Morehead City

Morehead City is the area's largest city, and it has the most neighborhoods. Like most early communities, it began at the water's edge because that's where the work was. Morehead City's earliest inhabitants lived near what is now the N.C. State Port, bounded by Bogue Sound, the Newport River and Calico Creek. As the area filled up, homes were built farther west. Today people continue to live by the water, but not so much for the work as for the beauty of the views and the breeze.

Morehead City's downtown is seeing many improvements and an active Revitalization Committee is hard at work. Between Arendell Street and Bogue Sound, from about Ninth to 14th streets, is a neighborhood of small, wood-sided homes known as the Promise Land. Some of these houses were moved to the mainland on sailing skiffs at the turn of the last century when severe storms almost destroyed the once-flourishing fishing village of Diamond City on Shackleford Banks. Homes were dragged out of the water and rolled on logs to their new foundation. As the story goes, one spectator commented on the sight, "It looks like the Children of Israel coming to the Promise Land." The name stuck.

More and more developments are popping up in Morehead City and along the outskirts of town. Prices vary greatly depending on the proximity to the water.

Joslyn Trace is a peaceful subdivision on N. 20th Street at the junction of Country Club Road. Homes here are both one and two stories. Creek Pointe and Mandy Farms are two neighborhoods just off Country Club Road. Expect prices in these communities to be around $225,000.

South Shores is an established waterfront community off Country Club Road on the Newport River. It offers members of its homeowners association lighted streets, curbs and gutters, a swimming pool and tennis courts. Across Country Club Road is Brookewoods subdivision, a neighborhood with lots of friendly families. Homes in these areas start around $270,000 and go up.

Country Club Road is a main thoroughfare along the north side of Morehead City. West Carteret High School is at the western end, and the Morehead City Country Club is toward the eastern end. In between are mostly long-settled neighborhoods, although a few new developments have gone up in recent years. In most areas the lovely old trees have been left in place, and most homes are suitable for retirees or young families. Homes along Country Club Road average around $250,000 to more than $300,000.

Country Club East is a development across from and fronting the golf course. Two- and three-story homes are the norm. Prices vary, depending on the size, features and distance from the golf course, and are from just under $300,000 to more than $500,000.

River Heights lies to the east of the country club and is one of the older suburbs. Homes here are rarely on the market, and when they are, they are sold relatively quickly at affordable prices. Hedrick Estates on the west side of Country Club Road features nice one-and two-story homes with well-landscaped yards. Homes here being in the mid-$100,000s and go to just over $200,000. Adjacent to Hedrick Estates is Westhaven Village, made up of one- and two-story homes on large wooded lots. Homes in this area start at around $220,000 and range to more than $400,000.  

West-Car Meadows off Country Club Boulevard is a well-established, affordable development, backed by Swinson Park and close to Morehead City Primary School, the high school and shopping areas. This is a good location for families with children. Homes here are rarely available, but would begin around $200,000. Northwoods is a nice development off Country Club Road, with single-family and two-story dwellings on large tree-covered lots. Homes in these areas can start around $225,000 and go up to $400,000.

Justin's Corner is an attractive community of starter or retirement homes on Mandy Lane, just off 35th Street, south of the Sports Center. These houses are 1,200 to 1,700 square feet, with attached garages, fully equipped kitchens and no interior steps to climb. Prices are about $210,000.

Blair Pointe is a waterfront development located at the eastern end of Country Club Road. This subdivision has building lots situated on an artificial pond, Dill's Creek and on the Newport River. The development has sidewalks, pedestrian bridges, lighted-curbed streets and private docks. A wide price range is found here, depending on proximity to water and water depth. Lots are about $300,000 and homes can go for well over $1 million.

Just west of Blair Pointe is Blair Farm. This large development is tucked away by Blair Pointe off of Country Club Road. Blair Farm offers something for everyone — single family homes, patio homes and large homes — depending on which neighborhood you choose. A few building sites are still available, with one last section yet to be offered. Amenities include a clubhouse, a community swimming pool, a playground and tennis courts. More new areas are being developed. Prices for lots range from $120,000 to $250,000 and homes range from the high $200,000s to more than $500,000.

Bonham Heights, Mansfield Park and Mitchell Village are older, spacious, well-established neighborhoods along Bogue Sound off U.S. 70. Homes vary from modest bungalows to two-and three-story residences. Most residents have lived in these areas for a number of years; however, homes do occasionally go on the market. Prices can start at $250,000 and go up depending on their location to the sound. The Landings at Mitchell Village is a townhome community with two- and three-bedroom units, each with a garage. The prices start at $230,000 to $260,000. The Bluffs is a condominium development at the end of Mansfield Parkway, overlooking Bogue Sound. Units are individually owned townhouses or condominiums, most with a sound view, and prices range from $400,000 to $710,000.

Morehead City's selection of neighborhoods is quite good. There are many areas available in a variety of price ranges. There is something for everyone, if you're willing to search. Or contact a local real estate agent and let them find something that fits you needs and budget. But don't wait too long to decide — inventory is low and the number of buyers is high.
 

Park Villas will be a 72-unit condominium complex located across from Brandywine Bay in Morehead City. The complex will consist of nine buildings with eight units per building, four on the ground floor and four on the second floor. The community will be nicely landscaped and feature a community pool, as well as an area for boat and/or RV storage. Prices start at $150,000.

The Shores features 34 condominiums and ten individual home sites. Condominiums feature three bedrooms and three baths, large balconies, deluxe kitchens, elevators, vaulted ceilings and much more. With its location within 200 yards of the Intracostal Waterway, an 80 plus-slip marina is an integral part of The Shores. Owners enjoy a marina offering state-of-the-art floating docks, and slips ranging from 35 to 100 feet in length. Located in a private gated community, The Shores offers residents the ultimate neighborhood surrounded by water.

Country Club Run is being developed and, when completed, will include 171 single-family homes and 70 duplex-style townhomes. Located between the Newport River and Country Club Road in Morehead City, Country Club Run offers residents easy access to schools, shopping and the beaches. Residents can enjoy a clubhouse and pool. Prices here start in the low $200,000s.