Search Oak Island Area Homes
Search By Area MapOak Island, NC
Geographic Features
Oak Island is in Brunswick County, North Carolina and is uniquely situated along one of the south facing beaches of the area. The island is 12.6 miles long and is an average of 1 mile wide. Oak Island has a great location and is only 7 miles to Southport, 30 miles to historic Wilmington, and 60 miles to the vibrant Myrtle Beach. The western tip of Oak Island has beautiful tidal flats, where at low tide it is almost possible to walk all the way to neighboring Holden Beach. There are also small bluffs and sand dunes to climb for sweeping views of the marsh and Atlantic Ocean.
The more than 60 public beach access points, two fishing piers and marinas make water the center of attention on Oak Island. Locals and visitors enjoy the miles of white sand beaches and bask in the sunshine. There is mild year round weather making it the perfect place to play golf and tennis.
Even though Oak Island is a popular tourist destination it is not crowded and features family friendly attractions and cozy cottages. Residents treasure the small town feeling that has remained throughout Oak Island's development.
Price Range
Home prices in Oak Island have a median value of $258,643, which is high for both North Carolina and the nation. Most homes are single-family detached homes with 3 to 4 bedrooms, but there are some mobile homes, high-rises, and small apartment buildings.
- $1,579,001 - $2,104,000 0%
- $1,052,001 - $1,579,000 1%
- $842,001 - $1,052,000 2%
- $631,001 - $842,000 5%
- $420,001 - $631,000 10%
- $210,001 - $420,000 42%
- $105,001 - 210,000 34%
- $0 - $105,000 6%
Area History and Culture
The development of Oak Island began in 1826 with the construction of Fort Caswell followed by the 1889 construction of the Oak Island Lighthouse. These brought the first permanent populations to the area, a small number of workers and their families. The island was left largely undeveloped and was known for excellent fox hunting.
With the 1939 completion of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Oak Island was made a true island. The Elizabeth River was made deeper and it was severed from the mainland. This time period also marked the development of Oak Island as a vacation destination. Ernest Felder Middleton and his partners in Carolina Lands Inc. purchased land and developed the area of Long Beach and constructed some roads. Early visitors enjoyed live music and dances at the pavilion, a canteen with a dining room, and 20 bathhouses. Carolina Lands Inc. sold beachfront lots for only $350 and by 1940 there were 40 cottages.
During World War II construction of Oak Island slowed due to the scarcity of building materials and the tourist industry suffered during this time because of the “dim-out” restrictions that limited evening acuities.
By 1944 growth was once again increasing on Oak Island. Today is it known as being a great place to vacation and live. It has retained the original charm that drew its first settlers.
Daily Life
Oak Island offers a relaxed daily life that draws families, visitors, and retirees. Temperate year round temperatures means there is no snow to shovel in the winter or humid weather in the summer. It gives residents and tourists the opportunity to enjoy their favorite sporting activities outdoors throughout the year. Imagine playing golf outdoors in December with fresh sea breezes. There are lots of parks and green spaces available for playing; Oak Island even had a skate park that was designed by area youth.
The ten miles of southern facing beaches offer quiet surf and moderate tides that are perfect for relaxing. Walks on the beach, swimming in the ocean, and kayaking in the Intracoastal Waterway are great ways that locals take pleasure in the natural beauty of the area.
Residents are more highly educated than those living in the average American city. The population is made up of mainly single people under the age of 35 but there are also retirees and families with school aged children.
Despite having no public transportation there is very little traffic on Oak Island. Residents have very short daily commutes and many even enjoy working from home. Most of the homes in Oak Island are in a suburban setting and all are very close to the water.
Golf
Oak Island has wonderful weather year round and makes golfing in the area a real treat. Set among North Carolina's Golf Coast, there are over 30 golf courses in the county and more than 100 nearby. People from all over the world flock to these shores to play world-class courses designed by some of the most prestigious names in the sport. Courses provide a range of difficulty that will delight novices, professionals, and everyone in between. Courses boast great amenities like putting greens, driving ranges, programs for all ages, and professional instruction.
South Harbour Golf Links is nestled within South Harbour Village in Oak Island and along the Intracoastal Waterway. This course is designed with a layout that all levels of golfers will take pleasure in. Walking this unique par 3 course will showcase lush fairways and smooth manicured greens, with town homes and garden homes overlooking the fairways.
