At the southern tip of North Carolina is a coastal town of just under 10,000 people, where anglers gather along the pier in the early morning, and summertime sees beaches full of families lounging beneath fluttering umbrellas. Oak Island, the largest barrier island surrounding Southport, has long been known as a tourist destination for its natural scenery, waterfront lifestyle and laidback community feel. “A lot of people who visit for vacation decide they want to live here,” says Sue Singleton, who lived on the island for seven years and works as a Realtor for Carolina Coast Homes Real Estate LLC. “Despite the tourism, it’s just a small-town vibe. We live on island time — real slow. You can go to Wilmington and Myrtle Beach for the big shows and shopping, but at the end of the day, you want to come back to a relaxed community.” Many living on Oak Island are either retired or work remote jobs.
Oak Island Pier is a popular saltwater fishing spot where anglers catch large Bluefish.
Oak Island residents go for a fun bike ride on the beach with a nice ocean breeze.
Live the coastal lifestyle on the waterways in Oak Island with serene marsh views.
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Fresh produce at Middleton Park Complex
Oak Island Parks and Facilities oversees several green spaces, nature trails, and sports complexes. Wainwright says the city provides many beach access points and public parking, which is helpful when the island hits peak tourist season. “Boating is huge here, to the point where a buyer may not pick a property if it can’t have a boat lift built in,” Wainwright says. “With all our different waterways, including the intracoastal, kayaking and fishing is a big deal, too.” The Middleton Park Complex, considered a central city park, is the site of the Oak Island Farmer's Market and the Middleton Park Amphitheater.
Oak Island residents love to take a stroll on the nice walking trail at Middleton Park in Oak Island.
Meet friends on the courts for a fun game of pickleball at Middleton Park in Oak Island.
Families love to gather to chat, play, and watch concerts at the Middleton Park Complex Amphitheater in Oak Island.
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Relaxing to the tunes of the Summer Concert Series
For a relatively small area, Oak Island hosts many events throughout the year. “There’s lots of opportunity to get out in the community,” Singleton says. “Marathons, parades for any holiday, you name it. Not to mention the small pop-ups, like artisan and produce markets.” From May to August, the field surrounding the Middleton Park Amphitheater fills with residents toting in their lounge chairs and coolers to catch the annual Summer Concert Series tunes.
Coastal homes on Oak Island
The median price in Oak Island for a contemporary single-family home is $680,000, much higher than the national median. With the area's extensive housing stock, prices are lower here than in other waterside communities. “Sure, your direct waterfront homes with multiple bedrooms can get over a million dollars. But it’s insane to me that in most homes, you’re within walking distance from the beach and it’s less than $700,000,” says Jessica Wainwright, local Realtor and owner of Live Love Brunswick. “Now more than ever, people want to live here year-round."
Oak Island has spacious waterfront homes with double porches and coastal styles.
Find gorgeous waterside homes with private docks and boat lifts.
Oak Island locals love the walking distance to the beach from their front door.
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Heading to Southport for extensive shopping
Despite its small size, Oak Island has all the essentials. “We have your well-known grocery stores and, importantly, a Dollar General. If you’re from the South, you’ve come to love Dollar General,” Singleton says. “We have mom-and-pop shops, little boutiques and seafood restaurants — it’s a vintage feel. You’re a 10-minute drive to chain restaurants and more shopping.”
Dollar General in Southport is a popular store for shopping near Oak Island.
Beach Pantry on Oak Island is a quick and easy option for groceries on island.
Locals like to shop at Haag & Sons Seafood on Oak Island for fresh local seafood.
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Schooling with Brunswick County
Oak Island is served by Brunswick County Schools, which earns a B from Niche. There aren't any schools on the island, so many parents will drive their children to a nearby school. Singleton says most children attend schools in either Southport or Bolivia, and zoning is not set in stone; parents can apply to send their children to a school of choice.
Southport Christian School is a private, Christian school that serves students in grades PK, K-8 in Southport.
South Brunswick Middle School is a public school in Southport serving students in grades 6-8.
South Brunswick High School in Southport is a public high school serving students in grades 9-12.
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Free rides with Brunswick Transit Services
Major thoroughfares include North Carolina highways 133, 906 and 211. All of them connect to Route 17 and Interstate 140. While most residents drive, Brunswick Transit Services offers on-demand rides that the North Carolina Department of Transportation sponsors. “For urgent care, you’ll have to cross the bridge into the Southport area — it’s still less than 10 minutes,” Singleton says. “And Cape Fear has a regional airport, but for most people, it’s worth it to head up for about an hour to Wilmington International.”
