Before you panic at beach house prices or get pressured into a new build, you should check out Holden Beach. North Carolina’s gorgeous Brunswick Islands are home to six beaches, all of them charming and unique. And while the beaches surrounding Wilmington, North Carolina have priced out for most people, Holden Beach could be an option for those wanting to buy an investment property or retire.
Here are some things to know about Holden Beach:
It has Southern Charm
The Holden Beach vibe is laid back and family-friendly. Vacationers coming to Holden Beach are not here for entertainment (looking at you Myrtle Beach.) In fact, these families want just the opposite. At Holden you will not find any major resorts, commercialized venues or endless activities chasing your wallet. Instead you’ll find several miles of beaches, family beach homes, sidewalks for biking or strolling and gorgeous sunrises.
Worth the price
Yes, all home prices have gone up. But some prices in coastal North Carolina have gone so far up, they have priced into the luxury real estate market exclusively. In Holden Beach, you can still find homes in the 700Ks and 800ks, though likely not waterfront. Brunswick has held the title of one of the fastest growing counties in the state now for at least five years. With lots of development in surrounding communities, Holden has still held onto its simplicity.
Water sports and outdoor fun
What Holden lacks in commercial development and shiny neon lights, it makes up for in wildlife and water experiences. Charter a fishing boat experience, rent jet skis to explore the Intracoastal Waterway, or learn to surf at a surf camp. Into fishing? Check out the fishing pier in Holden Beach. Holden is also dog friendly, so your pups can tag along all your adventures with you and play on the beach. Golfers will want to hit the links at Lockwood Folly Country Club. Check out more activities here.
Brunswick Beauty
The Brunswick Islands are home to some impressive sights, which make for great day-trips from Holden if you are looking to dig into history, shopping and more. In historic and charming Southport you’ll find a small town on the water that you may recognize from Hollywood films. On next door Oak Island you can explore the island’s lighthouse (one of seven in the state.) Birders should carve out an entire day to ferry over to Bald Head Island and book a tour to see some of the bird sanctuaries.
Good eats
Check out this list of great restaurants to find on Holden Beach — our favorites are beach shacks that serve heaping piles of shrimp on paper plates. It’s classic Carolina Coast. Nearby Calabash is home to its own style of fried seafood, so be sure to explore it to the fullest. We have some more suggestions here for Southport.
For more information on Brunswick County and relocating the whole Wilmington area, check out our Arth Neighborhood Guides.
