Finding the Best Places to Retire Since 2006!
Emerald Isle, North Carolina
On One End of a Long Barrier Island, Soothing Emerald Isle Boasts White Sand beaches, Nesting Sea Turtles, Blue Green Waters and Fun Festivals
Bogue Banks is a 21-mile-long barrier island off the mid-coast of North Carolina. Soothing Emerald Isle sits at the western end of the island and is a vacation destination, thanks to its 12 miles of beautiful white beaches and blue green waters. The beaches are also popular with nesting sea turtles.
The island and Emerald Isle are about a half mile wide, with some condo buildings and large homes scattered across the town's interior and lining both the oceanfront on the east and Bogue Sound on the west. There really is no centralized downtown, but Emerald Plantation, Bell Cove Village and Veranda Square are shopping centers with groceries, ice cream shops, clothing stores, surf shops and more.
The beaches are crowded in the summer but quiet otherwise, with driving on the sand and camping allowed from mid-September through April. Emeraldfest is a free summer concert series, and the Emerald Isle Beach Music Festival brings everyone out for food and music every fall. The Cameron Langston Bridge connects Emerald Isle to the mainland.
Nearly 4,000 people live in Emerald Isle, and 65% of them are age 45 or better. Roughly 46% of locals hold a four-year college degree. The area has seen steady growth, with the population increasing 10% in the past decade.
The cost of living is 45% above the national average, and the median home price is $750,000. Real estate prices have climbed 10% during the last year. Many homes are vacation rentals built on stilts.
Summers are warm, with temperatures in the 80s and 90s, while winters are mild, ranging from the 40s to the 60s. The area receives about 54 inches of rain each year along with an occasional dusting of snow.
There is no local hospital but Carteret General Hospital is 15 miles away in Morehead City. Emerald Isle also lacks public transit and a public library.
The crime rate is slightly above the national average, but this is largely due to the influx of visitors during the busy summer season when the population swells to nearly 50,000. Politically, the town leans to the right.
North Carolina’s coastal region stretches along the Atlantic Ocean and is famed for its barrier islands, sandy beaches, and laid-back seaside towns. The Outer Banks and Crystal Coast are especially popular, offering scenic beauty, maritime history, and abundant opportunities for boating, fishing, and water sports.
Many of the coastal communities, such as Emerald Isle, Beaufort, and Wilmington, attract both retirees and vacationers, creating a mix of full-time residents and seasonal visitors. While hurricanes remain a risk and access to some barrier islands can be limited, the coast’s natural charm, slower pace of life, and strong sense of community continue to draw those looking for a relaxed lifestyle by the water.
North Carolina is considered somewhat tax-friendly for retirees.
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