Recreation and Sports
Oak Island's prime location along the Atlantic Ocean mean fishing is a premier sport. Whether from a fishing boat or from the Oak Island Pier or Ocean Crest Pier a great day of fishing for the catch of the day can be had. Both piers offer entertainment activities and restaurants.
Fitness enthusiast will revel in the many sporting options available on Oak Island year round. The beach provides the perfect place for jogging and playing volleyball. Cool off by going swimming in the ocean or go surfing and bogie boarding. Kayaking in the ocean and along the Intracoastal Waterway is a great way to the ecosystem. Get together with friends and play games of tennis, basketball, soccer, flag football and even kickball. Golfers enjoy the ocean breezes while golfing at an eighteen-hole course within walking distance of the beach.
The white sand beaches of Oak Island are perfect for hunting for shells, building sand castles, and laying in the sunshine. At low tide, you can walk across the tidal flats, almost to Holden Beach, and climb a small bluff for sweeping views of ocean and green marsh.
Take a tour of the Oak Island Lighthouse, which was rebuilt in 1958 and has a total of 131 steps to the lantern gallery level.
Night Life
Oak Island has a relaxing nightlife that offers the perfect way to end a great day at the beach. Try one of the waterfront restaurants to enjoy delicious dishes and watch the sun fade. Great seafood can be found at Fish House, Island Way, and Turtle Island Restaurant. Don't worry if you are looking for something different, all palates will be satisfied in Oak Island. Traditional American cuisine can be found at Beana's Kitchen, Time Out Sports Bar & Deli, and the Russel's Place. Multiple lounges offer the perfect place for a glass of wine, beer, or cocktail. Get a tropical drink at the tiki bar at the Oak Island Pier.
At home chefs will love the fresh local seafood available at the local market. Try fresh Blue Crab and North Carolina Shrimp.
After a delicious dinner go for an evening stroll along the sea. On a clear night you can get a great view of the stars and watch the moon rise.
Festivals and Events
Oak Island's Park and Recreation Department plans many great local events. Pack an evening picnic and stretch out on blankets and watch family favorite flicks at the summer movies in the park. Exercise enthusiasts will love the Oak Island Lighthouse 5K and 10K run, triathlon, and kayak race. Try to catch the largest fish at the US Open King Mackerel Tournament and other pier fishing tournaments. Fourth of July brings everyone to the seashore to watch the fireworks display. There are also craft shows, beach day, and other holiday events throughout the year.
Nearby Southport hosts the annual Spring Festival. Featuring over 100 crafters with their homemade treasures, live entertainment that has everyone dancing, and the Robert Ruark Chili Cook-off Contest. The Kiwanis Club sells Beautiful Encore Azaleas, camellias, and other early blooming flowers to brighten your garden.
Southport celebrates our nation's independence with a not to me missed affair. It has grown from colonial days where ships would dock and fire cannons to today's festival where over 40,000 people show the patriotic spirit of America.
Parks
Oak Island boasts many parks to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Oak Island Nature Center is an educational center where kids and adults can learn about the local environment, animals, and walk along the talking tree trail. It is the perfect place to enjoy the estuary system along the Intracoastal Waterway. And fish from a T-dock and floating dock.
The Ocean Education center offers information about sea turtles and other marine life through a variety of programs and exhibits.
The Oak Island Skate Park is an outdoor skateboard and in-line skate facility designed by area youth.
Middleton Park has a playground, basketball and tennis courts, baseball and soccer fields, picnic shelters, restrooms, and a concession stand.
Jut across the water is the 10,000-acre Bald Head Island nature preserve. There are 14 miles of stunning beaches, including Cape Fear Point, the southernmost cape in North Carolina. 180 acres of the preserve is protected maritime forest with miles of walking trails. Imagine strolling though an enchanting mix of cedars, live oaks, palms, and dogwoods.
Schools
Oak Island is a part of the Brunswick County School District. There are approximately 11,500 students enrolled in the district's 16 public schools. This is an above average school district for compared to both North Carolina and the United States. They rate 37.4% higher than North Carolina school districts and 33.3% higher than US school districts. There is an average of 15 students per classroom and spend an average of $9,141 per child enrolled compared to the national average of $5,678.
