Carolina Beach, North Carolina
Carolina Beach was originally settled by the Cape Fear Indian Tribe, who lived in and around the area now designated as Carolina State Park. Although they were not welcomed by the native population, European settlers moved in around the turn of the 18th century. The tensions between the two populations culminated in a 1715 uprising in which the native population was defeated. The Cape Fear Indians were driven from the island completely within ten years of their defeat; however, their history lives on in the cultural artifacts they left behind. Items such as pottery fragments, arrowheads and mounds of oyster shells can still be found in Carolina Beach State Park.
The community of Carolina Beach was established in 1857 and today has around 5,800 permanent residents. It’s an attractive destination due to its beautiful beaches, relative affordability and low population density. It’s also conveniently located only 15 miles from Wilmington, so a trip in or out of the city is just a hop, skip and a jump away. Carolina Beach residents typically live in condominiums or one of the many vintage cottages that contribute the island’s 50s-style nostalgia. Towards the center of the island, bordering Kure Beach, is the recently annexed Wilmington Beach. This section of town is unique in that is it almost entirely residential, and somewhat separated from the rest of Carolina Beach and Kure Beach. Until annexation into Carolina Beach in 2000 many of its roads were unpaved.
Residents of Carolina Beach have an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities at their disposal. Care is taken that the beaches are kept clean and the surf is excellent for deep-sea fishing, surf-fishing and water sports. There are two main public marinas, the Carolina Beach State Park Marina and the Carolina Beach Municipal Marina. The Carolina Beach State Park Marina caters to casual boating and overnight docking. Carolina Beach Municipal Marina’s main business is charter fishing boats and party boats; however, a pump-out station is also available and day-trippers can dock their small boats for the day while shopping or dining around town.
The Carolina Beach Boardwalk is the island’s hot-spot. During peak-season it bustles with shoppers, diners, and thrill –seekers, as well as anglers headed toward the pier. On the boardwalk you’ll find the Carolina Beach Pier, the Carolina Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park, an arcade, souvenir shops, boutiques, hot dog stands, doughnut shops, fine restaurants, nightclubs and more.
Residents can also experience a bit of local history at the boardwalk’s Carolina Shag Club. The Carolina Shag is North Carolina’s official state dance and its name was coined on the boardwalk in the 1940s. The dance was derived by beach-dwellers in the 30s and 40s who modified the Carolina Jitterbug, a form of swing dance, into a dance-form adapted to the popular 6-count rhythm of local beach music. The Carolina Shag Club holds an annual shagging competition and residents can take lessons at Shanty’s II Beach and Blues Club.
Both the Carolina Beach State Park and the Carolina Beach Lake Park offer residents a respite from the crowds on the boardwalk. Covering 761 acres at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, Carolina Beach State Park is one of the island’s greatest treasures. Established in 1969, the park’s aim is to protect and preserve the local ecology. Teeming with towering pines and a unique biodiversity that includes the carnivorous Venus Flytrap, the park offers residents easy access to miles of hiking trails, prime fishing spots, a public marina, and secluded camping sites. The park also features tennis courts, basketball courts, ball fields and swings.
Carolina Beach Lake Park offers a beautiful setting for picnics in the park, community events and a refreshing break from the salty Atlantic. Surrounding the 11-acre lake are four gazebos, a playground, paddleboat rentals, and picnic areas. During the summer months there is a weekly film and fireworks series by the lake. It is also the site of the annual “Light up the Lake” celebration.
Carolina Beach Homes for Sale
Drastic Reduction & Great Investment Opportunity. One...
- Price:
- $63,000
- City:
- Carolina Beach
- Beds:
- 1
- Baths:
- 1
- Type:
- Single Family
- MLS® #:
- 469416
- Provider:
- Keller Williams Realty
Drastic Reduction & Great Investment Opportunity. One Bedroom, One Bath Upper Level Condo And Only .12...
Investment Opportunity!!! Priced Well Below Market....
