Calabash enjoys proximity to beaches and known as “Seafood Capital of the World”
The North Carolina fishing town of Calabash, which has dubbed itself “The Seafood Capital of the World,” is home to just over 2,000 people. The area is in Brunswick County, just above the South Carolina state border. It is known for its style of fried seafood, especially its shrimp. “Calabash seafood” has spread in popularity and is served in multiple Myrtle Beach buffets and beyond. Cheryl Helmecki, a resident and broker in charge at RE/MAX At the Beach, says the town's location is one of its biggest draws. It is less than 30 miles away from Myrtle Beach. “Yet it’s kind of out of the hustle and bustle of vacationers, so it feels more like a long-term living area as opposed to a resort area,” Helmecki says.
Calabash, NC, known as the "Seafood Capital of the World," pioneered Calabash-style seafood in the 1930s—lightly battered and flash-fried, setting a culinary trend.
Calabash, NC, is distinguished by its gently rolling terrain and proximity to the Calabash River, which meanders through the town, enhancing its scenic beauty.
1/2
Golf course communities and manufactured homes
The median price in Calabash is $365,000. The town has a mix of distinct neighborhoods, Helmecki says. “They range from golf course subdivisions to maybe more of a manufactured home community,” she says. Architectural styles range and include newer construction traditional homes, many with garages, and older ranch-style homes. A few gated communities can be found in the area. Most neighborhoods do not have sidewalks. Helmecki says some communities are geared toward specific demographics, including retirees and vacationers.
Calabash, NC, offers diverse housing communities like Coastal Club, Calabash Lakes, and Carolina Shores, blending coastal charm with modern amenities.
Calabash, NC offers affordable housing with a median property value of $202,000 in 2023, significantly below the national average of $303,400.
1/2
Plenty of seafood restaurants and retail in nearby towns
There are plenty of dining options near the Calabash River. Local favorites include Calabash Seafood Hut, Beck’s Restaurant and The Boundary House. The Oyster Rock is right along the waterfront and has outdoor seating with views of the river. Nearby grocery stores include Food Lion and Lowes Foods. Walmart and Publix are expected to open soon in neighboring Carolina Shores, which shares a zip code with Calabash. Callahan's of Calabash is a popular local gift shop and Christmas store. For more retail, residents head to North Myrtle Beach or Shallotte.
Calabash, NC, boasts over 30 seafood restaurants within a square mile, earning it the title "Seafood Capital of the World" .
Calabash, NC, offers diverse entertainment options beyond its renowned seafood scene.
1/2
Summer music at the park and classes at the senior center
Calabash Community Park has a pavilion and playground and hosts a free monthly concert series in the summer. The county also recently built a senior center in downtown Calabash, which offers numerous activities, including knitting and exercise classes, card games and line dancing. Ocean Isle Beach is just 10 miles away and has playgrounds and a fishing pier.
Calabash Community Park, located at 868 Persimmon Road, serves as a central gathering spot in Calabash, NC, offering walking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds for residents and visitors alike.
The Brunswick Center at Calabash, opened in 2018, is Brunswick County's fifth senior center, offering fitness classes, arts, meals, and social activities.
1/2
Children zoned for Brunswick County school district
Children are zoned for Brunswick County Schools. Jessie Mae Monroe Elementary is rated B. Shallotte Middle School and West Brunswick High School each have a B-minus. The high school serves about 1,500 students. It has a JROTC and offers fine arts and STEM classes, as well as career and technical education courses.
Shallotte Middle School is recognized as one of the most diverse middle schools in North Carolina.
West Brunswick High School offers extracurricular activities, including clubs and organizations such as Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), JROTC, and the International Club.
1/2
Transportation and flooding risk in Calabash
Calabash’s main thoroughfare is Beach Drive, or North Carolina Highway 179, which leads east to Shallotte. The road connects with U.S. Route 17 in South Carolina and leads to Myrtle Beach. Traffic gets a little heavier in the summer when visitors arrive, particularly around mealtimes, Helmecki says.
The area is considered at moderate risk of flooding, according to the climate modeling website First Street. About 25% of properties in the area are at risk of flooding over the next 30 years.
Written By
Nour Habib
Photography Contributed By
Justin Stapp
Video By
Jason Jacot
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Bonnie Rotundo,
an experienced agent in this area.