Neighborhoods
There is only one neighborhood on Oak Island.
Geographic Features
Oak Island is in Brunswick County, North Carolina and is uniquely situated along one of the south facing beaches of the area. The island is 12.6 miles long and is an average of 1 mile wide. Oak Island has a great location and is only 7 miles to Southport, 30 miles to historic Wilmington, and 60 miles to the vibrant Myrtle Beach. The western tip of Oak Island has beautiful tidal flats, where at low tide it is almost possible to walk all the way to neighboring Holden Beach. There are also small bluffs and sand dunes to climb for sweeping views of the marsh and Atlantic Ocean.
The more than 60 public beach access points, two fishing piers and marinas make water the center of attention on Oak Island. Locals and visitors enjoy the miles of white sand beaches and bask in the sunshine. There is mild year round weather making it the perfect place to play golf and tennis.
Even though Oak Island is a popular tourist destination it is not crowded and features family friendly attractions and cozy cottages. Residents treasure the small town feeling that has remained throughout Oak Island's development.
Price Range
Home prices in Oak Island have a median value of $258,643, which is high for both North Carolina and the nation. Most homes are single-family detached homes with 3 to 4 bedrooms, but there are some mobile homes, high-rises, and small apartment buildings.
- $1,579,001 - $2,104,000 0%
- $1,052,001 - $1,579,000 1%
- $842,001 - $1,052,000 2%
- $631,001 - $842,000 5%
- $420,001 - $631,000 10%
- $210,001 - $420,000 42%
- $105,001 - 210,000 34%
- $0 - $105,000 6%
Area History and Culture
The development of Oak Island began in 1826 with the construction of Fort Caswell followed by the 1889 construction of the Oak Island Lighthouse. These brought the first permanent populations to the area, a small number of workers and their families. The island was left largely undeveloped and was known for excellent fox hunting.
With the 1939 completion of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Oak Island was made a true island. The Elizabeth River was made deeper and it was severed from the mainland. This time period also marked the development of Oak Island as a vacation destination. Ernest Felder Middleton and his partners in Carolina Lands Inc. purchased land and developed the area of Long Beach and constructed some roads. Early visitors enjoyed live music and dances at the pavilion, a canteen with a dining room, and 20 bathhouses. Carolina Lands Inc. sold beachfront lots for only $350 and by 1940 there were 40 cottages.
During World War II construction of Oak Island slowed due to the scarcity of building materials and the tourist industry suffered during this time because of the “dim-out” restrictions that limited evening acuities.
By 1944 growth was once again increasing on Oak Island. Today is it known as being a great place to vacation and live. It has retained the original charm that drew its first settlers.
Daily Life
Oak Island offers a relaxed daily life that draws families, visitors, and retirees. Temperate year round temperatures means there is no snow to shovel in the winter or humid weather in the summer. It gives residents and tourists the opportunity to enjoy their favorite sporting activities outdoors throughout the year. Imagine playing golf outdoors in December with fresh sea breezes. There are lots of parks and green spaces available for playing; Oak Island even had a skate park that was designed by area youth.
The ten miles of southern facing beaches offer quiet surf and moderate tides that are perfect for relaxing. Walks on the beach, swimming in the ocean, and kayaking in the Intracoastal Waterway are great ways that locals take pleasure in the natural beauty of the area.
Residents are more highly educated than those living in the average American city. The population is made up of mainly single people under the age of 35 but there are also retirees and families with school aged children.
Despite having no public transportation there is very little traffic on Oak Island. Residents have very short daily commutes and many even enjoy working from home. Most of the homes in Oak Island are in a suburban setting and all are very close to the water.
Golf
Oak Island has wonderful weather year round and makes golfing in the area a real treat. Set among North Carolina's Golf Coast, there are over 30 golf courses in the county and more than 100 nearby. People from all over the world flock to these shores to play world-class courses designed by some of the most prestigious names in the sport. Courses provide a range of difficulty that will delight novices, professionals, and everyone in between. Courses boast great amenities like putting greens, driving ranges, programs for all ages, and professional instruction.
South Harbour Golf Links is nestled within South Harbour Village in Oak Island and along the Intracoastal Waterway. This course is designed with a layout that all levels of golfers will take pleasure in. Walking this unique par 3 course will showcase lush fairways and smooth manicured greens, with town homes and garden homes overlooking the fairways.
