A quiet beach community along the East Coast sits in the shadows of some of the most popular sun-seeker areas—but its appeal lies in its quiet charm and family-friendly atmosphere.
Emerald Isle, a barrier island about 13 miles long and a half-mile wide, is on the Southern Outer Banks of North Carolina. The Outer Banks grew in popularity after the release of the Netflix show with the same name, and short-term rentals in the area now command top dollar over the summer months.
The median list price on Emerald Isle is $816,000—up 51.8% from pre-pandemic times, according to Realtor.com® data. The media price was $537,400 in April 2019.
“Emerald Isle draws less attention than more popular beach towns like Myrtle Beach or the Outer Banks, making it a great pick for beachgoers looking for a more laid-back destination,” explains Hannah Jones, senior economic research analyst at Realtor.com.
Cameron Fielding, an Emerald Isle resident, tells Realtor.com that while the beach itself is a major draw for visitors, the real gem is the surrounding area—including Emerald Isle, Cedar Point, and Swansboro.
“Water is everywhere here, not just from the Atlantic, but from the Intracoastal Waterway, the White Oak River, and all the beautiful adjoining creeks,” Fielding says. “It’s what makes this place so special.”
(Realtor.com)
Fielding grew up on Emerald Isle and then moved around as an adult. Recently, he’s been back and now working as a real estate broker, selling the area he proudly calls home.
“My family bought a home here in the early ’90s, drawn by how affordable and peaceful it was even back then,” he explains.
Fielding describes himself as a Department of Defense brat, growing up in Germany but returning for the summer.
“The story goes that our family friends, who were stationed at an airbase in Goldsboro, decided to split a beach house rental with us—and we instantly fell in love,” he says. “From that point on, we spent nearly every summer here while living in Germany.”
Emerald Isle courts a laid-back island lifestyle
Emerald Isle—secluded from its mainstream neighbors with boardwalks filled with shops and attractions—is able to maintain its quiet lifestyle with a permanent population of only under 4,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. It’s quite a stretch, considering there were only 14 people who lived on Emerald Isle year-round back in 1960.
During peak season, the barrier island hosts up to 50,000 visitors.
“That’s when local businesses make the bulk of their income, and the whole place buzzes with energy. It’s lively yet remains incredibly family friendly,” says Fielding.
There are no schools on Emerald Isle, but students do not have to travel far to attend classes. There’s also a strong military presence, with the Marine Corps Air Station-Cherry Point and Camp Lejeune both located about an hour from Emerald Isle.
Luxe listings at every price point
There’s a variety of homes for sale on Emerald Isle, with a price point for every buyer.
On one end of that spectrum, there is an under-construction, oceanfront townhome listed for $3,797,000. The 5,491-square-foot home has six bedrooms and 7.5 baths. It has 9-foot vaulted ceilings and a chef’s kitchen. There’s an elevator, entertainment room, in-ground pool, and a generator, too.
(Realtor.com)
(Realtor.com)
If that square footage or price tag are too large, there’s a two-bedroom, two-bath condo for sale for $489,000. It has views of both the ocean and the sound and comes with a washer/dryer and new TVs in every room. The property boasts one of the “lowest HOAs on the island” at $610 a month, but it includes use of the pool, tennis court, cable, internet, trash services, water, and flood insurance.
“It has all the charm of a beach town, without many of the problems that often come with one. Even with the growth we’ve seen, it still feels quaint and welcoming,” says Fielding.
“Emerald Isle is less developed than many of its coastal peers, attracting visitors looking for a relaxed getaway,” adds Jones.
(Realtor.com)
