Surf City, NC Multifamily Home for Sale

Surf City, located on North Carolina’s Topsail Island, is a small coastal community with a population of less than 5,000. The town spans both Pender and Onslow counties and is known for its laid-back atmosphere, particularly outside the busy summer months of May through August when tourism peaks. Surf City has a rich history, transitioning from a fishing village to a site for the U.S. Navy’s guided missile testing program, and finally becoming a seaside resort town in 1949. The local economy is primarily tourism and service-based, with major employers including the town itself, the State of North Carolina, and local school systems. Many residents commute approximately 30 miles to Wilmington for work. Housing options range from colorful three-story stilt homes and condos along the oceanfront to suburban-style homes in master-planned communities like Magnolia Reserve. The town features family-friendly parks such as Soundside Park, which offers amenities like an amphitheater, boat ramp, picnic shelters, and a playground. The new Earl G. & Inez Batts Recreation Complex includes a skatepark, sand volleyball courts, and an inclusive playground. Surf City is also home to the Karen Beasly Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center, a designated sea turtle sanctuary. The town faces environmental challenges like beach erosion and stormwater runoff, which are addressed through various local programs. Surf City’s school system, served by Pender County Schools and Topsail High, is highly rated, attracting families to the area. The community is car-dependent, with major roads like U.S. Route 17 connecting it to nearby cities. Wilmington International Airport is about 30 miles away.