Southport Homes for Sale
Discover Historic Waterfront & Retirement Properties in Southport NC

Southport homes for sale offer the perfect blend of historic charm, waterfront living, and modern convenience in Brunswick County's picturesque seaside town. Known as "America's Happiest Seaside Town" by Coastal Living magazine, Southport features tree-lined streets with centuries-old live oaks, a vibrant yacht basin, and the scenic Cape Fear River meeting the Atlantic. With its filming fame (movies like Safe Haven, A Walk to Remember, Crimes of the Heart), boutique shops, art galleries, and fresh seafood dining, Southport is ideal for retirees seeking a walkable downtown, riverfront properties, and easy access to beaches like Oak Island (10 min) and Bald Head Island (ferry). No high-rises here—just authentic Southern hospitality and low-key coastal retirement.
History and Community of Southport

Originally named Smithville in 1792 after Revolutionary War hero Benjamin Smith (former NC governor), the town served as a key river port and military site with Fort Johnston (built 1748, oldest in NC). Renamed Southport in 1887 to emphasize its shipping potential, it became Brunswick County's seat until 1977. Incorporated with deep maritime roots—from pirates and pilots to Civil War blockade runners—Southport preserves its past through the NC Maritime Museum at Southport (in Fort Johnston officers' quarters) and Old Smithville Burying Ground (1792, graves of soldiers and shipwreck victims). Today, with a year-round population of ~4,000 (median age ~60—strong active adult/retiree appeal), it swells with visitors for its historic district and events.
Key Landmarks: Fort Johnston-Southport Museum & Visitors Center, NC Maritime Museum at Southport, Old Brunswick County Jail (museum), Oak-lined downtown streets, Southport Yacht Basin & Provision Company (iconic waterfront dining/views).
Community:
- Population: ~4,000
- Proximity: 10 minutes to Oak Island beaches, 20 minutes to Shallotte shopping (Hobby Lobby, Ulta, Starbucks, Marshalls), 30 minutes to Wilmington NC (airport ILM, major healthcare like Novant Health), 40 minutes to Myrtle Beach SC (airport MYR, entertainment). Ferry to Bald Head Island (car-free luxury island).
Life in Southport: Historic Charm, Waterfront Recreation, and Cultural Vibes
Living in Southport means strolling oak-shaded streets to boutique shops, art galleries, and waterfront dining along the Yacht Basin—watching boats and ferries while enjoying fresh seafood. The Cape Fear River/ICW offers boating, kayaking, fishing charters, and sunset cruises, with public docks and marinas. Top neighborhoods include: Boiling Spring Lakes (lakeside/golf community ~$300K–$500K), Rivermist (riverfront gated luxury ~$600K–$1M+), and The Landing (waterfront townhomes/condos ~$400K–$700K). Enjoy mild weather (winter highs ~60°F, summer ~85°F), low crime, and events like the NC 4th of July Festival (state's largest), Riverfest, Summer Concerts, and Christmas House Tour. Cultural perks include the Amuzu Theater (historic performances) and proximity to Bald Head Island ferry for day trips. It's perfect for retirees wanting walkable history, river views, and no crowds—Hollywood's favorite "small town" backdrop for good reason.
Taxes (Very Retiree-Friendly): Brunswick County rate: 34.20 cents per $100 valuation. Southport town adds approximately 15 cents per $100 (combined ~49.20 cents)—significantly lower than northern states, ideal for fixed-income retirement.
Other Fun Facts: Southport hosts the annual US Open King Mackerel Tournament, is a Tree City USA with massive live oaks, and features the Southport Wooden Boat Show celebrating maritime heritage. Its location at the Cape Fear River mouth makes it a pilot town with deep seafaring traditions.
Southport Real Estate Market
The Southport real estate market is steady and appealing for historic/coastal buyers, with a median home price of ~$450K–$550K (late 2025 data), offering value for waterfront and downtown proximity. Historic homes and riverfront properties range $600K–$1M+, while newer subdivisions start ~$350K–$600K. Demand is strong for retirement relocations and second homes, with moderate inventory and sales driven by walkable charm and filming fame. Popular types include Victorian restorations, river/ICW-view condos, and custom builds in gated neighborhoods—great for active adults seeking culture without island isolation.
Ready to Find Your Southport Home?
As your local Brunswick County coastal expert, Suzanne Polino can guide you to historic gems, waterfront properties, or hidden listings in Southport.
📲 Request More Information Today