Oak Island crime statistics and weather patterns
The Oak Island Police Department reports that the island has significantly lower violent and property crime rates than state and national averages. When it comes to weather, the city experiences hot summers and mild winters. There is a risk of flooding and storms, though a good portion of the island is not in a flood zone. Oak Island has a Hazard Mitigation Plan that is maintained and updated at five-year intervals.
Written By
Kaitie Lamb
Photography Contributed By
Jon Puckett
Video By
Christian Gortler
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On average, homes in Oak Island, NC sell after 86 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Oak Island, NC over the last 12 months is $675,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Second Row Beach House with Ocean Views - Turnkey & Move-In Ready! Discover this beautiful second-row beach home offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the iconic Ocean crest Pier from both decks. This immaculate three-bedroom, three-bath home has been completely updated and is truly turnkey -- all furniture and furnishings are included. The thoughtfully designed floor plan makes it
Single-level island home close to west-end beach. Only two years old. Move-in condition. No HOA. Open floor plan with welcoming foyer and kitchen island. Large screened porch opens to custom fenced private backyard covered in sod with irrigation system. Two-car garage. Private outdoor shower. Upgrades include metal roof, 9-foot ceilings with crown moulding. All major appliances remain. Great
Coastal charm meets easy island living. This cozy cottage may be modest in size, but it delivers big with Oak Island living. Picture mornings with salty breezes, afternoons spent on the beach, and evenings unwinding in true Carolina style. Whether you're searching for a full-time island retreat, a weekend escape, or a vacation rental in a thriving market, this home checks all the
Second Row Beach House with Ocean Views - Turnkey & Move-In Ready! Discover this beautiful second-row beach home offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the iconic Ocean crest Pier from both decks. This immaculate three-bedroom, three-bath home has been completely updated and is truly turnkey -- all furniture and furnishings are included. The thoughtfully designed floor plan makes it
This 4-bedroom, 2 full bath home offers truly breathtaking views and endless potential to make it your own. Showcasing beautiful exposed wood throughout, the property provides the opportunity to preserve its natural charm or customize with your favorite coastal-inspired colors. Offered fully furnished, this home is move-in ready with rental history available, making it an excellent investment
The soft swish and sway of sea oats atop the dune as you sit in your favorite rocker, a cool ocean breeze caressing your shirt, and all the stars in the sky winking at you over the Atlantic Ocean. This is what memories are made of. That's what welcomes you at 645 Caswell Beach Road, Memory Maker, an OCEANFRONT retreat perfectly situated between historic Southport and Oak Island on one of North
At the foot of SE 22nd Street, where the road meets Davis Canal, beneath a canopy of maritime oaks on the beach and sidewalk side of Oak Island Drive, 108 SE 22nd Street arrives with a NEW FORTIFIED ROOF installed in April 2026, a brand new water heater, an HVAC system replaced in 2020, and no flood zone designation. Three blocks from the scenic beach walkover on SE 20th Street. The trees wrap
Experience elevated coastal luxury with breathtaking panoramic views of the Intracoastal Waterway in this extraordinary 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath penthouse residence complete with a private elevator and private boat slip with boat lift. Perfectly positioned in one of the area's most desirable locations, this exceptional home offers front-row access to the very best of island living. Designed for both
Welcome to 1401 E Oak Island Drive, a versatile 4-bedroom, 3-bath coastal retreat designed for comfort, style, and flexibility. This well-maintained home is perfect for island living, whether you're hosting guests or enjoying the peace and quiet. Inside, you'll find updates including flooring installed in 2021, new water heater in 2025, and new KitchenAid appliances installed in 2025, adding
Welcome to 105 SE 17th Street A 2164 SQ FT home with a first floor suite 450 sq ft with private entrance not counted in the SQ FT with attached storage Shed 192 sq ft.Your laid-back Oak Island escape just a short stroll (or quick golf cart ride!) from the beach! Tucked on a quiet street, this home blends coastal charm with convenience, putting you close to the boat ramp, pickleball courts,
Now is our your chance to own this spectacular, spacious 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom beach house on a remarkable .26 acre second row lot and a half! That's 75 feet of road frontage on Oak Island's desirable West Beach Drive! Adorned with a comfy outside covered front porch where you can relax and take in the ocean views and smell the salty air! Step inside to 1,500+ sq.ft. in this oversized 3 Bedroom /
