Situated in the heart of the sunny Outer Banks region, Kill Devil Hills might be one of the best-known towns on the North Carolina barrier islands. This laidback beach town is smack-dab in the middle of the Northern Beaches, less than 10 miles from the mainland via Wright Memorial Bridge. “When you cross that bridge, it’s like a weight is lifted off your shoulders,” says Michael Siers, an Outer Banks resident and broker with Howard Hanna Outer Banks Realty. “It’s not like a continual vacation because it’s a much more relaxed lifestyle than you can get on vacation. That’s what people are buying when they move here.” According to Siers, families from across the country have been coming to the Outer Banks seeking a slow-paced lifestyle and the tranquility that comes with living near the water. Not everyone who lives in Kill Devil Hills is a year-round resident, as seasonal rentals are a popular investment. Although the town has a permanent population of just 7,700, the Outer Banks welcomes over 2 million visitors annually, and tourism accounts for approximately 45% of jobs in Dare County.
Charming homes throughout Kill Devil Hills blend seamlessly with the coastal landscape.
Kill Devil Hills is the perfect destination for relaxation and adventure.
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From waterfront mansions to beachy bungalows
Homes in Kill Devil Hills span multi-million-dollar mansions to petite beach cottages. New construction homes are easier to find here than in other parts of the Outer Banks, as are condos and townhouses. Wooden piling, large ocean-facing windows and colorful exteriors with cheeky slogans are just a few of the trademarks of the area’s homes. The median price for a single-family home is $550,000, higher than the national median of $410,000. Townhouses sell at a median price of $520,000. Houses spend 65 days on the market on average, longer than the national average of 45 days.
Homes in Kill Devil Hills span multi-million-dollar mansions to condominium beach homes.
Vacation rentals along the shores of Kill Devil Hills offer ocean views and the relaxing sound of waves just steps away.
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Beach bumming on the Atlantic Coast, and a memorial to the first flight
The number one attraction in Kill Devil Hills is its beaches, which stretch uninterrupted for miles along the coast. Thanks to the Outer Banks’ excellent swells, water sports such as surfing, kiteboarding and windsurfing are especially popular, and the sandy shores offer sunbathing spots aplenty. From Avalon Pier, fishermen can cast a line to catch some bass, bluefish or mackerel. The other side of Kill Devil Hills is bordered by Kitty Hawk Bay and the Albemarle Sound, offering even more room for waterfront recreation. “You can see some of the best sunsets over the bay while walking along Bay Drive,” Siers says.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to the Wright Brothers National Memorial, which commemorates the world’s first controlled flights that took place in the Outer Banks in December 1903. Although the memorial is a well-known tourist destination, Siers says that its sweeping views also make it a popular place to walk and enjoy the sunrise. Multiple other recreation facilities are right next door, including a skate park, arboretum and pickleball courts, while wooded preserves along the sound grant secluded walking trails.
Outer Banks at Kill Devil Hill welcomes over 2 million visitors annually.
Visitors flock to the Wright Brothers National Memorial, in Kill Devil Hill, which commemorates the world’s first controlled flights that took place in the Outer Banks.
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Along a major highway and 80 miles from Norfolk, Virginia
U.S. Route 158 runs through Kill Devil Hills, connecting it to the other Outer Banks villages as well as the mainland via the Wright Memorial Bridge in Kitty Hawk. While the island has its own hospital, Outer Banks Health Hospital in Nags Head, the nearest international airport is 80 miles north in Norfolk. “You have everything you need on a day-to-day basis in Kill Devil Hills,” Siers says. “Most people only occasionally need to travel to Norfolk or Virginia Beach for specialty services.” To the south, U.S. Route 64 crosses the Roanoke Sound to Roanoke Island, where Manteo is located. Many homes are within walking or biking distance of the beach and restaurants.
Local restaurants on U.S. Route 158 and beachfront souvenir shops
Eclectic local restaurants and familiar chain shops line U.S. Route 158 right in the heart of town, with a handful of eateries located right on the beach. Some businesses operate out of converted homes, while other souvenir shops are tucked into shopping centers. “Kill Devil Hills is the most commercialized of the Outer Banks towns,” Siers says, noting that more big-box stores, such as Target, have recently opened in the area. Most businesses in Kill Devil Hills are open year-round, though some have limited hours in the offseason.
For vibrant coastal flavors, and delicious Southern comfort food, visit Jolly Roger in Kill Devil Hills.
It's been quoted that Kill Devil Hills is the most commercialized of the Outer Banks towns.
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Well-rated Dare County Schools
Dare County Schools serves the entire Outer Banks and scores an A-minus from Niche. Most Kill Devil Hills addresses are zoned for First Flight Elementary, First Flight Middle and First Flight High, although some are zoned to Nags Head Elementary.
First Flight Middle School serves 612 students throughout Dare County.
First Flight Elementary School is part of the Dare County School District.
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Overall low violent crime and falling property crime
Crime data provided by the FBI shows that violent crime in Kill Devil Hills increased from 20 counts in 2018 to 33 counts in 2023. Over the same five-year span, property crime decreased by 55%.
Coastal flooding and higher home maintenance
Summers in Kill Devil Hills are hot, and winters are mild. The town’s location on the Atlantic Coast makes it particularly vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms, which can cause severe flooding. Flood insurance is typically required for homes directly on the water, and the salty ocean air can contribute to higher home maintenance costs.
Homes built on stilts in Kill Devil Hills, are designed to protect from storms while offering stunning views of the Outer Banks.
New construction homes are easy to find throughout Kill Devil Hills.
Matt Myatt owner of The Myatt Group has over 18 years of experience and is an owner of Keller Williams Outer Banks. With over $560 million sold and over 1,000 OBX properties, Matt's experience, and market knowledge are unparalleled. Selling from Corolla to Hatteras, he has you covered when buying or selling an Outer Banks property. You can rely on Matt for all aspects of your transaction and rest easy that you will receive the highest level of customer service. Contact Matt today to start the conversation, whether you're just beginning the process or ready to buy or sell.
Matt is originally from Ridgewood, New Jersey. He and his family vacationed on the Outer Banks for more than 10 years before purchasing a vacation home. Matt attended Elon University in Central North Carolina, receiving a BS in Business Administration. Upon graduation, he relocated to the Outer Banks to be near his family. Throughout his life, Matt has interacted with people from all over the country. Thanks largely to these experiences, he realized that real estate would afford him the best opportunity to continue in this aspect of the business.
Matt is in the top 1% of all Outer Banks Brokers and has over $560M in sales volume.
*Data obtained from OBAR 1/1/2012 through 5/28/2024
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.
