Explore Coastal North Carolina Communities

Top North Carolina Communities

Brunswick County and the surrounding coastal region of North Carolina offer a diverse range of
retirement-friendly communities — from resort-style golf course neighborhoods
to laid-back beach towns and quiet inland enclaves. This guide is designed to help you explore
the different community types so you can confidently narrow down where you want to live.

Whether you’re looking for an active lifestyle, walkable coastal living, or a low-maintenance
retirement community, you’ll find a variety of excellent options throughout coastal North Carolina.

🏌️ Golf Course Communities

Golf course at Brunswick Plantation
Aerial view of the Brunswick Plantation golf course

Golf course communities are among the most popular choices for retirees relocating to coastal
North Carolina. These neighborhoods often feature championship golf courses, clubhouses, pools,
fitness centers, and an active social calendar — all designed around a lifestyle of convenience
and connection.

🌊 Coastal Towns & Beach Communities

Brunswick Plantation is only minutes from several of the areas top rated beaches like Ocean Isle Beach
Ocean isle Beach is only minutes from Brunswick Plantation

If your retirement vision includes salt air, waterfront dining, and easy beach access,
coastal towns may be the perfect fit. These communities range from relaxed beach towns to
charming coastal villages with rich history and strong local culture.

⭐ Top 10 Communities in Coastal North Carolina

Not sure where to start? Our Top 10 Communities guide highlights the most
popular and well-rounded neighborhoods for retirees based on lifestyle, amenities, location,
and long-term value.

📊 Compare Communities & Cost of Living

Choosing the right community isn’t just about location — it’s also about affordability, taxes,
and long-term financial comfort. These resources help you compare communities and understand
how far your retirement income can go in Brunswick County.

📦 Planning Your Move to Coastal North Carolina

Relocating is a big decision, and having the right information makes all the difference.
Our relocation resources are designed specifically for retirees considering a move to
coastal North Carolina.

Need Help Choosing the Right Community?

Every retiree’s goals are different — and finding the right community is about matching
your lifestyle, budget, and long-term plans. Suzanne Polino has helped hundreds of buyers
navigate Brunswick County’s communities with clarity and confidence.

🎯 Ready to Explore Brunswick County, NC?

Whether you’re retiring, relocating, or looking for a second home, Suzanne Polino (910-477-1378) specializes in real estate throughout Shallotte, Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Calabash, Leland, Southport, Oak Island, and surrounding coastal communities.

📲 Request More Information Today

Top Realtor Suzanne Polino of ASAP Realty

Suzanne Polino, REALTOR®
Coastal NC Real Estate Specialist
📧 suzy@suzysellsnc.com
📞 (910) 477-1378
🌐 SuzysSellsNC.com

Download our FREE Relocation Buyers Guide to Brunswick County, NC

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Amazing new price! **The home you've been waiting for is here at The Retreat at Ocean Isle Beach! Perfectly located within walking distance to grocery stores, coffee shops & restaurants, PLUS just a short golf cart ride to the beach, this beautifully upgraded Former Model Home is now available! Built by award-winning builder Bill Clark Homes, is the ever-popular Claremont floorplan. Tucked in an eyebrow street, this luxurious home has both comfort and style in mind, featuring 4-bedrooms, 3-bathroom home offering a split floorplan layout with the spacious Master Bedroom Suite on one side and 2 Guest bedrooms with a full bath on the other. Upstairs, a large bonus room with closet and full bath offers flexibility for a 4th bedroom, office, or media space. Upgrades include luxury vinyl plank flooring in all downstairs bedrooms and living areas, Quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, Farm sink, designer tile in bathrooms and laundry room, Coffered ceiling, gas fireplace with built-ins, and oversized sliding doors that lead to a double-sized screened porch and patio—perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Lawn care is included in the low HOA dues, making this a wonderful primary residence or ideal vacation home. Onsite amenities include outdoor pool, cabana area with grills, park area, and sidewalks throughout this picturesque neighborhood. All this and you are just a mile from the sandy shores of Ocean Isle Beach. This sparkling clean home is meticulous and ready for you to move right into! Make your appointment today before this one is gone! $599,000 Active

