$4,862,942Average Value$1,815Average Price per Sq Ft7Homes For Sale
From uninhabited land to exclusive private island
“The Hamptons of the South,” luxurious, mysterious — these words are often used to describe Figure Eight Island. This private island, north of Wrightsville Beach and east of Porters Neck, is known today as an exclusive summer escape for the affluent. It’s only accessible by boat or guarded drawbridge and has no commercial development. “Celebrities go to the island to have peace of mind and not be worried about tourists or paparazzi,” says Derek Criscitiello, an agent with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage, who moved to Wilmington two years ago. But before hundreds of multimillion-dollar mansions filled the 5-mile-long island, wild ponies roamed the land. It would later get its name from developers inspired by the meandering Rich Inlet on the island's northern end. Homes here are often rentals, and this usually quiet community sees an influx of activity during the summer months.
Local wildlife thrives on Figure 8 Island, offering glimpses of shorebirds, dolphins, and sea turtles in their natural habitat.
Harris Teeter near Figure 8 Island offers gourmet groceries and coastal conveniences, perfect for enhancing the island’s relaxed lifestyle.
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Record-breaking custom estates with unobstructed ocean views
Elaborate custom estates fill the island, sitting on spacious lots, some more than an acre in size. Living here is all about the views, with mansions featuring multiple porches and elaborate pool decks overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Homes tend to be coastal in style with light colors and shingle siding. Recently, there have been more modern builds with sleek, simple lines and plenty of windows for natural light. “Whatever a buyer wants, they can put in. You’re seeing more of that California-style house with a lot of glass,” Skutnik says. Developers built the first home on the island in 1966, with most homes constructed in the 1980s and 1990s. Crews built the newest estates as recently as 2022. As for price, sales on the island continue to break state records. In July 2024, a buyer bought a home known as “The Whale” for $13.9 million. On the low end, an older estate under 4,000 square feet can list between $2.8 million and $5.6 million. Larger homes start at $7 million. Potential buyers should note that three hurricanes have hit the island, with Hurricane Fran in 1996 being the most notable. The storm damaged properties and utility lines, destroyed docks and forced the closure of the yacht club for over half a year.
Homes on Figure 8 Island range from modern architectural masterpieces to charming coastal retreats.
Residents of Figure 8 Island enjoy uncrowded beaches, serene waters, and a tranquil lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle.
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Discovering tidal pools in the Middle Sound
Outdoor recreation starts on the island. Residents can walk along the white sandy shore, enjoy a beach day or play tennis on courts with views of the Atlantic Ocean. Over at the Figure Eight Island Yacht Club, members swim laps in the outdoor pool or focus on their flexibility with a yoga class on the lawn. With many properties featuring docks and boat slips, seaworthy residents take advantage of the island’s location along the Intracoastal Waterway and Middle Sound. “The water from Wrightsville Beach to southern Topsail Island is some of the bluest. It can be tropically blue,” says Sean Skutnik, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage. “People like to park their boats on the sand bars. The tidal pools will fill in, and there’s all kinds of fish that swim there,” says Skutnik, who’s lived in Wilmington since the 1990s. At Cape Fear Charter Club, customers can reserve a boat for half or full-day adventures. Eagle Point Golf Club is a short drive from the island. The private 18-hole course, designed by famed architect Tom Fazio, hosted the Wells Fargo Championship during the 2017 PGA Tour.
Airlie Gardens is a serene place in Wilmington.
Minutes from Figure 8 Island, Eagle Point Golf Club is a golfer’s paradise blending challenging play with serene, natural beauty.
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Laney High School’s famous graduate
Porters Neck Elementary earns an A from Niche and has a vibrant school community that gathers often for events and fundraisers, such as the Spring Fling. The PTA sponsors the annual party, featuring a local market, mini golf, food trucks and a dunk tank. Holly Shelter Middle receives a B-plus and offers unique electives, including agriculture technology and business. Emsley A. Laney High gets a B-plus. Known for its famous graduate, NBA icon Michael Jordan, the school has a STEM program that cultivates future scientists and engineers. American Leadership Academy Coastal and Providence Preparatory Academy are two nearby private options.
Porters Neck Elementary boasts modern facilities and a reputation for academic excellence in a safe, welcoming community.
The AP participation rate at Emsley A Laney High School is 30%.
