The relaxed coastal community of Supply
One of North Carolina's relaxed coastal areas, Supply offers a place to slow down. "Supply is a town for people who want that small-town feel but are close to the ocean," says Realtor and resident Deana Gore with Proactive Real Estate. "We're known for our proximity to the beach, so we have a good mix of vacationers, but we also have plenty of full-time residents." Surrounded by acres of amenity-rich nature preserves and lush farmland, the area starts with a rural feel but becomes a classic beach town the closer residents get to the coast. The Intracoastal Waterway runs along Supply's coast, which is convenient for boaters and the many fishermen who make a living on the water. Even with the tourism, it's still a desirable landing spot for people from almost any background. "The perk of living here is that it's so close to the beach but without the hefty oceanfront price tag," Gore says. "That's why people love it."
A diverse housing portfolio
Supply is known for its varied housing inventory. "There's a home for everyone here," Gore says. "It's affordable for many people; you can get a manufactured home for $100,000, a house on the beach for $1 million and a lot in between." Gore states that there are manufactured home communities, with listing prices ranging between $100,000 and $280,000 and established clusters of ranch-style houses priced between $330,000 and $600,000. Gore also notes that there's been a significant uptick in site-built subdivisions, with New Traditional and contemporary properties priced between $400,000 and $800,000. For a larger, coastal-style home close to the oceanfront, prices typically run between $800,000 and $1.5 million.
Close to nature preserves, parks and Holden Beach
Living in this area of southeastern North Carolina puts residents in proximity to parks, nature preserves and the waterfront. "We're well known for local golf, boating, fishing and hunting," Gore says. The Green Swamp Preserve offers nature trails, tranquil waterways for kayaking and creeks for fishing, as does Lake Waccamaw State Park to the north. Hunters can visit the nearby Little Macedonia Game Land, and golfers can book a tee time at numerous courses, like Carolina National Golf Club. There are also several community green spaces across Supply. Lockwood Folly District Park features a playground, ball fields and covered picnic areas. Meanwhile, Bridgeview Park has a play area with a splash pad, a basketball court and a kayak launch. The park also hosts a summer concert series on its pavilion on Sunday evenings.
One of the most beloved areas near Supply is Holden Beach. With its golden sands and blue-green water, it attracts tourists looking for a low-key beach and locals who call Supply home. Holden Beach can be accessed by crossing the Intracoastal Waterway, which draws fishermen and boaters. Residents can launch or store their watercraft at the Holden Beach Marina.
Brunswick County Schools, with career education at West Brunswick High
Brunswick County Schools serves students living in Supply. Students may start at Supply Elementary, which earns an overall B rating from Niche. They can then attend the B-minus-rated Cedar Grove Middle and B-minus-rated West Brunswick High. The high school offers career and technical education pathways, including digital design, health science and agriculture.
Locally owned shops, ice cream parlors and seafood restaurants
Off Ocean Highway, residents will find a few small businesses, supply shops and restaurants like Sonja's Grill. This mom-and-pop diner serves up classic burgers, fried seafood and homestyle breakfasts. The eatery has a special Friday menu, offering Latin dishes like tacos, empanadas and tamales. Nearby, Heritage Fresh Market provides produce, baked goods, dairy and other locally grown food. The rest of the community's offerings are closer to Holden Beach. "Our only chain grocery store is Food Lion, and we just got our first chain restaurant — Hardee's," Gore says. "But there are a lot of great restaurants and mom-and-pop shops down by the beach; there are little beach stores, candy shops and homemade ice cream parlors." One such parlor is Beaches N' Cream, Gore's favorite. Since the area is a fishing community, residents can pick up the daily catch at fish markets, like 200 Proof Seafood Co., or a platter of fried shrimp at Provisions, one of many unfussy seafood shanties. For big-box stores, retail shops and restaurants, Gore notes that residents typically travel to the neighboring community of Shallotte.
Between Myrtle Beach and Wilmington
Ocean Highway is the area's main artery, connecting residents across Brunswick County and the surrounding communities. Roads branching off that thoroughfare, such as Mount Pisgah Road and Stone Chimney Road, offer routes to the beach. According to Gore, the car-dependent community is still centrally located, about 30 miles from Wilmington and around 45 miles from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. "Those larger city options are within reach," Gore says. She also notes that Myrtle Beach International Airport and Wilmington International Airport are the nearest airports. There are medical clinics in Supply, but the closest emergency room is the nearby Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center.
