$722,897Average Value$386Average Price per Sq Ft92Homes 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
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Agents Specializing in this Area
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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolina Premier Properties
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On average, homes in Surf City, NC sell after 68 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Surf City, NC over the last 12 months is $461,250, down 20% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Recent $20,000 Price Reduction! Plus, the builder is offering up to $20,000 toward a rate buydown or closing costs with an acceptable offer, creating an incredible opportunity to own one of Surf City's desirable and almost new construction homes. Panoramic water views, unbeatable walkability, and one of the best locations in Surf City! Come experience the best of island living in this stunning
Discover unparalleled coastal living in this stunning newly constructed custom built home by Frank Williams Building Company. Perfectly positioned in Surf City, NC just steps to the public beach access, this exceptional property boasts breathtaking views of both the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, offering the ideal blend of luxury and comfort. With 5 spacious bedrooms, 6 bathrooms,
Shelly WagnerWicker Properties of the Carolinas, Inc.
Welcome to Dogwood Lakes, where peaceful pond views and thoughtfully designed living come together in this beautiful 3,300+ square foot residence. Perfectly positioned on a private homesite backing to a tranquil man-made pond, this property offers a rare sense of serenity, where evenings are filled with glowing lightning bugs, the sounds of frogs and crickets, and the natural beauty of turtles
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
Enjoy Coastal Living in this 4 Bedroom 2.5 Bath Home Located in The Villages At Turtle Creek. This family friendly, sidewalk community is only a 7 min ride to the beach, and offers a Clubhouse, Fitness Center, Community Pool and playground. Formal Dining room, Center Island with pendant lighting and open Kitchen leads you into the living area for family gatherings. Large bedrooms with walk in
Recent $20,000 Price Reduction! Plus, the builder is offering up to $20,000 toward a rate buydown or closing costs with an acceptable offer, creating an incredible opportunity to own one of Surf City's desirable and almost new construction homes. Panoramic water views, unbeatable walkability, and one of the best locations in Surf City! Come experience the best of island living in this stunning
Quaint traditional oceanfront that has been enjoyed over the years as a family retreat, the floorplan reflects 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, living room, and kitchen all on one floor with breathtaking unobstructed views over the ocean north and south from the oceanside deck. Recent improvements include new roof in 2018, new siding 2022, new windows 2022, deck 2018, and HVAC replaced 2025. Ground level
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
Motivated Seller!! ** $5,000 Use as you choose if under contract by June 30th! **Coastal living meets thoughtful design in 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
Oceanfront Luxury with Panoramic Views | Elevator | 4 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths Experience coastal living at its finest in this beautifully appointed oceanfront home offering breathtaking panoramic ocean views and exceptional comfort throughout. Designed for entertaining and relaxation, the spacious open floor plan features vaulted ceilings and an expansive living area that creates the perfect
Not your average neighborhood home! Located in the highly sought after neighborhood of Waterside, this beautifully upgraded 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and lifestyle! Here, you're only 2.5 miles from the beach in the heart of Surf City.Inside, you'll find a move-in ready home enhanced with thoughtful updates, including a ceramic tile backsplash,
Located in the community of Shea's Landing, 104 Sunset Court offers the opportunity to enjoy coastal living just steps from the beach! Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac, this 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home features a newly renovated kitchen, a functional floor plan designed for comfortable everyday living and effortless entertaining, and a large lot with a private backyard perfect for enjoying the coastal
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
Welcome to 479 Northern Pintail Place, a stunning coastal residence built in 2024, located in the prestigious Magnolia Reserve community of Hampstead. Perfectly positioned on a premium .44-acre homesite, this home offers an exceptional blend of refined luxury, modern design, and effortless coastal living.Crafted by American Homesmith, the Masonboro floor plan offers over 3,100 heated square
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
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
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
Available July. Electric, Water, Sewer, Trash, and Lawn Maintenance are Included with limits. Live a Lifestyle that feels like a Permanent Vacation and Experience Coastal Living with this 6-bedroom home, perfectly situated just 300+ feet from the pristine shores of Surf City, NC. Professionally Landscaped with new plantings and enough parking for five or more vehicles, Sodded backyard that is
Live just 2.5 miles from the Surf City Ocean Pier in this spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom *END UNIT!* Townhome in the popular Waterside neighborhood.Home Features:Open living, dining & kitchen with plenty of natural lightGranite countertops, stainless steel appliances & smart-home technologyLVP flooring throughout main levelPrimary suite with
LONG-TERM RENTAL -- Available Now! Welcome to Surf City Hideaway, a beautifully maintained 2BR/2BA condo perfectly located in the heart of Surf City. Enjoy peaceful marsh views with ocean views just beyond, all from a low-maintenance home designed for comfort and convenience. This rental is truly all-inclusive -- all utilities are covered, and twice-monthly housekeeping is included, making it an
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
Very desirable neighborhood of Saltwater Landing. Just the feeling you want if you are looking for 'low country' style homes, near the beach, sidewalks and a community pool! This is the community where kids and adults all play together...and only minutes from the gorgeous and fun beaches of Topsail Island. Large open floorplan with vaulted living room ceilings, large kitchen island with granite
Skyler HainesPronto Property Management
$2,300 per month
Don't miss this 4-bed, 3-bath condo TWO miles from the ocean!
Welcome to your new paradise! This charming 4-bedroom, 3-bath condo is just TWO MILES from the ocean. Enjoy the open floorplan of the main living area. The kitchen is perfect for both whipping up a gourmet meal or just grabbing a quick bite. The separate dining area offers ample room for entertaining. The living room has gleaming bamboo floors, electric fireplace and convenient access to the
Welcome to your new paradise! This charming 4-bedroom, 3-bath condo is just TWO MILES from the ocean. Enjoy the open floorplan of the main living area. The kitchen is perfect for both whipping up a gourmet meal or just grabbing a quick bite. The separate dining area offers ample room for entertaining. The living room has gleaming bamboo floors, electric fireplace and convenient access to the
OFF-SEASON BEACHFRONT BLISS AWAITS! Your Coastal Retreat is Ready!INTERIOR FEATURES:* Three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms* Sleeps six comfortably* Inviting living room with comfortable seating* Fully equipped kitchen* Washer and dryer provided for your convenience* Beachy-chic décor throughout* Pet-friendly with some restrictionsEXTERIOR
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