Recreation and Sports
Oak Island's prime location along the Atlantic Ocean mean fishing is a premier sport. Whether from a fishing boat or from the Oak Island Pier or Ocean Crest Pier a great day of fishing for the catch of the day can be had. Both piers offer entertainment activities and restaurants.
Fitness enthusiast will revel in the many sporting options available on Oak Island year round. The beach provides the perfect place for jogging and playing volleyball. Cool off by going swimming in the ocean or go surfing and bogie boarding. Kayaking in the ocean and along the Intracoastal Waterway is a great way to the ecosystem. Get together with friends and play games of tennis, basketball, soccer, flag football and even kickball. Golfers enjoy the ocean breezes while golfing at an eighteen-hole course within walking distance of the beach.
The white sand beaches of Oak Island are perfect for hunting for shells, building sand castles, and laying in the sunshine. At low tide, you can walk across the tidal flats, almost to Holden Beach, and climb a small bluff for sweeping views of ocean and green marsh.
Take a tour of the Oak Island Lighthouse, which was rebuilt in 1958 and has a total of 131 steps to the lantern gallery level.
Night Life
Oak Island has a relaxing nightlife that offers the perfect way to end a great day at the beach. Try one of the waterfront restaurants to enjoy delicious dishes and watch the sun fade. Great seafood can be found at Fish House, Island Way, and Turtle Island Restaurant. Don't worry if you are looking for something different, all palates will be satisfied in Oak Island. Traditional American cuisine can be found at Beana's Kitchen, Time Out Sports Bar & Deli, and the Russel's Place. Multiple lounges offer the perfect place for a glass of wine, beer, or cocktail. Get a tropical drink at the tiki bar at the Oak Island Pier.
At home chefs will love the fresh local seafood available at the local market. Try fresh Blue Crab and North Carolina Shrimp.
After a delicious dinner go for an evening stroll along the sea. On a clear night you can get a great view of the stars and watch the moon rise.
Festivals and Events
Oak Island's Park and Recreation Department plans many great local events. Pack an evening picnic and stretch out on blankets and watch family favorite flicks at the summer movies in the park. Exercise enthusiasts will love the Oak Island Lighthouse 5K and 10K run, triathlon, and kayak race. Try to catch the largest fish at the US Open King Mackerel Tournament and other pier fishing tournaments. Fourth of July brings everyone to the seashore to watch the fireworks display. There are also craft shows, beach day, and other holiday events throughout the year.
Nearby Southport hosts the annual Spring Festival. Featuring over 100 crafters with their homemade treasures, live entertainment that has everyone dancing, and the Robert Ruark Chili Cook-off Contest. The Kiwanis Club sells Beautiful Encore Azaleas, camellias, and other early blooming flowers to brighten your garden.
Southport celebrates our nation's independence with a not to me missed affair. It has grown from colonial days where ships would dock and fire cannons to today's festival where over 40,000 people show the patriotic spirit of America.
Parks
Oak Island boasts many parks to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Oak Island Nature Center is an educational center where kids and adults can learn about the local environment, animals, and walk along the talking tree trail. It is the perfect place to enjoy the estuary system along the Intracoastal Waterway. And fish from a T-dock and floating dock.
The Ocean Education center offers information about sea turtles and other marine life through a variety of programs and exhibits.
The Oak Island Skate Park is an outdoor skateboard and in-line skate facility designed by area youth.
Middleton Park has a playground, basketball and tennis courts, baseball and soccer fields, picnic shelters, restrooms, and a concession stand.
Jut across the water is the 10,000-acre Bald Head Island nature preserve. There are 14 miles of stunning beaches, including Cape Fear Point, the southernmost cape in North Carolina. 180 acres of the preserve is protected maritime forest with miles of walking trails. Imagine strolling though an enchanting mix of cedars, live oaks, palms, and dogwoods.
Schools
Oak Island is a part of the Brunswick County School District. There are approximately 11,500 students enrolled in the district's 16 public schools. This is an above average school district for compared to both North Carolina and the United States. They rate 37.4% higher than North Carolina school districts and 33.3% higher than US school districts. There is an average of 15 students per classroom and spend an average of $9,141 per child enrolled compared to the national average of $5,678.
Neighborhoods
There is only one neighborhood on Oak Island.
