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Holden Beach Real Estate

Holden Beach is a beautiful seaside gym that is known as "the family beach", nestled on a 8 mile barrier island that faces south along the Atlantic Ocean. Outdoor lovers here can enjoy surf fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, biking, and boating along the ICWW and creeks.

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Local buyer insights on living in Holden Beach, NC
  • Holden Beach is a quiet barrier island community located in Brunswick County along the southern North Carolina coast.
  • The town is known for its relaxed beach atmosphere, family-friendly environment, and scenic coastal views.
  • Many buyers are drawn to Holden Beach for its peaceful setting compared with larger tourist destinations.
  • The island offers oceanfront homes, canal properties, beach cottages, and vacation rental properties.
  • Residents enjoy boating, fishing, kayaking, and easy beach access throughout the island.
  • Holden Beach is popular with second-home buyers, vacation rental investors, and retirees seeking coastal living.
  • The island is connected to the mainland by a bridge, making it accessible while still maintaining a relaxed coastal lifestyle.
  • Because Holden Beach is a barrier island community, buyers should carefully review flood zones, insurance requirements, and coastal building regulations.

**It is important to verify flood zones, insurance costs, HOA rules if applicable, and rental regulations during the due diligence process.**

Market snapshot in Holden Beach, NC
  • Holden Beach features a mix of oceanfront homes, canal properties, vacation rentals, and beach cottages.
  • Home values often vary based on ocean views, water frontage, lot size, and proximity to beach access.
  • The area is a strong vacation rental market due to its popularity with families visiting the North Carolina coast.
  • Buyers often compare Holden Beach with nearby coastal towns such as Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, and Oak Island.
  • Inventory levels may fluctuate based on seasonal demand and tourism-driven real estate activity.
FAQs about Living in Holden Beach, NC
  • Where is Holden Beach located?
    Holden Beach is located in Brunswick County, North Carolina between Ocean Isle Beach and Oak Island.
  • Is Holden Beach a good place to live?
    Many residents enjoy Holden Beach for its quiet atmosphere, scenic coastline, and relaxed beach lifestyle.
  • What types of homes are available in Holden Beach?
    The area includes oceanfront homes, canal properties, beach cottages, and vacation rental properties.
  • Is Holden Beach good for vacation rentals?
    Yes, Holden Beach is a popular destination for family beach vacations and rental properties.
  • How far is Holden Beach from Wilmington?
    Wilmington is typically about a 50 to 60 minute drive depending on traffic.
  • Is Holden Beach crowded?
    Holden Beach is generally quieter than many coastal destinations, making it popular with families and those seeking a relaxed beach environment.
  • Are there boating opportunities in Holden Beach?
    Yes, residents enjoy boating, fishing, and water recreation along the Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean.
  • Is Holden Beach good for retirees?
    Yes, Holden Beach attracts retirees looking for a peaceful coastal community.
  • Is Holden Beach growing?
    Brunswick County has experienced steady growth as more buyers relocate to the North Carolina coast.
  • What should buyers consider before purchasing in Holden Beach?
    Buyers should review flood zones, insurance requirements, rental regulations, and coastal construction rules during due diligence.

Holden Beach is also known for its sea turtle nesting habitat along its sandy shores. Here on the island you will find full-time residence, vacation, homes, and vacation rentals. Holden Beach is about 30 minutes from Myrtle Beach, 15 minutes to Southport, and about 40 minutes to downtown Wilmington.

See the Holden Beach Live

Holden Beach NC Live Cam

Watch a short video on Holden Beach

“Video recorded by Brian Schrader, Coastline NC Real Estate. We’ve helped buyers purchase homes in Holden Beach since 2007.”