Suzanne Polino, REALTOR®
Coastal NC Real Estate Specialist
📧 suzy@suzysellsnc.com
📞 (910) 477-1378
🌐 SuzysSellsNC.com
Contact Me Today for a No-Pressure Strategy Conversation
Current Southport Homes for Sale
$1,200,000
Active Under Contract
3689 Pepperbush Drive Southport, North Carolina
4 Beds 4 Baths 3,217 SqFt 0.55 Acres
$1,200,000
Active
401 W West Street Southport, North Carolina
4 Beds 4 Baths 2,500 SqFt 0.18 Acres
$1,199,000
Active Under Contract
3859 Fairhaven Drive Southport, North Carolina
4 Beds 4 Baths 3,072 SqFt 0.49 Acres
$1,189,000
Active
4510 Fieldstone Circle Southport, North Carolina
3 Beds 4 Baths 4,110 SqFt 0.38 Acres
$1,150,000
Active
4567 Regency Crossing Southport, North Carolina
3 Beds 3 Baths 3,690 SqFt 0.38 Acres
$1,150,000
Active
3780 Ridge Crest Drive Southport, North Carolina
4 Beds 4 Baths 2,851 SqFt 0.38 Acres
$1,150,000
Pending
3681 Fairfield Way Southport, North Carolina
3 Beds 5 Baths 4,254 SqFt 0.53 Acres
$1,149,999
Active
3023 Baycrest Drive Southport, North Carolina
3 Beds 4 Baths 3,961 SqFt 0.28 Acres
$1,149,000
Active
3005 Pine Bay Court Southport, North Carolina
4 Beds 4 Baths 2,988 SqFt 0.45 Acres
$1,149,000
Pending
3688 Emerson Drive Southport, North Carolina
3 Beds 4 Baths 2,634 SqFt 0.32 Acres
$1,149,000
Active
3465 St James Drive SE Southport, North Carolina
4 Beds 5 Baths 3,745 SqFt 0.61 Acres
$1,100,000
Active
319 E Nash Street Southport, North Carolina
4 Beds 3 Baths 2,401 SqFt 0.08 Acres
$1,099,900
Active
3708 Fairfield Way Southport, North Carolina
4 Beds 4 Baths 3,959 SqFt 0.49 Acres
$1,099,000
Active
2768 Pinecrest Drive Southport, North Carolina
4 Beds 4 Baths 3,907 SqFt 0.43 Acres
$1,099,000
Active
3454 Members Club Boulevard Southport, North Carolina
4 Beds 4 Baths 4,264 SqFt 0.39 Acres
$1,099,000
Active
4348 Loblolly Circle Southport, North Carolina
5 Beds 5 Baths 4,585 SqFt 0.53 Acres
$1,097,500
Active
3868 Reserve Club Drive Southport, North Carolina
4 Beds 4 Baths 2,767 SqFt 0.35 Acres
$1,079,000
Active
301 E West Street Southport, North Carolina
3 Beds 2 Baths 2,290 SqFt 0.12 Acres
$1,075,000
Active
3815 Ridge Crest Drive Southport, North Carolina
4 Beds 4 Baths 3,104 SqFt 0.39 Acres
$1,050,000
Active
Southport, North Carolina
3 Beds 3 Baths 1,680 SqFt 0.11 Acres
$1,025,000
Active Under Contract
5122 Prices Creek Drive Southport, North Carolina
3 Beds 4 Baths 3,116 SqFt 1.47 Acres
$1,015,000
Active
2911 Legends Drive Southport, North Carolina
4 Beds 3 Baths 3,032 SqFt 0.32 Acres
$999,000
Active
4513 Fieldstone Circle SE Southport, North Carolina
4 Beds 3 Baths 3,690 SqFt 0.36 Acres
$995,000
Active
5207 White Ibis Court Southport, North Carolina
4 Beds 3 Baths 3,155 SqFt 0.49 Acres
$979,000
Active
301 E Moore Street Southport, North Carolina
4 Beds 3 Baths 2,914 SqFt 0.35 Acres
$974,000
Pending
4433 Wildrye Drive SE Southport, North Carolina
5 Beds 4 Baths 3,729 SqFt 0.4 Acres
$965,000
Active
3227 Moss Hammock Wynd Southport, North Carolina
4 Beds 4 Baths 3,351 SqFt 0.35 Acres