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Celebrating Independence Day
The island’s HOA and yacht club hosts many social events and kids camps throughout the year, but one of the community’s biggest events is an all-day Fourth of July celebration. It starts with a morning parade and street fair, where residents parade decorated cars, bikes and golf carts down the community’s main road. The parade ends in a cul-de-sac where neighbors can enjoy carnival rides, games, food and music. The real party is later in the evening during The Great American BBQ. This exclusive reservation-only event includes a large barbecue buffet and dancing, with a live band. It all culminates with a fireworks show over the Intracoastal Waterway.
State Highway 140 makes for easy drives to downtown Wilmington
Residents walk, bike and drive to get around the island. The only way off is by boat or car. Boaters have easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway to reach coastal destinations such as Wrightsville Beach and the upscale waterside neighborhood of Airlie. A short drive through Porters Neck leads to Market Street, where drivers can easily hop on State Highway 140 to go to downtown Wilmington, about a 20-mile trip. “With the bypass, they don’t have to deal with all the congestion on Market Street,” Skutnik says. Wilmington International Airport is about 17 miles away.
Local restaurants and national retailers in Porters Neck
While high-profile residents tend to stay on the island and get items delivered, Porters Neck is on the other side of the drawbridge when residents or vacationers want to venture out. They can pick up essentials along Market Street at Walmart Supercenter, Harris Teeter and Lowe’s Home Improvement. The commercial corridor is home to more than a dozen local restaurants. Cast Iron Kitchen is the rustic stop for a casual breakfast or lunch. K38 Baja Grill, a beloved Wilmington brand with locations across the city, is known for its fish tacos and vibrant atmosphere. Cape Fear Seafood is a date night spot, serving surf and turf in its contemporary digs. For a meal close to home, Figure Eight Island Yacht Club members can dine outside on the deck to enjoy views of the Intracoastal Waterway. Food trucks visit the island on a rotating schedule.
From farm-to-table breakfasts to mouthwatering lunch plates, Cast Iron Kitchen enriches the culinary scene near Figure 8 Island.
K38 Baja Grill near Figure 8 Island serves vibrant Mexican flavors in a lively, coastal setting, perfect for relaxed island dining.
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Hollywood history and crime movie material
Hollywood actors, including Robert Downey Jr., Ben Stiller and Kim Basinger, have long sought refuge on the island. And the opulent properties here have been captured in movies and TV. “Sleeping With the Enemy was filmed there in a glass house on the southern end,” Skutnik says. While rarely making headlines for crime today, the island has two noteworthy incidents of criminal activity in decades past. A local fisherman ran an illegal whiskey still during Prohibition. In the 1970s, a federal grand jury indicted 15 people in connection to a drug smuggling ring that operated out of two homes rented by an attorney.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Mary-Kathryn Smith,
an experienced agent in this area.
Parks in this Area
Airlie Gardens
Picnic Area
Trails
Hiking
Transit
Airport
Wilmington International
33 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Figure 8 Island
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Figure 8 Island Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Figure 8 Island, Wilmington sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Figure 8 Island, Wilmington over the last 12 months is $8,225,000, up 45% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
An exceptional opportunity to acquire over 2 acres of oceanfront land with wide, unobstructed views of the coastline. This offering includes two adjoining parcels, sold together. The land is cleared and features a strong dune system--ready for development. Whether you're planning a luxury residence or looking for a long-term investment in a rare beachfront location, this property is a standout
Welcome to 4 Sandy Point, a rare opportunity to own a beautifully updated waterfront residence on exclusive Figure Eight Island, complete with a private pier and dock and just steps from the beach. Perfectly positioned on a quiet cul-de-sac street, this professionally decorated home captures the essence of coastal luxury, blending timeless design with modern comfort in North Carolina's most
The Phillips GroupLandmark Sotheby's International Realty
Discover unparalleled ocean and inlet views from this meticulously maintained and fully renovated 4-bedroom, 4-bath home with large covered and uncovered decks, ideally situated on the pristine shores of Figure Eight Island.Designed with a reverse floor plan, the property features a stunning kitchen, dining, and living area, complete with large windows that showcase the island's expansive beauty.
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Mary-Kathryn Smith,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,106
Median Age
51
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
20.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
29.7%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$185,714
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$200,730
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
100%
College Graduates
69.4%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
28.2%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
52.8%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
64''
Average Winter Low Temperature
34°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
25/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
7/ 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.
