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
$1,195,000
Active
207 River Drive Southport, North Carolina
3 Beds 4 Baths 2,590 SqFt 0.65 Acres
$1,175,000
Pending
248 Joshuas Way Southport, North Carolina
3 Beds 3 Baths 2,653 SqFt 0.37 Acres
$1,149,000
Active
2776 Marsh Point Lane SE Southport, North Carolina
4 Beds 4 Baths 3,438 SqFt 0.61 Acres
$1,147,500
Active Under Contract
3592 E Legacy Park Drive Southport, North Carolina
4 Beds 4 Baths 3,311 SqFt 0.25 Acres
$1,132,500
Active Under Contract
3864 Reserve Club Drive Southport, North Carolina
4 Beds 4 Baths 2,767 SqFt 0.46 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
205 W Moore Street Southport, North Carolina
3 Beds 2 Baths 2,320 SqFt 0.34 Acres
$1,097,500
Active Under Contract
3868 Reserve Club Drive Southport, North Carolina
4 Beds 4 Baths 2,767 SqFt 0.35 Acres
$1,089,000
Active
4221 Skeffington Court Southport, North Carolina
3 Beds 4 Baths 3,887 SqFt 0.42 Acres
$1,085,000
Active
4510 Fieldstone Circle Southport, North Carolina
3 Beds 4 Baths 4,110 SqFt 0.38 Acres
$1,075,000
Active
5000 Oquinn Boulevard SE # B Southport, North Carolina
4 Beds 4 Baths 2,704 SqFt
$1,075,000
Active
3808 Worthington Place Southport, North Carolina
3 Beds 4 Baths 3,473 SqFt 0.36 Acres
$1,075,000
Active Under Contract
3708 Fairfield Way Southport, North Carolina
4 Beds 4 Baths 3,959 SqFt 0.49 Acres
$1,000,000
Active
6221 Navigator Way Southport, North Carolina
3 Beds 3 Baths 3,279 SqFt 0.34 Acres
$999,999
Active
3005 Pine Bay Court Southport, North Carolina
4 Beds 4 Baths 2,999 SqFt 0.45 Acres
$999,999
Active
3465 St James Drive SE Southport, North Carolina
4 Beds 5 Baths 3,745 SqFt 0.61 Acres
$999,000
Active Under Contract
2758 Pinecrest Drive SE Southport, North Carolina
4 Beds 4 Baths 2,823 SqFt 0.38 Acres
$998,000
Active Under Contract
3794 Worthington Place Southport, North Carolina
3 Beds 4 Baths 2,833 SqFt 0.35 Acres
$990,000
Active Under Contract
2911 Legends Drive Southport, North Carolina
4 Beds 3 Baths 3,032 SqFt 0.32 Acres
$989,500
Active
301 E West Street Southport, North Carolina
3 Beds 2 Baths 2,290 SqFt 0.12 Acres
$980,000
Active
5113 Minnesota Drive SE Southport, North Carolina
4 Beds 4 Baths 3,145 SqFt 0.15 Acres
$980,000
Active Under Contract
3815 Ridge Crest Drive Southport, North Carolina
4 Beds 4 Baths 3,126 SqFt 0.39 Acres
$975,000
Active
4567 Regency Crossing Southport, North Carolina
3 Beds 3 Baths 3,690 SqFt 0.38 Acres
$975,000
Active
3260 Oceanic Bay Drive Southport, North Carolina
4 Beds 4 Baths 2,672 SqFt 0.48 Acres
$960,000
Active
614 Marsh Grass Court Southport, North Carolina
3 Beds 3 Baths 2,144 SqFt 0.51 Acres
$950,000
Active
3807 Ridge Crest Drive Southport, North Carolina
4 Beds 4 Baths 3,370 SqFt 0.38 Acres
$949,000
Pending
3226 Oceanic Bay Drive Southport, North Carolina
4 Beds 4 Baths 2,863 SqFt 0.4 Acres