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan, Surf City is creating a multi-use trail system throughout the town that will link to the Surf City Bridge. Construction is expected to take several years and will be an ongoing project. Meanwhile, a right-of-way cleanup initiative is underway to increase visibility along town-owned streets and allow for better stormwater drainage. Future plans include building an indoor/outdoor swimming facility, an environmental education center and a sports complex.
Pedal your way through Surf City, with scenic routes and easy access to the beach.
Explore the waters of Surf City.
Find footprints in the sand along Surf City beach.
Living in Surf City, NC, means enjoying sandy shores, and stunning sunsets.
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Written By
DeeVa Payne
Photography Contributed By
Anna Cheng
Video By
Brad Davis
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lynn Miller,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Surf City, NC sell after 66 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Surf City, NC over the last 12 months is $460,000, down 24% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Where coastal beauty and everyday living come together, this exceptional waterfront home offers panoramic Intracoastal Waterway, marsh, sound, and partial ocean views from four expansive decks designed to capture the best of life on Topsail Island. Enjoy watching boats travel the Intracoastal Waterway while taking in coastal breezes, the distant sound of the surf, and the ever-changing colors of
Leigh SunshineWicker Properties of the Carolinas, Inc.
Seller is offering a $10,000 Use-As-You-Choose credit with an acceptable offer! Apply it toward closing costs, rate buy-down, updates, or personalize the home to fit your needs. Discover relaxed coastal living where breathtaking marsh, Intracoastal Waterway, sound, and partial ocean views become part of your everyday backdrop. Five spacious deck options provide the perfect setting for sunrise
Leigh SunshineWicker Properties of the Carolinas, Inc.
Experience coastal living as its finest in this beautifully designed 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath townhome located in a prime island location just steps from beach access, dining and shopping. Featuring stunning sound views, this property offers the perfect blend of luxury and convenience. Inside, you'll find luxury vinyl plank flooring, elegant granite countertops, and a private elevator for added
Perfectly positioned in the waterfront community of Egret Landing, this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers 1,914 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, blending coastal charm, low-maintenance ownership, and everyday convenience--all just moments from the beaches, dining, shopping, and entertainment that make Surf City one of North Carolina's most sought-after
Boater's dream in Surf City with private boat ramp! This turnkey 3 bedroom, 2 full bath, canal front home is fully equipped for year round living on the water, a vacation home or as an investment property. Featuring a boat lift, jet ski floater, 4 pilings for an additional lift and a private boat ramp, you'll have unmatched convenience with direct access from your backyard. Bring your boat or jet
--Beautifully Updated-- canal-front home -- deep water access--stunning water views, --private boat dock. Whether you enjoy cruising the Intracoastal Waterway, fishing, or simply relaxing by the water, this property is designed for making lasting memories. --The spacious open floor plan creates the perfect gathering place for family and friends, with the living area flowing onto a covered
Exceptional value! **Now priced $100,000 below its 2025 appraised value.** Optional Outdoor Living Package AvailableEnhance this home with an 8' × 10' plunge pool, travertine patio/hardscape, and outdoor TV mounting location for an additional $71,000 with an acceptable offer. To secure this option, the buyer and builder will execute a separate pool construction contract and pool deposit at
Custom built waterfront home with breathtaking views over the sound to the ICW, within minutes to Topsail Island beaches. Decks on both floors with Trex deck flooring, Top quality construction built to 150 Wind Rated, 2 x 6 studs and walls, impacted rated windows, doors, and garage doors, hard plank siding painted in 2023 and metal roof. Interior features granite counters, reinforced game room
Just 3 miles from the Surf City Bridge and Topsail Island's beautiful beaches, 131 Poplar Branch Way offers the perfect blend of coastal convenience and everyday comfort. Ideally situated between Wilmington and Jacksonville, this home is located in the sought-after Poplar Branch community, complete with neighborhood sidewalks and easy access to local dining, shopping, Publix, and two free Surf
Meticulously maintained in Surf City, home to some of the area's most sought-after beaches and coastal charm, this turnkey home offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and coastal living. Ideally located just minutes from military bases, shopping, and dining, with an easy commute to Wilmington or Jacksonville, this pristine home is ready for its next owner. Nestled in the Waterside
Positioned along the coveted shores of Surf City, 515 N New River Drive, Unit D is a meticulously maintained 3-bedroom, 3-full-bath townhome with breathtaking views of the Intracoastal Waterway. Built in 2006 and impeccably kept, this 1,894 sq ft coastal home is the kind of property that doesn't come along often. Step out onto your private deck and watch yachts glide by as the sky transforms into
Rare opportunity to own a quadruplex, a ''unicorn'' in Surf City. Set on a desirable corner lot, 2nd Row from beach, each of the four units offers a comfortable 2-bedroom, 1-bath floor plan at 768 square feet- a layout coastal renters actively seek out. Eight parking spaces plus a garage give this property a significant edge in a beach town where parking is scarce. The property is being sold