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
On average, homes in Calabash, NC sell after 75 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Calabash, NC over the last 12 months is $336,990, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experience refined coastal living at 1220 North Middleton Drive NW in Brunswick Plantation. This barely used, better-than-new home offers 2,650 heated sq ft and 3,625 total sq ft on a wooded lot in Flood Zone X, with no homes behind for added privacy and peace of mind. This stunning coastal farmhouse blends modern luxury with Southern charm, featuring Hardi Board siding, board-and-batten exterior
Coastal charm meets resort-style living in Kingfish Bay! This light-filled 2BR/2BA cottage features vaulted ceilings, quartz countertops, a spa-like primary suite, and a covered patio overlooking a specious fenced backyard. Enjoy riverfront amenities, walking trails, clubhouse, fitness center, swimming pools, and exclusive Beach House with oceanfront access at Sunset Beach.
🏌️ Crow Creek Golf Course Community | Sunset Beach Area | No Flood Insurance Required. Welcome to Crow Creek - Coastal Carolina's Premier Golf Course Community! Relocating to the Brunswick County Coast? This is the home you've been searching for. Nestled inside the gated Crow Creek Golf Course Community near Sunset Beach, NC, this stunning Vanderbilt floor plan by Pulte Homes
Beautiful and charming home in the amenity loaded resort community of Kingfish Bay located in the heart of Calabash. Originally built in 2019, this Starfish II offers many finishes no longer standard, plus upgrades galore. Current owners have lovingly and tastefully enhanced this home to create a one of a kind custom 3 bed 3 full bath that seamlessly blends fun and function--Bright and welcoming,
A Dramatic 16' Vaulted Ceiling sets the stage in this move-in ready 4 bedroom Beauty with ''real'' Hardwood Floors! White kitchen, formal dining, 3 full bathrooms, sunroom, screened porches and a fully fenced backyard creating a happy home. Enjoy the ease and comfort of this home's many offerings: a welcoming foyer, a pleasing living area with architectural angles and an open concept flair; a
Welcome home to your all brick custom built/one owner home in the gated golf community at Crow Creek Golf Club. Whether you're a golf enthusiast or simply love relaxing with a spectacular view, this home offers it all. The Home offers both luxury and convenience in one stunning package. Enter inside this immaculate 3 bedroom, 2 full & 2 half baths home and be greeted by modern elegance & upgrades
Welcome Home to Coastal Living in Calabash, NC! 982 Charlotte Avenue is in a great location — just a short car ride to the heart of downtown Calabash, where you'll find seafood restaurants, charming boutiques, and all the coastal attractions this beloved town is known for! This move-in-ready home sits on a beautiful corner lot in the established community of Calabash Acres, with no HOA, county
Welcome to refined coastal living in the highly sought-after Meadowlands Golf Course community! Built in 2019 and meticulously maintained, this beautiful three-bedroom, three-bathroom home with a two-car garage offers the perfect blend of style, comfort, and functionality. Designed with an open-concept layout, the home features soaring 10-foot ceilings in the living area with elegant coffered
Welcome to life at the coast in charming Calabash, NC, where every day feels like a getaway, and the Meadowlands community offers the perfect blend of relaxation and connection. This beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home invites you to slow down and savor the coastal lifestyle. Imagine mornings filled with sunshine streaming into the vaulted Carolina Room, coffee in hand as gentle
Beautifully maintained and freshly painted, this 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home in The Farm at Brunswick offers a light coastal feel and a flexible floor plan just minutes from Sunset Beach and North Myrtle Beach. The main level features a spacious primary suite with walk-in closet and private bath, along with two additional guest bedrooms and a full bathroom.Upstairs you'll find a fourth bedroom
Experience refined coastal living at 1220 North Middleton Drive NW in Brunswick Plantation. This barely used, better-than-new home offers 2,650 heated sq ft and 3,625 total sq ft on a wooded lot in Flood Zone X, with no homes behind for added privacy and peace of mind. This stunning coastal farmhouse blends modern luxury with Southern charm, featuring Hardi Board siding, board-and-batten exterior
This beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath condo is being sold fully furnished, making it a truly turnkey opportunity for a primary residence, second home, or investment property. Inside you will find new luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, offering both style and durability. The open and inviting floor plan provides comfortable living space and a seamless flow between the kitchen, dining,
Enjoy stunning golf course views from this beautifully maintained top-floor 3-bedroom condo, perfectly positioned to capture sweeping fairway scenery and peaceful surroundings. Offered fully furnished and thoughtfully stocked, this condo is truly turnkey- just bring your suitcase and start enjoying the lifestyle. The open living area features laminate wood flooring throughout the main living
Exquisitely maintained and thoughtfully enhanced, this beautiful home offers unobstructed water views from both the front and rear--creating a truly serene and picturesque setting. Relax on the screened porch or unwind on the open patio while taking in the tranquil waterfront backdrop, or start your morning with peaceful views of the open green space across the street, also graced with water
Maintenance-Free Living with Stunning Golf Course ViewsEnjoy effortless living in this beautifully designed home, where the HOA handles all exterior maintenance and landscaping--so you can focus on relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying the peaceful, park-like setting right outside your door. From the moment you arrive, the beautifully maintained exterior, manicured landscaping, and inviting
Welcome to The View at Crow Creek, a brand-new luxury apartment community in the heart of charming Calabash, North Carolina. Located near the scenic Crow Creek Golf Club, our spacious two- and three-bedroom apartments are designed with modern amenities and upscale finishes to elevate your lifestyle. Enjoy premium features like a resort-style pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and
This is a 3rd floor, 2 bed 2 bath condo with a poolside view. Located in the heart of the beautiful town of Calabash. This condo has laminate flooring, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances. Come check it out!
