Hatteras Island Real Estate

Running parallel to the North Carolina coastline, Hatteras Island lies between the Atlantic Ocean and Pamlico Sound. At nearly 50 miles long, it is one of the longest islands in the continental United States. No cities or incorporated towns reside on the island, but seven beach communities occupy the 33 square miles of Hatteras Island real estate.

The permanent population in 2010 was 4,322, but swells to more than 50,000 daily according to an economic impact study in 2013. The communities on Hatteras Island include Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras. Each is proud of its own unique qualities and features.

Native Americans called the island Croatoan when the first English settlers arrived in 1584. The native population was friendly to them, supporting their efforts to build a community at Roanoak. Some even traveled to England and back.

On the fifth voyage between continents in 1590, the colonists had abandoned the settlement. They had carved the word Croatoan onto the side of a tree, presumably telling their location to any who searched for them. Unfortunately, a massive storm prevented further efforts to find them. When future voyagers arrived, they were unable to find the colonists anywhere, leaving the world to speculate about the fate of the lost colony.

Hatteras Island Shopping and Dining

Because of the vast number of vacationers who come to enjoy the sun and the surf on Hatteras Island, many of the shops cater to their needs. You will find pottery, prints, stained glass, beach jewelry and more at the Blue Pelican Gallery in Hatteras Village. Buxton Village Books in Buxton carries all of the latest titles and even ebooks. Island Spice and Wine in Avon carries the finest gourmet foods and ingredients, including sushi-making supplies. Kitty Hawk Surf Company in Rodanthe provides surf wear and all the gear you need for surfing, kayak and standup paddleboard. You can learn how to use it all in the lessons through Kitty Hawk Surf Co.

Year round residents of Hatteras Island real estate and tourists alike all benefit from the many dining options along the coast. The Atlantic Coast Cafe in Waves offers great food in a casual beach atmosphere, combining seafood and Southern spices. The Dolphin Den in Avon offers family-sized take out. Rusty's Surf and Turf in Buxton brings international flavors to local favorites. Good Winds Restaurant in Rodanthe has something for everyone from the children's menu to the extensively stocked liquor bar.

Hatteras Island Parks and Recreation

The ocean and the beaches beside it are the greatest attractions near Hatteras Island real estate. Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a 72-mile park serving Bodie, Hatteras and Ocracoke islands. This unique recreation area is almost completely undeveloped.

Dozens of outfitter shops offer sales and rental of water-sports equipment from scuba gear to stand-up paddleboards. Most offer classes to teach you how to use them properly. Visitors can learn all about the area at the Hatteras Island Ocean Center. Avon Harbor Sailing lets you enjoy the ocean from a sailboat. You can rent a boat, take lessons, take a sunset cruise or explore the Sound via private charter.

You can gallop along the seaside of OBX on horseback thanks to Equine Adventures in Frisco. Indulge your creative side at the Glass Bead in Avon.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in Buxton is one of the most famous in the world. Rising a stunning 208 feet above the island, it is visible from most Hatteras Island real estate. It has the distinction of surviving a precarious move in 1999, due to the erosion of the shoreline. The National Park Service now manages the lighthouse.

Towards the north end of the OBX island of Hatteras, you will find the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. The 50-square mile area on the northern edge of Rodanthe provides refuge for more than 400 species of birds, making it a bird-watchers paradise.

Hatteras Island Real Estate

Because the communities on Hatteras Island are not incorporated, data can be challenging to accumulate. In the economic impact study previously mentioned, we find that tourism accounts for 2,618 local jobs. That means that over half of the community relies upon tourism for its livelihood. The 50,000 tourists that visit the island daily during the peak season bring vast amounts of money into the local economies that contribute to the care and upkeep of public treasures.

The unique natural beauty continues to attract more visitors each year. They create a casual environment of beachwear and relaxation. Once a remote region, barely developed, Hatteras Island is now reaping the economic benefits they bring to the area.

Hatteras Island real estate prices fill a broad range from about $110,000 for a condominium to about $1.5 million for a single-family dwelling with five to six bedrooms. The average price ranges from approximately $400,000 to $500,000.

Hatteras Island Schools, Hospitals, and Transportation

Residents of the OBX area depend upon the Outer Banks Hospital in Nags head for medical conditions requiring hospitalization. For primary care, the HealthEast Family Care facility in Avon can fulfill most medical needs. Vidant Family Medicine also offers routine medical care.

The North Carolina Ferry System and the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge provide access to the mainland from Hatteras Island real estate. The ferry also provides access to Ocracoke Island to the south. Dare County Regional Airport in Manteo is approximately an hour north of Buxton. The North Carolina-12 takes drivers from the Ocracoke-Swan Ferry station at the southernmost tip of the Outer Banks north to the Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry and on to the Currituck Banks Reserve, north of Corolla.

If you are thinking about buying or selling a home on Hatteras Island 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.