Buxton Real Estate

Nearly 1,500 people call the unincorporated community of Buxton their home. In its early days, Buxton lured settlers with large stands of trees and excellent fishing. Some historians believe that it was where the colonists of the lost settlement in Roanoke tried to escape from the clutches of starvation and native hostility.

While the area had much to offer, the Diamond Shoals lay in wait beneath the waves, shifting and reaching out to capsize an unsuspecting ship. The Labrador and Gulf Stream Currents run parallel to each other along the coast, creating powerful waves and huge storms. The treacherous waters destroyed hundreds of ships, leading to the construction of a lighthouse in 1797. Even then, the ships were in danger long before its dim light was visible to them.

In 1870, the government built the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest brick lighthouse in America. The Fresnel light within was the brightest of its day. Advances in technology eventually rendered the lighthouse obsolete, but its decades of service earned it a place in history. As beachfront erosion threatened its existence, it was necessary to move the lighthouse to safer ground, a half mile from its original position.

In modern times, the area still lures fisherman and the pounding waves call to kite boarders and surfers. Conditions are best for these sports in spring and fall, while during the summer, they are better for family picnics, kayaking and paddle boards. As a popular vacation spot, Buxton is full of galleries and shops, oceanfront motels and charming bed and breakfasts. Buxton real estate includes many investment property and second homes, the vast majority of which are rented weekly during the tourist season.

Buxton Shopping and Dining

Tourists often come to Buxton for souvenirs and supplies. It is the home of the only ABC Store on the island, where they can purchase hard liquor. Conners Supermarket carries wine and beer, as well as groceries. The Red Drum Food Mart offers a bit more in the way of groceries than most convenience stores and offers extended hours.

The Elegant Attic offers unique gifts and gorgeous stained glass windows. The Old Gray House carries treasures that make perfect gifts for all season. Readers love to browse Buxton Village Books for the latest titles. For surfing, kite boarding and other outdoor gear, Dillon's Corner and Blow Kite are local favorites.

A wealth of dining opportunities surrounds Buxton real estate. The Sandbar and Grille offers a magnificent view of Pamlico Sound, and succulent seafood. Buxton Munch serves subs, wraps, salads, and fresh fruit smoothies. You will find pastries, muffins and filling breakfast sandwiches on freshly baked bread at the Orange Blossom Bakery and Cafe.

Buxton Parks and Recreation

Fishing is by far one of the most popular activities surrounding Buxton real estate. The Cape Hatteras Anglers Club has grown from the original 81 members in 1957 to over 800 members today. Besides promoting fishing tournaments and local activities, the club actively works to maintain open public beaches.

More than 135 species make bird watching in the Buxton Woods area another popular activity. Surfers, kite boarders and sail boarding all thrill to the waves in the Canadian Hole. They discovered the area in the early 1980s and it has since touted offering some of the best windsurfing conditions on the Eastern Seaboard. Steady winds of 15 to 20 miles per hour accommodate long glides through the crystal waters of the Pamlico Sound.

Buxton Real Estate

Buxton real estate lies in a rural community with approximately 1,300 residents. About 75 percent of them are married, and 19 percent of households include children. Half of the population commutes to work in 13 minutes or less. Median household income is $29,637.

The median age of homes in Buxton NC is 12 years. Median home value in 2011 was $363,000 according to City Data. Homes range in price from about $235,000 for a three-bedroom home on a quarter acre lot to a five-bedroom, four-bathroom home on a third of an acre for about $650,000.

Newer Buxton homes for sale tend to be lavishly appointed with amenities like hot tubs, swimming pools and wet bars. Buyers can expect to see gorgeous views through huge windows throughout the house. Decks accommodate sunbathing and enjoying the beauty of this relaxed seaside community.

Buxton Schools, Health, and Transportation

Buxton real estate lies within the Dare County School District. Cape Hatteras Elementary School serves 285 children in grades kindergarten through fifth. The student per teacher ratio is 13:1. This is two less than the state average. Cape Hatteras Secondary School serves students from sixth through twelfth grades. More than half of the students at Cape Hatteras Secondary participate in Advanced Placement courses. Nationally, only 21.9 percent of students participate in AP studies.

Outer Banks Hospital, a full service medical facility, is roughly an hour's drive north of Buxton in Nags Head. Primary care services are available at the HealthEast Family Care facility in Avon, about eight miles away via the NC-12. Vidant Family Medicine, also in Avon, provides non-emergency medical care as well.

The Dare County Transportation System offers limited transportation to medical services facilities. Funded by grants, DCTS offers a safe means of transportation to the elderly and others in need of assistance.

Residents of Buxton real estate can reach the mainland via the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge and the NC-12. Other nearby highways serving the Outer Banks are  US-64, US-158 and US-264. The North Carolina Ferry System provides an alternative for commutes across the Sound. Southbound travelers can also take the ferry to Ocracoke Island.

An hour north of Buxton is the Dare County Regional Airport in Manteo. Wilmington International and Raleigh-Durham International both offer international flight, but they are several hours away on the mainland. The Island Hopper Shuttle service is located in Buxton, providing taxi service to the area.

If you are thinking about buying or selling a home in Buxton NC, give us a call at 252.207.1617 or send us an email to explore your options and to find out when is the best time for you to make a move.