Neighborhoods & Developments

Like most beach resort areas, the Crystal Coast has a wide variety of real estate options — everything from small cottages and huge oceanfront homes to condominiums and mobile homes. We mention a few of the communities on Bogue Banks here; however, for a more complete list of what is available, check with a real estate agent. Also, for information on timeshares, check our Crystal Coast  Weekly and Long-Term Vacation Rentals chapter.

Many newcomers move to the Crystal Coast for one reason: to live by the water. Atlantic Beach, Pine Knoll Shores, Indian Beach and Salter Path often have existing homes on the market. However, new construction has been a constant during the last several years, and there is an array of newer homes, condominiums and townhouses. Keep in mind that homes in this part of the county generally have a water view, a fact that increases the price of the property tremendously.

If searching for a summer or vacation home at the beach, note that most of the condominium complexes have rental units managed by area realty companies. Not sure which site fits you best? Spend a week or a weekend there and see if the site is what you had in mind.

With a remaining hint of a nostalgic air about it, Atlantic Beach is seeing its 1950s beach houses change to modern structures. There are still plenty throwback-to-the-1950s rambling beach houses and small cottages, but they are nudged right up next to ponderous two-story clapboards on narrow streets running parallel to the ocean. Atlantic Beach continues to be primarily made up of "local" residents — people who have lived here most of their lives and wouldn't dream of living anywhere else. The demographics at this end of Bogue Banks are slightly different than the rest of the island. Expect a younger crowd at Atlantic Beach instead of the large concentration of retirees found at other beach locations. Families in their 30s and 40s are commonplace, probably because of the small, affordable, near-beach cottages that allowed these couples to purchase their homes at a reasonable price in years past.

Today, change is happening as Atlantic Beach is making great strides to revitalize itself. The Circle, a once-popular family amusement area, is being renovated and plans are well underway for major developments and improvements to the area. Condos, restaurants and shops will soon fill the area that once was home to a Ferris wheel, go-cart tracks and amusement arcades.

Private homes, vacation rentals and mobile homes are mixed throughout this small oceanfront town, and over the years building has extended several blocks back from the water to N.C. Highway 58 (Salter Path Road). Most of the dwellings in Atlantic Beach are within walking distance of the ocean or sound, and the majority of new homes are concentrated on the eastern end of the island, along Fort Macon Road.

Here, too, are a number of developments, such as Seaspray, A Place At the Beach and Southwinds, with prices ranging from $195,000 to $400,000. Sands Villas Resort offers resort condominiums in the range of $345,000 to $500,000. Island Quay is a development of homes that average about $500,000.

By far Atlantic Beach's most colorful development is Sea Dreams at MM 1.5. Built on a high dune with views of the ocean and sound, this small development offers bright, cheery homes and a clubhouse, playground and pool. An oceanfront home here is in the $1.5 million range.