Island Canal Homes, Beachfront Properties & Mainland Waterfront in the Gem of the Brunswick Islands


Welcome to Ocean Isle Beach, NC – Island & Mainland Coastal Retirement Paradise Ocean Isle Beach homes for sale span both the serene barrier island (with its famous canal properties, private docks, and direct beach access) and the convenient mainland section (offering riverfront along the Shallotte River, newer communities, and easier access to shopping/golf). Known as the “Gem of the Brunswick Islands,” this charming town delivers south-facing beaches, gentle waves, and a relaxed vibe perfect for retirees and second-home buyers seeking waterfront homes in Ocean Isle Beach NC.
History of Ocean Isle Beach
History, Size, and Community of Ocean Isle Beach Originally known as Hale Beach, the area transformed after World War II when developer Odell Williamson began building the resort community in the late 1940s–1950s, digging finger canals for boating access. Tragedy struck in 1954 when Hurricane Hazel (a Category 4) made direct landfall, destroying nearly all structures—but the town rebuilt stronger, earning resilience awards like the 2008 Best Restored Beach. Incorporated in 1959, Ocean Isle stretches ~8 miles with a year-round population of ~800–1,000 (median age ~68, ideal for retirement).Famous Landmark: The Ocean Isle Beach Fishing Pier – perfect for fishing and sunsets.
Community:
- Year-round residents: ~1,000
- Location: ~45 min to Wilmington NC, ~40 min to Myrtle Beach SC
- Proximity: Major airports (ILM/MYR), healthcare, shopping
Island canal homes with boats, mainland waterfront, nearby golf all add to the coastal, relaxed lifestyle of Ocean isle Beach, NC
Real Estate Market: Ocean Isle Beach Real Estate Market (2025) Overall median home price: ~$720K (late 2025 data). Island properties (canal/beachfront) typically $800K–$1.5M+ for premium waterfront. Mainland options start ~$400K–$700K, with great value in newer builds/river views. Strong demand for Ocean Isle Beach canal homes for sale and retirement properties.



Life in Ocean Isle Beach: Island vs. Mainland Living:
Living in Ocean Isle Beach means embracing a relaxed coastal lifestyle tailored to retirement dreams. On the island, you’ll find iconic canal homes with private docks perfect for boating directly to the Intracoastal Waterway, oceanfront condos with stunning views, and easy walks to the soft, south-facing sands that make this beach so special. The mainland side offers more affordable riverfront properties along the Shallotte River, newer communities with convenient shopping access, and close proximity to world-class golf like Ocean Ridge Plantation’s renowned “Big Cats” courses (Lion’s Paw, Panther’s Run, Tiger’s Eye, and Leopard’s Chase).
Both the island and mainland share the town’s best perks: pristine, uncrowded beaches with public access points everywhere, excellent fishing and kayaking, fresh Calabash-style seafood dining nearby, seasonal events, and a peaceful, friendly community vibe—no overwhelming crowds or high-rise chaos here. It’s the ideal spot for active adults who want boating, golf, sunsets, and low-key days in a true hidden gem.
Taxes (Very Retiree-Friendly): Brunswick County rate: 34.20 cents per $100 valuation. Island properties add the town rate of 13 cents per $100 (combined ~47.20 cents)—still significantly lower than most northern states, making it easier to stretch your retirement budget.
Ready to Call Ocean Isle Beach Home?
Let Suzanne Polino guide you through island canals, mainland gems, or coming soon offerings.
📲 Request More Information Today

Suzanne Polino, REALTOR®
Coastal NC Real Estate Specialist
📧 suzy@suzysellsnc.com
📞 (910) 477-1378
🌐 SuzysSellsNC.com
Explore Other Nearby Golf Course Communities
Meadowlands – active lifestyle and amenities
Ocean Ridge Plantation – gated golf near Sunset Beach
Sea Trail Plantation – At the base of Sunset Beach Bridge
Crow Creek – championship golf in Calabash
Current Ocean Isle Beach Homes for Sale
$999,999
Active
43 Private Drive Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
5 Beds 5 Baths 2,362 SqFt 0.12 Acres
$999,900
Active
545 Gladstone Circle SW Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
3 Beds 4 Baths 4,207 SqFt 0.52 Acres
$999,000
Active
140 E Second Street Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
3 Beds 3 Baths 1,900 SqFt 0.11 Acres
$995,000
Active
6618 Dunrobin Point SW Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
3 Beds 3 Baths 3,842 SqFt 0.41 Acres
$989,000
Active
23 Richmond Street Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
4 Beds 2 Baths 2,048 SqFt 0.13 Acres
$989,000
Active
2 Oleander Lane Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
5 Beds 3 Baths 1,949 SqFt 0.09 Acres
$985,900
Active
6515 Old Shallotte Road NW Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
4 Beds 4 Baths 3,206 SqFt 2.8 Acres
$980,000
Active
21 Concord Street E Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
4 Beds 3 Baths 2,048 SqFt 0.14 Acres
$980,000
Active
6239 Castlebrook Way SW Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
4 Beds 4 Baths 3,530 SqFt 0.34 Acres
$975,000
Active
414 E Second Street Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
4 Beds 3 Baths 1,280 SqFt 0.12 Acres
$959,900
Active
521 Lindgrove Place SW Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
4 Beds 4 Baths 2,618 SqFt 0.34 Acres
$949,900
Active
6482 Kirkwall Point SW Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
3 Beds 4 Baths 2,721 SqFt 0.38 Acres
$949,500
Active
6452 Castlebrook Way SW Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
4 Beds 4 Baths 2,727 SqFt 0.31 Acres
$931,200
Active Under Contract
25 Newport Street Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
4 Beds 2 Baths 1,176 SqFt 0.13 Acres
$925,000
Active Under Contract
180 E Second Street Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
4 Beds 2 Baths 1,152 SqFt 0.11 Acres
$925,000
Active
27 Newport Street Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
3 Beds 2 Baths 1,817 SqFt 0.14 Acres
$899,000
Active
1860 Oak Harbour Drive SW Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
3 Beds 4 Baths 4,913 SqFt 0.43 Acres
$889,999
Pending
6655 Lisburn Terrace Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
3 Beds 4 Baths 2,835 SqFt 0.23 Acres
$875,000
Pending
13 Fairmont Street Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
3 Beds 2 Baths 1,440 SqFt 0.13 Acres
$875,000
Active
347 E First Street Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
4 Beds 3 Baths 1,378 SqFt 0.12 Acres
$875,000
Active
35 Monroe Street Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
4 Beds 2 Baths 1,145 SqFt 0.14 Acres