What’s going on, everybody? I am your Emerald Isle Vacation Home Specialist, Denis Raczkowski, with another article on Emerald Isle, Bogue Banks, the Crystal Coast and Down East. As always, I appreciate you clicking on this article. Do me a favor, hit the thumbs up because it always helps, hit the subscribe button, and ring the bell. I get excited every January because a new year means new goals, adventures, and memories. Whether you’re planning to reset your workout routine, tackle your bucket list, get through the year in one piece, or enter the real estate market here along the Outer Banks, I wish everyone out there a merry New Year filled with much joy, laughter, and good health. I resolved to generate more newsletters this year. I’ve been slacking the last few months because, quite frankly, the local real estate market has pissed me off. I had some buyers back out of deals, and a few sellers took their homes off the market, which hurt my feelings and was not good for my health. But I have much to say about the Outer Banks in 2024, so let's get started.
Most of my customers and clients tell me they are the happiest when they visit or vacation in Emerald Isle, Beaufort, or other communities along what we locals call the Crystal Coast. If you are among the many who feel this way, I recommend you make a New Year’s resolution to take steps and turn your island or coastal realty dreams into a happy reality. They can be baby steps (subscribe to my YouTube channel) or great strides (have me show you some homes.) The important thing is to take steps. My family and I did that many years ago, and other than getting married and having children, it was the best decision I’ve ever made. There’s something special about getting up every morning, watching the sun rise over the ocean, or playing in the surf with your grandchildren.
Living where others get to vacation is easy, exciting, and exhilarating. Here are five reasons why!
#1. Bogue Banks, the southernmost barrier island on the Outer Banks, has 27 miles of inviting white beaches and sparkling clear sea and is the best island to live on, according to Islands magazine. Bogue Banks is the ONLY south-facing Outer Banks island. Prevailing winds from the ocean bring cooling breezes in summer and nourishing sand in winter.
#2. Bogue Banks is home to not one, not two, but FIVE barrier island communities, each with unique character to fit every homeowner’s tastes. Atlantic Beach is the oldest beach town, home to the historic Fort Macon State Park. Pine Knoll Shores is west of AB and is home to the Theodore Roosevelt State Natural Area, a 265-acre coastal state park. Directly west of PKS is Salter Path, a village home to some of the first homes on Bogue Banks and some of the newest condominium complexes. Indian Beach is west of Salter Path, and the homes tuck into a lush maritime forest here. Emerald Isle occupies the western half of Bogue Banks. It has 13 miles of gorgeous beaches, scenic bike paths, the only fishing pier on Bogue Banks, maritime forests with walking trails and frisbee golf, and lovely sunset and wildlife views.
#3. Before COVID-19, you didn't have to invest a million dollars or more for a beach home on Bogue Banks. Now, you do. The median price for homes listed in Emerald Isle is bumping up against $500,000, and it doesn't appear to have a ceiling. To be sure, that is higher than the overall median home price in the U.S.—but how many homes in America are on the ocean? Price notwithstanding, people still fall in love with real estate here because the five island towns emphasize community and family values. This explains why homes remain in the family for generations rather than go on the market. OF course, reduced inventory makes some buyers very frustrated. I tell my clients and the customers to exercise patience and consider themselves lucky that any homes are for sale on Bogue Banks. Buyers frustrated with inventory on Bogue Banks can look to the mainland, where numerous towns boast an excellent inventory of reasonably priced homes along with a wide range of amenities for young couples, families, retirees, military, investors—and any other beach lover who wants a sunny, sandy place to call home. Pets love it here, too!
#4. Bogue Banks and the Crystal Coast are all about creature comforts. You don't need a boat or pay a toll to get to Bogue Banks. The short drive from Emerald Isle over the Cameron Langston Bridge links you to the mainland and the towns of Cape Carteret, Swansboro, and Newport and everything you need from golf to restaurants, gyms, libraries, parks, groceries, schools, and jobs. Of course, you can find many things on Bogue Banks, but it's nice to know you're not limited and have additional options. A second bridge on the eastern end of Bogue Banks in Atlantic Beach offers easy access to historic Crystal Coast maritime communities like Morehead City, Beaufort, Harkers Island, and their respective waterfronts. Additionally, the larger cities of New Bern, Jacksonville, Wilmington, and Raleigh-Durham are all within two hours of Emerald Isle.
#5. You'll get your daily dose of southern hospitality and much more here on Bogue Banks and along the Crystal Coast. Residents are fiercely proud of their family-friendly and pet-friendly traditions. Walk around and experience the warm, welcoming spirit visitors and locals wake up to every day. The Town of Emerald Isle’s motto, “Nice Matters, " sums up these qualities nicely. Move here and enjoy a temperate climate all year, with winter temperatures in the 50s and summer temperatures in the 80s. Spring and fall are my favorite times of year here, with gorgeous weather conditions and less crowded beaches and restaurants. One of the most significant advantages full-time residents have over summer vacationers is the opportunity to experience all four seasons and enjoy them. When you move here, you'll also get to know Emerald Isle and the surrounding Crystal Coast region on a more intimate level, which usually means that you just fall in love with this slice of paradise more and more each day.
Thanks for making Emerald Isle Vacation Home Specialist your first read of the day and if you subscribe and drop an email address in the comments below, I’ll send you my e-book, Live Where You Vacation, all about the North Carolina Outer Banks, Bogue Banks, Emerald Isle, and the Crystal Coast. Be safe and have fun, and I will see you next week. Thank you so much.
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