$463,365Average Value$292Average Price per Sq Ft8Homes For Sale
An island steeped in North Carolina's coastal history
The small community of Harkers Island harbors a large passion for the history and traditions of the "Down East" area, a name given to the region of eastern North Carolina closest to the barrier islands. Fishermen, boat builders and mariners make their living on the island, just as residents have since the 18th century. Before that, Harkers Island was home to the Coree Tribe, the namesake of the Core Sound and Core Banks. Today, tourism is a growing industry, especially for waterfowl enthusiasts. However, the island is still primarily residential and has a friendly, small-town feeling with an emphasis on supporting local businesses. It’s a coastal town, ideal for anyone wanting to be by the water but away from the crowds. The entirety of the island spans less than 4 miles. “There’s probably less than 500 or 600 full-time residents there,” says Alan Leary, a Carteret County native and Realtor with Re/Max Ocean Properties. “But the second homes and vacation visitors increase the population a bit."
Harkers Island is mainly residential, with a friendly, small-town feel.
Harkers Island has a long history in the commercial fishing industry.
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Exploring the shores and banks
On a boat ride to Cape Lookout National Seashore, a pod of dolphins may serve as unofficial tour guides. The 56 miles of beach offer some of the island's best views and are home to Cape Lookout Lighthouse. The lighthouse is affectionally known as Our Lady Diamond because of the black and white diamond pattern painted on its exterior. It is not currently open for climbing, as it’s expected to undergo repairs in late 2024. The seashore is a popular swimming spot, but swimmers should be cautious of winds and wave patterns, as there are no lifeguards. At Shackleford Banks, the quiet beaches are only inhabited by sea creatures and wild horses. “It’s a big area where people stop their boat and just hang out on the beach, swim in the water or go fishing,” says Andi Darden, marketing manager for Mary Cheatham King Real Estate. For Harkers Island’s favorite activity, there are small fishing piers throughout the island, including the Straits Fishing Pier. Anyone with a fishing license can look to reel in pufferfish, bluefish and crabs.
Shackleford Banks is a great place to hunt for sea shells.
It's not too hard to find something to do outside on Harkers Island.
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Harkers Island homes ranging in prices
The island has a wide range of housing at different sizes and price points. In the low $200,000s to mid $400,000s, homes tend to be two- to three-bedroom ranch-styles and bungalows. Larger three- to four-bedroom homes often have wraparound porches and sell from the low $500,000s up to the low $800,000s. Both newer homes and historic homes can have a higher price tag, some selling as high as $1.2 million. Properties with waterfront views are also considered to be more desirable. Within the last year, 19 homes went on the market, and took an average of 71 days to sell.
Large seaside homes are popular on Harkers Island.
Small cottage style homes are among the most common on Harkers Island.
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Decoy carving during Waterfowl Weekend
On the first weekend of December, Waterfowl Weekend is filled with events celebrating Harker Island heritage. It includes the Core Sound Decoy Festival, where artisans demonstrate the long-practiced tradition of carving wooden replicas of ducks and other water birds. “Some of the decoys will go for thousands of dollars,” Leary says. The Core Sound Waterfowl Museum hosts events throughout the weekend, concluding with a Sunday morning church service. "It's become so popular that our local community college teaches a class on decoy carving,” Leary says.
The Core Sound Waterfowl Museum displays hundreds of carved ducks and birds.
You can learn about local wildlife at the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum.
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Supporting fishermen with fresh seafood
There are only two restaurants on the island, but according to Leary, “They’re both worth eating at." Since 1986, Seaside Galley has been serving up local favorites like shrimp burgers and Down East lemon pies. Owner Mila Gutherie still uses her grandmother’s recipe, which includes a Ritz cracker crust. Down the road is Fish Hook Grill, known for seafood dishes with homemade sauces and hand-crafted cocktails made with local spirits. Both restaurants take pride in supporting local fishermen and source their fresh seafood from Mr. Big Seafood, a family-run small business. Billy’s is the local grocery store that offers fresh produce, meats and other necessities. Cape Pointe Marina has boating, fishing and camping needs covered with boat engine repairs, live bait and RV site rentals. Wild Rose Glass is a family business that has been crafting stained glass for over 30 years. More shopping can be found in the towns of Morehead City and Beaufort, though both trips are at minimum 25 miles.
