Explore oceanfront real estate in North Carolina

North Carolina Oceanfront Communities

North Carolina Oceanfront Communities for Retirement & Vacation Living

Whether you're planning your retirement or looking for a beachside vacation home, North Carolina oceanfront communities offer an exceptional blend of natural beauty, Southern charm, and relaxed coastal living.

This page features some of the best beach communities in North Carolina, with easy-to-navigate listings sorted by city and region. Explore vibrant oceanfront homes in North Carolina, discover resort-style amenities, and connect directly with community representatives—all in one place.

Private Communities Registry (PCR) has nearly 30 years of experience helping homebuyers find their perfect lifestyle community, making us the trusted authority on coastal living in North Carolina.

Why Retire or Relocate to a North Carolina Oceanfront Community?

From the iconic Outer Banks to the peaceful shores of Sunset Beach, North Carolina’s coastal communities offer the best of both lifestyle and value.

Benefits of oceanfront living in North Carolina include:

  • Scenic Beaches & Natural Beauty – Endless shoreline, dunes, and maritime forests
  • Relaxed, Coastal Lifestyle – Enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and long beach walks
  • Mild Climate & Four Seasons – Comfortable year-round living with mild winters
  • Tax-Friendly for Retirees – No tax on Social Security benefits, and relatively low property taxes
  • Small-Town Charm Meets Resort Amenities – Find social clubs, golf, fitness, marinas, and more

Where Are the Best Places to Live Near the Beach in North Carolina?

Explore top North Carolina beachfront homes in these sought-after regions:

  • Outer Banks – A famous barrier island chain with quiet beaches and unique communities
  • Cape Fear Coast – Including Wilmington, Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach, known for historic charm and active coastal living
  • Ocean Isle Beach – Peaceful beaches and upscale residential communities
  • Southport – Coastal town with deep maritime roots and a growing retiree population
  • Sunset Beach – A low-key, family-friendly beach town perfect for relaxation

What You'll Find in These Beach Communities in North Carolina

Each community featured on this page offers a detailed look at:

  • Oceanfront real estate options – From condos and villas to luxury beachfront estates
  • Resort-style amenities – Pools, clubhouses, golf, fitness centers, and private beach access
  • Active adult lifestyle – Social clubs, events, and low-maintenance homes for retirees
  • Direct access to experts – Request info directly from community reps and explore available listings

Start Your Search for Oceanfront Homes in North Carolina

If you're looking for the best places to live in North Carolina near the beach, PrivateCommunities.com is the go-to resource for discovering North Carolina oceanfront communities.

With our expert guidance and extensive community directory, finding your ideal beach community in North Carolina has never been easier. Browse the listings below and start your journey toward a coastal lifestyle you'll love.


Filtered Results (8)

Brunswick Plantation

Calabash, North Carolina Oceanfront Community
Calabash, North Carolina

Home to one of the 50 best golf courses in the United States, this gated golf community is conveniently located on North Carolina’s southern coast, 20 minutes from Myrtle Beach, SC, and a stone’s throw to Sunset Beach. In addition to year-round golf and a plethora of beach and water activities, residents gain access to exclusive amenities including an 11,000 square foot community center, on-site restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness center, multiple tennis and pickleball courts, and a variety of active clubs and classes. Homes priced from the mid $300,000s; Condos from the mid $100,000s; Townhomes from the mid $200,000s. Read More...

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Compass Pointe

Leland, North Carolina Oceanfront Community
Leland, North Carolina

Awarded the 2016 Bliss Award for “Best North Carolina Community of the Year,” Compass Pointe offers new homes, townhomes and lots for sale in a gated resort and retirement community near North Carolina's Cape Fear coast, with golf, tennis and other club amenities under development. Lots from the high $200,000s; Homes priced from the mid $500,000s to $1 million. Read More...

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Ocean Ridge Plantation Presented by ASAP Realty

Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina Oceanfront Community
Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina

90 holes of championship golf, coastal living, and protected woodlands are defining features of this community located between Wilmington, NC and Myrtle Beach, SC. Amenities include three clubhouses, a private beach club, tennis, racquetball, swimming, fitness, a nature park, and a community garden. Lots from the $14,000 to $250,000; Homes from $325,000 to over $800,000. Read More...

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Porters Neck Plantation

Wilmington, North Carolina Oceanfront Community
Wilmington, North Carolina

Located 4 miles from the scenic port city of Wilmington, North Carolina, Porters Neck Plantation encompasses 675 acres of coastland adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway. With a Tom Fazio 18-hole championship course, ranked “Number #1 on the North Carolina Coast” by Golf Digest, the community also offers tennis, swimming pools, a sports center, dining and social activities in a family-oriented atmosphere. Patio Homes, Custom and Resale Homes from the $500,000 to $990,000. Read More...

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Sea Trail Plantation

Sunset Beach, North Carolina Oceanfront Community
Sunset Beach, North Carolina

This golf and resort community offers the best in coastal living, along with championship golf courses, resort-style amenities, and a wide variety of homes. Recreational offerings include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a fitness center, walking & biking trails, tennis & pickleball courts, fishing ponds, and weekly activities for all interests. Myrtle Beach's Grand Strand is just 30 minutes away. Lots from $60,000 to $190,000. Homes, Townhomes, Condos from $220,000 to the low $900,000s. Read More...

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St. James Plantation

Southport, North Carolina Oceanfront Community
Southport, North Carolina

Located on the Intracoastal Waterway, along the North Carolina coast near Wilmington and Southport, St. James Plantation offers numerous amenities: four championship Audubon-Certified golf courses, private beach club, full-service marina village, tennis courts, swimming pools, fitness centers, waterfront park, over 15 miles of walking and biking trails and 500 acres of nature preserves. Lots priced from $200,000+; Condos and Townhomes from the $350,000+; Homes from $600,000 to over $1 million+. Read More...

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The Bluffs on the Cape Fear

Leland, North Carolina Oceanfront Community
Leland, North Carolina

Only 15 minutes from Wilmington, this gated waterfront community offers the convenience of living near an appealing small city, combined with easy access to exceptional boating, fishing, beaches and golf along North Carolina's Cape Fear Coast. Featured amenities include a lakeside clubhouse and a private beach club; amenities include a private marina and waterfront park. Homesites priced from the high $100,000s. Homes from the $700,000s to $1 million+. Read More...

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Winding River Plantation

Bolivia, North Carolina Oceanfront Community
Bolivia, North Carolina

This award winning master-planned community offers a waterfront club lifestyle with a 27-hole Fred Couples Signature Golf Course, tennis, swimming, deep water marina for boating and fishing, and more. The community is just 30 minutes from Wilmington, NC and one hour from Myrtle Beach, SC. Lots priced from $12,000 to $300,000; Homes, Townhomes, Villas & Condos priced from $100,000 to $1 million. Read More...

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