Discover comfortable coastal living at Tides at Calabash Apartments in Sunset Beach, North Carolina. Our welcoming apartment community offers thoughtfully designed 1- and 2-bedroom apartments with features including spacious kitchens, private patios or balconies with additional storage, walk-in closets, full-size washer and dryer, and select units with beautiful hardwood-style
Fully furnished 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath end-unit townhome built in 2025, located in the desirable Anderson Farms community in Calabash. This newer construction home offers a bright, open floor plan with modern finishes throughout, creating a comfortable, move-in-ready living space. The end-unit location provides added privacy along with a rare, oversized side yard, perfect for enjoying outdoor space
Just minutes from Ocean Isle Beach and Myrtle Beach, Heartsease at Calabash unites comfy cottage homes, sprawling outdoor spaces, next-level amenities and maintenance for an incomparable rental lifestyle with lock-and-leave convenience. Let us handle the “honey-do” list so you can work on your golf tan and your beach hair.
Three bedroom, two bath, unfurnished home in Salt Aire Village. Enclosed porch, two car garage, appliances included. Lease includes use of clubhouse and outdoor pool.
Egret Landing, nestled in the charming town of Calabash, NC, offers a pristine and welcoming rental home community. Boasting modern amenities, scenic surroundings, and thoughtfully designed residences, Egret Landing provides a serene and comfortable living experience for those seeking a coastal lifestyle just 20 minutes from the beaches of North Carolina. With its proximity to golf courses and
NO SHOWINGS UNTIL MAY 27, 2026VILLAGE AT CALABASH3 Bedroom / 2 BathroomPets permitted with monthly pet fee Property Features:- Luxury Vinyl Plank throughout main living area- Ceiling fan in living room- Eat- in kitchen- Large center island with breakfast bar- Primary bedroom has an ensuite bathroom with walk-in glass and tile shower and dual vanity- All
Welcome to Calabash Shores – Coastal, Carefree Living.Discover vibrant, maintenance-free living at Calabash Shores, a thoughtfully designed community just minutes from the beach. With 132 beautifully appointed 1- and 2-bedroom apartments and townhomes, you'll find the perfect layout to match your lifestyle.Enjoy modern apartment features, resort-style amenities, and effortless
Enjoy the best of coastal living in this beautifully furnished 2-bedroom, 2-bath second-floor condo in Crow Creek, complete with elevator access for added convenience. Set within a scenic golf community with wonderful amenities (outdoor/indoor pools, tennis/pickleball courts, fitness facility & clubhouses), this home offers a comfortable, low-maintenance lifestyle in one of the Calabash area's
Welcome to your dream townhome in the charming community of Calabash! This spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom gem boasts 1,446 square feet of modern living space, perfect for those seeking comfort and convenience. With a refreshing pool just steps away, you'll enjoy the best of both relaxation and recreation right at your doorstep.Step inside to discover a bright and airy layout
Three bedroom first floor unfurnished condo in Crow Creek near the wellness center with indoor and outdoor pools and fitness center. Golf course community. Two pool and tennis courts available. Screened porch and lots of closet space. Convenient to Myrtle Beach and Sunset Beach.
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
