Emerald Isle, NC 

Town Introduction

Emerald Isle is a small coastal community named after the lush maritime forests that thrive within its borders. Emerald Isle  occupies the western end of a barrier island called Bogue Banks just off the North Carolina mainland. Bogue Banks marks the southern end of the famous Outer Banks, the string of barrier islands that extend northward to the Virginia border.  Bogue Banks is the only developed barrier island and Emerald Isle is one of a few coastal communities that is oriented east-west.   All the other Outer Banks and their coastal communities are oriented north-south.  What’s the big deal about orientation?  Orientation is so significant for so many reasons but two will suffice to make my point. First,  in winter, this east-west orientation protects Bogue Banks and Emerald Isle from the devastating effects of nor’easters. These massive storms bring pounding rain and gale force winds from the northeast. They can linger for days producing beach erosion and flooding up and down the east coast, especially on the northern Outer Banks.  These nor’easters are typically more powerful and more dangerous than a hurricane. Second, in summer, the prevailing winds are from the south. And these southern winds continuously dump sand onto the beaches of Emerald Isle, a natural beach re-nourishment if you will. No wonder Emerald Isle boasts some the widest beaches and highest dunes in NC.

​

Emerald Isle is home to about 3600 permanent residents and welcomes some 40,000 tourists who make Emerald Isle their vacation destination every week during the season which runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day because of its extremely clear waters and miles of inviting, white beaches.  Play outdoors with activities ranging from kayaking and paddleboarding to fishing and scuba diving. Go fishing at Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier or simply take in an unforgettable sunset. However, beaches are not the only outdoor attraction. Spend an afternoon shopping at some of the most adorable specialty boutiques or head out for a game of golf. Landlubbers in Emerald Isle have access to 12 miles of jogging and cycling paths, several parks including the Emerald Isle Woods Park. A word of caution: walking around here is like running for mayor-you gotta wave at everyone!And the kids will love visiting the numerous attractions and amusement parks sprinkled throughout the area. The town hosts several festivals each year, starting with the annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival, and the 4th of July Fireworks show is one of the most popular local events in the area.

 

To keep you outdoors, Emerald Isle makes good on its promise of  a temperate climate all year long.  Winter temperatures average in the high 50s and summer temps averaging in the mid 80s. Spring and fall are my favorite times what with the less crowded beaches and gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. Living in Emerald Isle like I do, you'll get your daily dose of southern hospitality and so much more.. Emerald Isle is family-oriented and pet-friendly, and it embraces both with open arms. All these amenities I’ve described  are summed up in the Town’s motto, “Nice Matters.”

 

Best Things to Do in Emerald Isle

1. Hit up the matinee with the family or have a romantic movie night out just for two at the Emerald Plantation Cinema.

2. Cast a line off the Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier, a popular spot to catch anything from wahoo and king mackerel to speckled trout and red drum.

3. Let the kids splash and play on water slides and rides at Salty Pirate Waterpark.

4. Gather a group of friends for a round of disc golf at Emerald Woods Park.

5. Bike your way along the Emerald Isle Bike Path for a little family together time. Choose from a number of shops offering bike rentals in Emerald Isle.

6. Putt your way around one of several mini-golf courses in the area such as Emerald Forest Putt-Putt or Lighthouse Golf.

7. Catch a wave on the pristine beaches at Emerald Isle; you can find surfboard rentals and lessons at South Swell Surf Shop.

8. Head out to The Point in Emerald Isle during the evening for a spectacular view of the sunset.

9. Shop for unique gifts and collectibles to take home for family and friends at the shops at Emerald Plantation Shopping Center.

10. Cool off with some sweet treats after a day at the beach at Bob & Denny's Gelato & Sorbet Shop.

11. Take the family out for a fresh seafood dinner at one of several popular restaurants in the area such as Flipperz Family Bar & Grill or Caribsea.