6391 Bryson Drive SW Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina

4 Beds 3 Baths 2,312 SqFt 0.24 Acres

Welcome home to easy, Resort-style living in the Meadowlands Golf community! This meticulously cared-for 1 story home sits on a quiet cul-de-sac and has a warm, welcoming feel from the moment you arrive. A little over 2200 HSF all on one floor is single level living at its best! With a brand-new HVAC system in 2024, updated LVP flooring in the main areas, and beautiful craftsmanship throughout—think detailed trim work, crown molding, lots of sunny windows, and a freshly remodeled Master bathroom—you'll feel the quality right away. The open Chef's Kitchen has lots of cabinet space, a cheerful breakfast nook, and plenty of room to spread out while cooking or entertaining. The formal Dining Room, complete with wainscoting and pretty windows, brings in plenty of natural light while still offering privacy. The Master Bedroom Suite features a gorgeous, renovated Spa-like bathroom with a spacious, handicap-accessible walk-in shower. You'll also find 2 more comfortable bedrooms, great storage, and even a sunroom that makes the perfect reading or relaxing spot. Right off the sunroom is the real showstopper—a large screened-in porch with tall ceilings, tiled floors, and a new roofline. It's an awesome place for morning coffee, outdoor meals, or watching TV in the fresh air. There is terrific storge in this home. The award-winning Golf course just adds beauty throughout as you can see when walking the neighborhood. Meadowlands offers so much to enjoy: a newly expanded and renovated Clubhouse, Resort-style pool, Fitness Center, Billiards, Ping Pong, Library, many clubs and activities, BBQ areas, and kitchen. Plus, you're just minutes from gorgeous Sunset Beach, the ICW, boating, kayaking, and fishing. Don't forget all of the wonderful shopping, amazing restaurants, bakeries and coffee shops. This is the one! $399,000 Active

707 Pipit Place NW Calabash, North Carolina

3 Beds 2 Baths 2,207 SqFt 0.25 Acres

Location, Location, Location! This is THE ONE! Priced to sell, this special coastal retreat is tucked within the centrally located Resort community of Chatham Glenn. Just minutes from both Sunset Beach and Ocean Isle Beach, you'll enjoy quick access to several grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, pharmacies, boutiques, shopping, and top notch Golf Courses. Onsite amenities make it super convenient for everyday living: unwind by the Resort-style Outdoor Pool, Open-Air Lanai and picnic area, or stroll the beautifully maintained community grounds. The setting of this home is truly special—open green space and an HOA-maintained park border the right side, while the deep lot and peaceful pond behind the home provide privacy and tranquil views. Have a cold lemonade while watching the cotton candy sunsets from your covered porch out back. Inside this single-level, 4-bedroom home, you are welcomed with an open, airy layout filled with natural light. The spacious Master Suite offers many furniture options and a dream-worthy walk-in closet. The Master Bathroom offers dual vanities, walk in shower and lots of space. Three additional bedrooms on the opposite side of the home provide ideal flexibility and privacy for guests, a home office, or even hobby space. The modern kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a gas cooktop, and a refrigerator—all in pristine condition. The entire home was just freshly painted and looks brand new! It is move-in ready & delivers exceptional storage, privacy, and so many decorating options with a tasteful neutral color scheme. This is your chance to own a slice of resort living in beautiful Ocean Isle Beach. Come see this one today before it's gone! $365,000 Active

1001 Bourne Drive SW Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina

4 Beds 2 Baths 1,782 SqFt 0.17 Acres

Welcome to Southshore Bay, 2 miles from the Atlantic Ocean along the North and South Carolina border. Enjoy life just minutes from local shops, dining, golf courses, and Coastal waters. Spend your weekends at the beach, enjoying nearby Myrtle Beach, Southport or Wilmington. Whether you're a golf lover or ready to relax near the water, Southshore Bay is your place to call home.Charming 3-Bedroom Home with Open-Concept Living and Private Primary Suite.Step into comfort and style with this thoughtfully designed single-story home, perfect for modern living. Featuring three spacious bedrooms and two full bathrooms, this layout offers both functionality and comfort for families looking for a beach retreat or anyone looking to downsize without compromise.At the heart of the home is a large open-concept living area, seamlessly connecting the living room, dining space, and a well-equipped kitchen with granite countertops, a tile backsplash, 36'' cabinets, a pantry, stainless steel appliances including a refrigerator, a center island.Tucked away at the back for privacy, the primary suite boasts a generous bedroom, walk-in closet, and a private bath. Two additional bedrooms share a full bathroom.•Attached 1-car garage with direct home access•Convenient laundry areaWhether you're starting out, settling down, or investing smart, this home combines practical living with stylish comfort — all on one easy-to-maintain level.*Photos are of a similar Greenbriar home. Pictures, photographs, colors, features, and sizes are for illustration purposes only and will vary from the homes as built. Home and community information, including pricing, included features, terms, availability and amenities, are subject to change and prior sale at any time without notice or obligation. Square footage dimensions are approximate. Equal housing opportunity builder. $298,810 Active

3023 Tasso Drive SW Lot 12- Greenbriar A Sunset Beach, North Carolina

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,151 SqFt 0.11 Acres

The Highland II is a beautiful single story, 4 bedroom, 2 bath cottage home featuring open and flowing living spaces with coastal color palettes. This plan features an open concept living area, perfect for relaxing and enjoying time at home. $289,900 Active

1042 Beechridge Drive SW 70 Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina

4 Beds 2 Baths 1,749 SqFt 0.15 Acres