$725,475Average Value$391Average Price per Sq Ft85Homes 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?
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On average, homes in Surf City, NC sell after 63 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Surf City, NC over the last 12 months is $470,000, down 25% 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.
Fully furnished third row elevated coastal living in the heart of Surf City on Topsail Island, where luxury meets saltwater charm. Perfectly positioned in the center of the island, this stunning retreat offers effortless access to both ends of Topsail, while sitting just one mile from the mainland bridge for ultimate convenience. Wake up to serene sound views and unwind in the evening with
Check out this exceptional property on the Golden Mile! A HUGE lot and loads of square footage make this a unique house well suited for either a full time residence or a rental. Perfect as-is or put your own touch on things - the possibilities for the backyard are endless!Three floors of living space means room for anything you can imagine. You'll appreciate the 5 bedrooms and 4 baths,
Becky FilerBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolina Premier Properties
Experience the tranquility of Topsail Island at this stunning 2-bedroom, 2-bath condotel located just steps away from the white, sandy beaches of Surf City. This 2nd floor unit comes fully furnished and features beautiful views of the beach and the sound from the living room windows, the covered front porch and the back deck. Whether you want an investment property or you plan to start living the
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
Few properties capture the history and character of Topsail Island quite like 616 N Shore Drive. Built in 1957 and positioned directly along the Atlantic Ocean in the heart of Surf City, this quintessential beach cottage offers a rare combination of old-school coastal charm, an exceptionally versatile layout, and a setting that is becoming increasingly difficult to replicate. Adding to its
Deep water. Private boat ramp. Quick ICW access. Beach access nearby. This is the kind of Surf City property that lets you make the most of life on the coast.Boater's dream with your own 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
Tucked beneath a canopy of mature coastal landscaping on a corner lot, 11 Shell Court offers a setting that feels private, established, and distinctly different from the typical island home. Thoughtful outdoor living spaces surround the property, beginning with a welcoming screened porch finished with a warm tongue-and-groove ceiling and dual ceiling fans--an inviting place to settle in after a
--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
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
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
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
Welcome to some of the best views in Surf City! 106 Charlotte Avenue has so much to love about it. It is less than a minute walk to the beach, it is less than half a mile to the shops and restaurants in Surf City, and it has some absolutely incredible Ocean and Intracoastal views from the massive rooftop deck. This updated home has over 3,700 square feet of indoor living space with 6 bedrooms and
Welcome to coastal living at 130 Poplar Branch Way! This beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers approximately 1,900 square feet of comfortable living space in an unbeatable location just 3 miles from the Surf City Bridge. Enjoy the best of both worlds with easy access to the beach, ICW, shopping, dining, breweries, and everyday conveniences, all while being conveniently situated
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 Evolve Soundside! Our luxury living community offers spacious, sophisticated apartment homes with stylish interiors, modern features, and resort-style amenities designed for your lifestyle. Nestled in the heart of Surf City, NC, our community provides the perfect balance of convenience and elegance. Relax by the sparkling pool, stay active in our state-of-the-art fitness center, or
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
The advertised rate of $4,045/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of October 19, 2026. Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
The advertised rate of $5,909/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of October 24, 2026. Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
Property Id: 2163394 Enjoy coastal living in this fully furnished 1 bedroom, 1 bath apartment located in Surf City, just a short walk from the beach and public beach access. AVAILABLE FOR 12 MONTH lease. Inside you'll find a spacious living area with full size sofa sleeper, 50" smart TV and high speed internet. The bedroom has a cozy king size bed and Roku TV. Updated bathroom with a
Property Id: 2853823 Escape the cold and enjoy a winter on the North Carolina coast! The Salty Cove is a fully furnished 2-bedroom, 3-bath home on the mainland side of Surf City, available for monthly and extended stays during the offseason. Enjoy the best of coastal living without the hustle of a busy tourist area. The home is located within walking/biking distance of local parks,
Off season is still a great time to enjoy the beach! Take advantage of our off-season monthly rate offered from October 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027. Nestled on a deep-water canal, this coastal beach cottage offers everything you need. With four bedrooms and three bathrooms, tons of shaded seating outside and in, games and a dock to fish off of right outside the door! We offer options to bring
Introducing a charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom house located in the desirable Surf City, NC. This home boasts a spacious layout with plenty of natural light streaming through the windows, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The modern kitchen features sleek stainless steel appliances, perfect for whipping up delicious meals. Residents can also enjoy access to the community pool, ideal for
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
*SEASONAL RENTAL AVAILABLE October 1st, 2026 to March 31st, 2027* **WE DO NOT ADVERTISE ON FACEBOOK MARKETPLACE OR CRAIGSLIST****3 Month Minimum Lease Term Required for Off Season Rental Rate**Beautiful ocean view condo in Sea Coast Suites in the heart of Surf City. Convenient to shopping, restaurants, the Surf City Pier, and Soundside Park. Just a quick walk to the Public Beach
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 $2800 for
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