12. Browse stunning pieces of original sea life coastal art at Day Five Art Gallery.

13. Go boating on Bogue Sound. Spend the day fishing or just exploring the waterways. The Emerald Isle Boating Access Area is a great place to launch your boat and is conveniently located on Bogue Sound.

14. Visit Flip Flops Donuts, an Emerald Isle tradition, for hand made, made fresh daily donuts.

 

You would think all these amenities and their upkeep would come at a steep price. Not in Emerald Isle. Emerald Isle has the 2nd lowest tax rate of the 29 coastal communities in NC.

 

Bottom line, You won't run out of things to do in Emerald Isle. A word of caution: The more of Emerald Isle you experience, the harder you fall in love with this place. Ask me how I know.

​

Real Estate Update

You will fall hard in love with Real estate in Emerald Isle, real estate that is prized for its affordability, location and overall access to everything beautiful on the Crystal Coast. You don't have to invest a million dollars or more for a beach home here. The median price for homes listed for sale in Emerald Isle is under $400,000. To be sure that is higher than the overall median home price in the U.S.—but how many homes in America are minutes from the ocean?

​

You will fall in love with real estate in Emerald Isle, real estate that is prized for its emphasis on community. Unlike many coastal towns that are wall to wall high-rise condominium complexes, Emerald Isle has mostly single family residences. There are a few older condo complexes but with a newly passed height restriction on new construction of 40 feet, no more are likely to be built. Lastly, a number of manufactured homes dot the town, but these are on the decline, as well.

​

A number of my customers and clients have asked me to speak to the real estate market in Emerald Isle for 2020. Most market projections deal in numbers and I can spit out numbers  rapid fire but for detailed  information on population statistics, housing information, land area use, and tax data, request a copy of my Guide to Living in Emerald Isle hereon my website.

 

That being said,  It has had a challenging 16 months since Hurricane Florence arrived in September 2018. The storm left this town with thousands of homes damaged.  Contractors and builders were overwhelmed by the number and extent of repairs. As a result, inventory declined overnight and inventory has remained low ever since.  At present we have roughly 150 properties for sale in Emerald Isle. To put this in perspective, there was a time not too long ago when I bought my home, we had  61 oceanfront homes for sale in Emerald Isle.

 

Good news: The town is recovering nicely. The foliage is back and greener  than ever. The beaches are responding well to re-nourishment projects. The backlog of damaged homes is decreasing. It is very likely that inventory will increase in 2020. That is a very good thing. A larger inventory generates more buyers, and more buyers generate competition. Mortgage rates remain low/stable. Taken together, these trends suggest a more positive real estate market for both buyers and sellers in 2020.

 

Some other impressions: for the past year, buyers have been very demanding because they are very frustrated with low inventory. Hurricane notwithstanding, there is one other VERY good reason why inventory is low. Many homeowners here in Emerald Isle understand and appreciate all the amenities I described to you earlier, amenities that cannot be found anywhere else. As a result, some homes that would go on the market are simply being passed on to subsequent generations, children and grandchildren. Bottom line, I tell my buyers to be patient and consider themselves fortunate that any homes are for sale in Emerald Isle.

 

Based on those observations,  you might think that this is always a seller’s market. But you would be wrong. Buyers frustrated with inventory in Emerald Isle can and do look to other islands for their second homes. So, I tell my sellers to be reasonable. Recognize that despite all the amenities Emerald Isle has to offer, there are other beaches.

 

Lastly, vacant land has not sold well this year because builders have been occupied with repair work. That should change, too, as more and more properties are made whole. In my opinion, all of these factors will bring more eyeballs to Emerald Isle looking at property and more eyeballs are good for everyone.

 

Emerald Isle, North Carolina really does have something for everyone. It's a wonderful place to be whether you're here part-time or full-time. It has a wide range of appeal to young couples, families, retirees, military, investors—and any beach lover who wants a sunny, sandy place to call home. Pets love it here, too!  I’m fairly certain that everyone could use a little more Emerald Isle in their lives! You'll find it to be one of the best investments you could ever make. Ask me how I know.

.