Welcome home to Oak Island--where luxury, comfort, and coastal lifestyle come together beautifully. This thoughtfully designed 3-bedroom, 3-bath home offers an open main living floor plan that perfectly balances spaciousness with warmth, making it ideal for both entertaining guests and enjoying quiet evenings at home. The main level features an expansive living area that flows seamlessly into the
Welcome to this 3-bedroom, 2-bath beach home in Oak Island, offered fully furnished and move-in ready. Conveniently located near public beach access and just down the street from the Oak Island Nature Center, which offers walking trails, picnic areas, and a public boat ramp. The home features an open-concept living, kitchen, and dining area designed for comfortable coastal living and
Single-level island home close to west-end beach. Only two years old. Move-in condition. No HOA. Open floor plan with welcoming foyer and kitchen island. Large screened porch opens to custom fenced private backyard covered in sod with irrigation system. Two-car garage. Private outdoor shower. Upgrades include metal roof, 9-foot ceilings with crown moulding. All major appliances remain. Great
This is where your beach life starts... and where it begins to pay you back. Tucked on a quiet non-through street in Oak Island with easy access to the beach corridor, this 2019-built 3BR/2BA home is designed for the way you actually want to use it. Long weekends, extended stays, mornings before the beach... and when you're not here, the option to let it work for you. Offered fully furnished,
Welcome to Hawthorne at Pine Forest Apartments in Oak Island, North Carolina, offering luxurious one, two and three bedroom apartment homes. With an exclusive market-leading amenity package like none other in the area, custom designer interiors and an ideal location just minutes from Oak Island and Southport, Hawthorne at Pine Forest has everything you need to create the perfect coastal lifestyle
Live the Oak Island Dream! Fully Equipped Ranch-Style HomeForget lugging suitcases up and down stairs. This charming single-story home offers ultimate convenience in the heart of Oak Island. With a prime location, you'll be just a 4-block walk from the beach, grocery store, and local shops.3 spacious bedrooms and 2 newly updated bathrooms.Fully equipped and well-maintained kitchen.
**OAK ISLAND WINTER WONDERLAND AWAITS! SUN, SAND, AND SERENITY – YOUR PERFECT COASTAL GETAWAY****INTERIOR FEATURES:*** Three comfortable bedrooms, two full bathrooms* Open-concept living area, perfect for relaxing and entertaining* Fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops* Single-story home for easy accessibility* Convenient
** HALF OFF THE FIRST FULL MONTH'S RENT**OAK ISLAND2 Bedrooms/2 BathroomsPets permitted with monthly pet fee Property Features:- First floor unit- Open Concept main living area.- Luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout- Primary bedroom with ceiling fan, features en suite bathroom.- Primary bathroom with walk in shower- Additional bedroom with en suite bathroom,
**YOUR COASTAL RETREAT AWAITS! FURNISHED MONTHLY RENTAL AVAILABLE!**INTERIOR FEATURES:* Four bedrooms, including primary suite with ensuite bath* Three bathrooms* Comfortable living room with sectional sofa and large TV* Fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances and island seating* Open floor plan ideal for gatherings* Top floor suite perfect for
STUNNING OAK ISLAND BEACH HOME. FULLY FURNISHED. OCEAN BREEZES AND SHORT WALK TO BEACH. TOTAL OF 4 DECKS. GORGEOUS VIEW OF THE INTERCOASTAL WATERWAY. ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED. AVAILABLE 10/1/26 to 4/1/27. MINIMUM OF 3 MONTH RENTAL.
BECOME A LOCAL! ESCAPE TO OAK ISLAND THIS OFF-SEASON FOR SOME BEACH LIVING!INTERIOR FEATURES:* Four bed/1 full bath* Open-concept living space, perfect for gatherings* Fully equipped kitchen* Single-story living for easy access and convenience* Full size washer and dryer for your convenience* Unique deco features that bring coastal charm indoors* Furry friends
Beautifully furnished 2BR/2BA private guest apartment available March 1 in sought-after Oak Island Estates. This second-floor unit sits above a detached two-car garage (garage not included) and is completely private from the main residence with no adjoining walls. Accessed by one flight of covered exterior stairs, thoughtfully enclosed with wood slat siding for added privacy and weather
Beautiful Home on East Yacht Drive, Oak Island 4 bedrooms & 2 Full Baths - Located across the ICW from the St. James Marina, this 2 story home is waterfront with dock, 2 boat lifts and floating dock. Banks Landing offers a boat dock for easy access to the deep water for boating enthusiasts or simply cruise across the intracoastal waterway and have lunch in St. James marina. HVAC, Washer/Dryer,
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