- Price:
- $69,000
- City:
- Carolina Beach
- Beds:
- 1
- Baths:
- 1
- Type:
- Single Family
- MLS® #:
- 471523
- Provider:
- Intracoastal Realty Corp.
Investment Opportunity!!! Priced Well Below Market. This One Bedroom, One Bath Street Side Condo Comes...
Great Ocean Views From This Beautifully Decorated True...
- Price:
- $79,900
- City:
- Carolina Beach
- Beds:
- 1
- Baths:
- 1
- Type:
- Single Family
- MLS® #:
- 472035
- Provider:
- Prudential Laney Real Estate
Great Ocean Views From This Beautifully Decorated True 1 Bedroom Unit. Renovated W/new Furnishings, Pergo...
Bank Approved Short Sale. One Of The Best Values On...
- Price:
- $79,900
- City:
- Carolina Beach
- Beds:
- 3
- Baths:
- 2
- Type:
- Single Family
- MLS® #:
- 471004
- Provider:
- Century 21 Sweyer & Associates
Bank Approved Short Sale. One Of The Best Values On Pleasure Island. 3 Large Bedrooms And 2 Baths With...
Fully Furnished 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Condo In The Heart...
- Price:
- $85,000
- City:
- Carolina Beach
- Beds:
- 1
- Baths:
- 1
- Type:
- Single Family
- MLS® #:
- 453821
- Provider:
- Blue Water Realty
Fully Furnished 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Condo In The Heart Of Carolina Beach. This Unit Is Within Walking Distance...
Wonderful Street Fronting, End Unit Condo With The...
- Price:
- $88,500
- City:
- Carolina Beach
- Beds:
- 1
- Baths:
- 1
- Type:
- Single Family
- MLS® #:
- 470635
- Provider:
- Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty
Wonderful Street Fronting, End Unit Condo With The Ocean Directly In Your Backyard Offered At Almost...
Reduced! Priced For Quick Sale!! This Street Front...
- Price:
- $89,600
- City:
- Carolina Beach
- Beds:
- 1
- Baths:
- 1
- Type:
- Single Family
- MLS® #:
- 462716
- Provider:
- Coastwalk Real Estate, Llc
Reduced! Priced For Quick Sale!! This Street Front Condo Is In An Ocean Front Gated Community With Nicely...
This Is A Short Sale And It Is Priced To Sell. Its...
- Price:
- $110,000
- City:
- Carolina Beach
- Beds:
- 1
- Baths:
- 2
- Type:
- Single Family
- MLS® #:
- 471569
- Provider:
- Wilkinson & Associates
This Is A Short Sale And It Is Priced To Sell. Its A 1 Bed But It Will Sleep Up To 6 With 2 Baths And...
Oceanview 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Condo At Carolina Beach...
- Price:
- $110,000
- City:
- Carolina Beach
- Beds:
- 1
- Baths:
- 1
- Type:
- Single Family
- MLS® #:
- 471412
- Provider:
- Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty
Oceanview 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Condo At Carolina Beach Is Ready For You To Move Into! Own Your Very Special...
Well Established Ocean Front Complex In Carolina Beach....
- Price:
- $115,000
- City:
- Carolina Beach
- Beds:
- 1
- Baths:
- 1
- Type:
- Single Family
- MLS® #:
- 469421
- Provider:
- Century 21 Sweyer & Associates
Well Established Ocean Front Complex In Carolina Beach. One Bedroom Unit That Is Furnished And Very...
The data relating to real estate on this web site comes in part from the Internet Data Exchange program of the MLS of the Wilmington Regional Association of REALTORS®, and is updated as of February 3rd, 2012 at 2:30pm (date/time) .All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently verified. All properties are subject to prior sale, change, or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) nor RE/MAX Essential shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, or misprints, and shall be held totally harmless from any damages arising from reliance upon these data. © 2012 MLS of WRAR, Inc.