Fishermen, boat builders and mariners make their living on Harker Island.
It's not to hard to find a place to fish on Harkers Island.
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Schools attend by multiple generations
Harkers Island Elementary is the only public school located on the island. Down East Middle is about an 8-mile, or 12-minute, drive to the town of Smyrna. Both schools earn A-minus ratings on Niche. East Carteret High in Beaufort is a 12-mile, or 20-minute, drive. The B-plus-rated high school serves around 600 students from 13 Down East rural communities and larger towns, including Beauford. It’s common for multiple generations of a family to grow up in the area and attend the same schools, creating a close-knit community that honors the local culture and work ethic.
The Down East Middle School serves students in grades 7th and 8th.
The East Carteret High School is ranked 105th within North Carolina.
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Crossing the new bridge to and from the mainland
“They just constructed a new high-rise bridge from the mainland to Harkers Island,” Leary says. Highway 70 leads to the bridge, which is the only way to enter or exit the island by car. The ribbon-cutting ceremony drew a crowd of hundreds. It’s the first bridge in the state to utilize carbon and glass fiber reinforcement and was christened by Houston Salter, a 103-year-old Harkers Island Native. Many residents own boats, but another transportation option is a ferry service that takes passengers from Harkers Island to Cape Lookout on a 15-to-20-minute ride. Carteret Health Care is the closest hospital, located in Morehead City, about 23 miles away. Coastal Carolina Regional Airport is closer to 50 miles from Harkers Island.
There is only one bridge onto Harkers Island.
The ferry to Cape Lookout only takes around 15 minutes each way.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
DENNIS VARY,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Cape Lookout National Seashore
Picnic Area
Trails
Hiking
Shackleford Banks
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Harkers Island
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Harkers Island, Morehead City sell after 86 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Harkers Island, Morehead City over the last 12 months is $512,999, down 17% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Enjoy stunning views of Eastmouth Bay and Core Sound from this beautiful, custom built, 4 year old waterfront home on Harkers Island. The first floor features a finished entryway and bonus room for storage and mechanicals (including the water softener). On the middle level, you will find a spacious primary bedroom with an ensuite bath and direct access to the deck, an office with a closet with
WATERFRONT COTTAGE w/dock, boatlift & boat ramp on lovely Harkers Island. Fronting on Back Sound, there are amazing views of Shackleford Banks & distant view of Cape Lookout Lighthouse. Experience sandy beach at low tide. There are lots of pelicans & occasional dolphins. Cottage has 2 Bd, 2 Ba on upper level, (called main level). Lower level, (called basement, but it is not unground), has heat &
Set sail from your very own private boat slip in Harkers Island! Located on Bayview Dr., this desirable slip offers quick access to Core Sound, the Cape Lookout National Seashore, Beaufort and some of the best fishing and boating waters. Whether you're a seasoned boater or a weekend adventurer, this is your chance to secure your protected boat slip in paradise.
Brittany WheatlyWheatly and Combs Premier Properties
Motivated Seller! Amazing rehab or build opportunity on Harkers Island! This 2-bedroom, 1-bath ranch-style home sits on a spacious .43-acre lot with direct views of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse. Whether you're dreaming of a coastal getaway, vacation rental, or full-time residence, this property is a blank canvas in an unbeatable island location. Enjoy the charm of Harkers Island living, surrounded
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
DENNIS VARY,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,185
Median Age
62
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
12.9%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
44%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$60,909
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$74,618
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
89%
College Graduates
25.8%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
10.3%
% Population in Labor Force
52.7%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
55''
Average Winter Low Temperature
36°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
31/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
19/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
