The 50’s and 60’s were a special time in Atlantic Beach and an area known as The Circle became the town’s focal point. . The beach was open for all and families from all over eastern north Carolina brought their children here to swim in the ocean, feel the sand between their toes and smell the salt air. The town provided both free parking and life guards and adults dressed up to go out.
Society, culture and family dynamics were beginning to change and Atlantic Beach was not immune to those changes. It was in the 1970s when the area, like the country, seemed to take a turn. You could speculate endlessly on the contributing factors- the gas crisis, high interest rates, the Vietnam War. Simply put- the town began to evolve. Once a place popular with families, now was noted for its nightlife. Once the change began, there was no stopping it and it didn’t take long for Atlantic Beach to become more commercial. Efforts have been made in recent years to reverse the transformation, efforts that are ongoing today with the goal of recapturing the feelings of Atlantic Beach’s “hay day” in the 50’s and 60’s.
In the meanwhile, Atlantic Beach has more condos and high rises and is more like Nags Head or Kill Devil Hills than it is like Emerald Isle. I say this not in a negative way but simply to that Atlantic Beach is different from Emerald Isle. And that is a good thing. Because Whether you’re visiting the Tipsy Turtle Tavern or the Atlantic Beach Surf Shop, or just heading out to the ocean, you’re sure to find whatever it is you’re looking for in Atlantic Beach, NC. Atlantic Beach is home to a renowned fishing pier, plenty of public beaches, and multiple oceanfront restaurants and night clubs. When you find yourself in Atlantic Beach by all means visit the shops and restaurants in the several shopping centers. Walk into acclaimed fine seafood restaurants a stone’s throw from the waterfront or grab a shrimp burger in one of the local diners. And, then there is always the ever present beach, with seasonal lifeguards, an on-site park with playground equipment, and vendors to satisfy visitors of all ages.
And, then there is Fort Macon. Fort Macon State Park is a fantastic spot to spend an afternoon. With great historic exhibits, beautiful views, and well-maintained hiking trails, Fort Macon is an awesome attraction for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike! And, if you are an angler, Atlantic Beach offers exceptional fishing and boating as well, what with its proximity to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway.
When it comes to real estate, AB has about the same number of homes for sale as does EI. But the inventory is a bit different. In AB, 61% of the properties for sale are condos. Prices start in low $50’s and go to 2.6M. There are 7 homes listed above 1M dollars.
In contrast, only 31% of properties for sale in EI are condos. Prices also are a fair bit higher, in general. The low end of the market is priced at $145,000 and the high end tops out at $3.6M with 21 homes listed in excess of 1M dollars.
In AB, mean home value is $296,300 and in EI that value jumps to $360,000. Population wise, AB has a permanent population of about 1,600 while EI’s permanent population is more than double at 3,700.
Despite these differences, differences in atmosphere, history, accommodations and real estate, when you live or vacation in either Atlantic Beach or Emerald Isle, you don't have to stare at the back of someone else's beach chair or step over blankets to wade in the surf. Many coastal resorts make you choose between the hot beach spot with vacationing hordes or a lesser-known spot with quiet isolation. Fortunately, with both AB and EI, you don't have to choose. You can have it all. When you are ready to investigate living in AB, EI, or anywhere else on the Crystal Coast, go to my website, www.EIHomesforSale.com and request my free Guide to Living Where You Vacation or text your email address to: 919-308-2292.
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