Located on a cul-de-sac tucked away on the intracoastal side, come see this beautifully upgraded 4-bedroom, 4-bath townhome, ideally located just moments from public beach access and everything that Surf City has to offer. Enjoy peaceful marsh views from multiple vantage points and listen to the ocean while sipping your morning coffee or evening beverage on the screened porch. This home has been
Experience luxury coastal living in this fully furnished, move-in-ready new construction home. This property combines modern design, high-end finishes, and exceptional comfort, making it ideal as a primary residence, second home, or investment opportunity. Don't miss your chance to own a beautifully crafted coastal retreat ready for immediate enjoyment. This stunning new construction home offers
Experience luxury coastal living at 1919 N New River Drive in Surf City. This stunning furnished, new construction home offers 3,200 square feet, 5 bedrooms, and 4.5 bathrooms, including three private en-suite bedrooms. Designed to capture breathtaking panoramic ocean and canal views, the home is located directly across from public beach access for effortless days on the sand. Features include an
The best in coastal apartment living awaits at Hudson Bishops Creek, where modern interiors, curated amenities, and the charm of Surf City come together for a truly exceptional living experience. Whether you're enjoying your morning coffee on your private balcony, hosting friends by the saltwater pool, or heading out to nearby beaches and cafes, life here flows with ease and refinement.Choose
Welcome to Palisades at Surf City Apartments — the pinnacle of elegant, modern living in Hampstead, North Carolina.Our thoughtfully designed one, two, and three-bedroom apartments showcase sophisticated interiors with upscale finishes and contemporary flair. Each home features soaring nine-foot ceilings, spacious walk-in closets, and private balconies that invite you to relax in style.Experience
Only minutes to have your feet in the sand on our beautiful Surf City Beach! This lovely townhome with a 1st floor bedroom with full bath along with 2 bedrooms and your living space on the 2nd floor. Master suite includes a large walk out balcony and private full bath. Upstairs laundry to include washer/dryer (as is). Out back is a retreat of its own! Tiki bar with a stone garden along with a
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. Close to the Surf City bridge, convenient for easy on and off the island. With short walk to the private beach access.INTERIOR FEATURES:*3 bedroom, 3 bath townhouse at Turtle Cove (one bedroom on living area floor)*Primary king bedroom with ensuite and ICW views off your private deck*Gorgeous updated coastal decor*Interior stairwell to living
Winter Beach rental, Available November 1 -May 1. nicely updated. furnished. Ocean view 3rd floor unit. In unit washer and dryer. Private beach access. all utilities included. Weather permitting pool will be open through October! *Complex does NOT have elevators*
Beautiful waterfront home with sweeping views of the sound, intra-coastal waterway and marshlands. Open floor plan with 9-foot ceilings and granite countertops in the kitchen. New flooring being installed throughout entire home, as well as a new full paint and upgrades. Custom waterfront decks on two levels have Trex Enhance composite decking and PVC handrails. Master suite has a private
Beautiful unfurnished townhouse in Surf City with 3 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths. As you enter the home you will go up a flight of stairs to the 1st floor which has 2 bedrooms; one with a deck for sitting out and enjoying the ocean breeze and view. The laundry area and full size bath sit between these 2 bedrooms. Up the stairs to the 2nd floor is where your kitchen, dining and living area including a
Tammi DoveAdvantage Rentals, LLC
$2,000 per month
2 Bedroom 2 bath furnished home - Long Term Minimum 3 month (91 days) flexible terms - Surf City
320 Topsail Landing is conveniently located on the Surf City mainland. Close to local shopping, dining, and grocery stores. Minutes from the sandy beaches. The beautiful community pool, open for swimming in the warm season, is also a great place to congregate with friends. Full access to all amenities (pool, clubhouse, and fitness center) comes with the rental. Two free beach passes available
This is an opportunity for a winter rental of a lovely 3BR 3Bath condominium. Located in Surf City and close to everything that means anything. Fully furnished. No Pets. Utilities included in the rental price. Water cap is $100 and the Electric cap is $200. Available through April 30.If the tenant wants to sign a full year lease which extends over the summer, the rent will be $2300 for
William ByrdCoastal Premier Properties
$2,700 per month
OFF SEASON Oceanfront & Pet Friendly Rental- Mid October 2026- Mid March 2027 - 3 Month Minimum R...
Available October 15th, 2026- March 15th, 2027! 'Sea La Vie' is a three bedroom, one and a half bathroom oceanfront beach cottage in Surf City. Nestled in a quaint residential area in Surf City, this single family home is a cozy, rustic beach getaway with beautiful knotty pine ceilings and hardwood floors throughout. Enjoy the ocean breeze under the shade of the covered deck or soak up
4 Bedroom / 3.5 bath! FIRST FLOOR Primary Suite. Pets: $350 move in pet fee / $35 month re-occurring monthly feeDogs - less than 40# and puppies does not have to be fixed (one only)Cats - (one only) must be fixed
What better place to call home than Sneads Ferry? And what better house than this one? This beautiful home is locate on a cul-de-sac in the desired Oyster Landing Subdivision. The main level features a spacious formal dining room with beautiful wainscoting, a 1/2 bathroom, access to the garage, and a big kitchen complete with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a kitchen island, and
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