Finding a beautiful beach town with homes that are affordable is rare. A lot of coastal properties fetch a lot of money because of their proximity to gorgeous beaches and the ocean. Topsail is a unique island that offers the charm of a small beach town with amazing views, but with a wide scale of home prices.
You can find modest single-family homes in the triple digits, but you can also find luxury properties that start in the million-dollar range. Whether you’re looking for a second home for your family vacations or you want a great investment property, Topsail Island real estate offers a range of price options. Additionally, the island also has a relatively low cost of living compared to other beach towns around the country and a high potential for rental income, which can help offset mortgage payments.
If you’re interested in looking at coastal real estate, Topsail Island is a great option. We’ll go over some of the housing options, including current average prices. We’ll also explain more in-depth why Topsail Island is a great place to live and the three distinct towns that make up the island so that you can make an informed decision about your next home.
How Much Does It Cost to Live on Topsail Island?
The island is hospitable to a wide array of budgets. Whether you are looking for a multi-million luxury oceanfront property, or you’d like to buy a modest second home there are options available in all three towns–North Topsail Beach, Surf City, and Topsail Beach. Depending on which town you are interested in, the median price of homes varies.
Topsail Beach is known for its single-family homes and small-town feel. It averages the highest-priced homes on the island at about $950,000. Surf City is located in the middle of the island and is close to a lot of restaurants and shops. It averages the lowest-priced homes on the island with a median price of around $450,000. North Topsail Beach has the most housing options available, with affordable condos as well as new luxury beachfront builds. The median price of homes in this city is around $550,000.
Budget-Friendly Family Homes on Topsail Island
You’ll find modest single-family homes around the home. While oceanfront properties are generally the most expensive home listings you’ll encounter, there are other more affordable home sales on Topsail Island that are only a short walk or drive away from the beach or gorgeous views of nature.
If you’re on a budget, it’s a good idea to look at listings that mention if the home is a second-row or even a third-row home. These properties will be a lot less expensive than oceanfront real estate, but will still be close to the water, and may have views of the ocean. If you’re looking to be close to the beaches, but can’t afford oceanfront prices, this will be the next best option.
Affordable Condos on Topsail Island
In North Topsail Beach, you’ll find quite a few options for affordable condos for sale. These types of homes are perfect for retirees, or those who want a small second home near the beach. They feature one-bedroom or two-bedroom options, oftentimes with a balcony view of the water. Depending on the building complex, you may also get to enjoy other community amenities, like a swimming pool, recreational courts, and grilling areas.
There are also a few condo options in Surf city. This location may be ideal for those who like to be near activities and bars, as Surf City has a lot of restaurants and shops. There are also a lot of outdoor activities available, like surfing lessons or fishing rental shops, which makes it the hub for activities and community on the island. However, there aren’t condo options at the southern end of the island in Topsail Beach, as this area is dominated by single-family homes.
Luxury Homes on Topsail Island
There are luxury properties for sale throughout the island that boast incredible views of the water and have a lot of modern amenities. These homes tend to start at a million dollars and can range upwards, depending on the size, location, and interior of the home. If you’re looking for a luxury property as a second home or as an investment property, all three towns would make a good choice.
Most luxury homes come equipped with direct beach access or at least a short walk to the beach. Additionally, you can expect upgraded home amenities, like top-of-the-line appliances, multiple balconies, and even an elevator to take you up to the top floors. These types of home sales on Topsail Island can make excellent investment opportunities, as there are many large families looking for the perfect vacation home for the summer that can accommodate their needs.
How Does Topsail Island Real Estate Compare to Other Beachfront Communities?
One of the great features of living on the island, no matter what your budget may be, is the low cost of living compared to other coastal communities. For example, the cost of living in a beach town, like Malibu, California, is 135% higher than the national average. The cost of living in an expensive beach town on the east coast, like East Hampton, New York, is going to be 37% higher than the national average. In comparison, Topsail Island real estate has a wider range of affordability for residents that is closer to the national average than other expensive beach towns.
How Do Topsail Island Home Prices Compare to Nearby Towns?
There are a few neighboring towns that are close to Topsail Island and are located on the mainland of the North Carolina coast. Holly Ridge, Sneads Ferry, and Hampstead offer proximity to the coast and the beaches of Topsail Island, making them highly desirable locations for those looking for a second home. Many of the homes are priced similarly to that of Topsail Island real estate, as these coastal communities also provide a lot of the same nature benefits.
Is Topsail Island a Good Place to Live?
Though Topsail Island real estate is more affordable than some other beach towns, it can still be an expensive purchase for some families. It’s important to be sure that you love the area and enjoy living in the community before making such an expensive commitment. The island has an active community presence and a laid-back way of life that is different from life on the mainland. If you’re after a slower pace of life, then you’ll appreciate living in all three towns on the island.
Purchasing a home is an exciting process, especially in beautiful beach towns like Topsail Island. Luckily, you won’t have to deal with outrageous prices common in a lot of coastal communities. Depending on your budget, preferences, and needs, you may be able to scoop up the perfect home in your price range easily. Whether you’re looking for a small condo, a modest family home, or a luxury property, our real estate team can help. We have current listings available for you to start browsing today or feel free to get in touch with our team to begin your home search.