Full video transcript on the Holden Beach Area Overview video

Welcome back everyone. Today we're gonna be talking about an a great place. one of my favorite places, Holden Beach. Holden Beach is a a neat little barrier island. It's in Brunswick County and we're gonna take a look at the island and the special features and give you all an overview of what it's like there. Hi. My name is Brian Schrader. I'm with the Coastline NC Real Estate Team at Blue Coast Realty Corporation down here in Southeastern North Carolina. So enough of that, let's dive into it here. You'll see that Holden Beach is, it's gorgeous. It does face south which is pretty unique. So you're looking, east to west here in this clip. You can see the Causeway Bridge. A lot of people, like that bridge because when you come across it, it's got a nice little twist to it. But when you hit the top, you look over the Atlantic Ocean, it's got some really cool views. But there's the intracoastal, waterway in the background. You also have Holden Beach Marina there to the right hand side, Provision Company to the left. But Holden Beach is a really neat place. it's won tons of awards, for being one of the top rated family beaches in the country. And if you look at the island itself, it's pretty laid back. There's not a whole lot of commercial on it, which is pretty unique. you don't see a whole lot of condominiums, got high rises on it. You're gonna find a lot of beach homes, and there you you'll find people that live here all year round as well. But a lot of the homes here, you see that pools, a lot of them are vacation rentals, but, it's a really, really pretty beach. And we're gonna take a look at, where it's located here. So let's dive into the map here. As you can see here, the red air and the star, that is Holden Beach. It's faces south and it's really cool because you can actually catch some really cool sunsets even though you're on the East Coast because it faces south. Now you'll catch the majority of them in the winter time just due to the tilt of the earth, but it's another cool, feature. A lot of people like that, if you're into astronomy that, this beach faces south. So, you know, if you're looking up, you can catch some really good shots of the Milky Way without a whole lot of light pollution too. So another neat little thing about Holden Beach. But as we dive a little bit closer, you'll see that you got, Holden, Beach has Oak Island to the east and Ocean Island Beach to the west. And as you can see here, tip to tip, it's about 8 miles long. so it's a pretty long barrier island. There's only one bridge that comes across from the mainland, but it's a it's a really really really neat place because you got the Lockwood Folly River on one end and then the Shlote River on the other end. So we're gonna take a look, this is a flood map like I do in all my videos. you'll see that the majority of Holden Beach is in that AE zone. No surprise. It is a barrier island. It is prone, to flooding when we do get storms, but you'll see that a lot of it's in that, AE area and there's a small portion of it in that v e area. So, basically, there's a couple little small spots that are outside the, AE zone. So unless you're in that that little bit of light light shaded brown area on the barrier island, you're gonna be required to carry flood insurance, if you have a mortgage on your property. So let's real quick, let's talk about some numbers here. The taxes in Holden Beach, if you have a home there that is assessed at $550,000, you'll pay roughly around 21, $100 in annual real estate taxes. We talked about the beaches about 8 miles long. It's a top family beach in the United States, and it's also a sea turtle sanctuary, which is pretty cool. But let's move on to some slides here now. You know, you look at this picture here, it doesn't look like Holden Beach at all, but you can get this, this type of water in Holden Beach at certain times of the year whether, you know, sometimes when we don't have a whole lot of, rain or runoff, the water looks Caribbean blue. and then the temperatures here, it doesn't hardly ever snow here as well. But we're gonna talk about why because I'm gonna shift gears and this is a sea surface temperature map. I just, took a snapshot of it. but you'll see that that red area you see here kinda goes from it's kinda it's a gulf stream and it sits about 55 miles to 65 miles off the coast here. But what that does, that water stays in that, 77 to 80 degree, temperatures throughout the year. And what it does is it warms up the air around us, so we hardly ever get any snow or ice here in the region. And as you can see, as it moves up, it peaks out around the outer banks area, mixes with that cold water coming down from the, the arctic and along the eastern seaboard north and, kinda mix us there in the outer bags. But a lot of good fishing offshore here because you're really close to that gulf stream. Next here, we'll talk about the inlets here. This is the Lockwood Folly River inlet here if you wanna take a nice little walk. It's great to park there at the, east end of Holden Beach and you got all that extra sand. Holden Beach is known for its seashells. So if you are looking, you're exploring, you wanna get out there, that might be a good place there around the inlet. probably wanna go at low tide but another cool thing, there's an old historic, civil war blockade runner that sits, in the middle of that inlet there too which is pretty neat as well. Sometimes you could see the, stacks of the ship there at a super super low tide, but that's another neat area to check out. Now if you look at the, the the area there, on Holden Beach, there's a little private gated community called, Dunescape, uh, that's on the tip there. it's one of the 2 gated communities on Holden Beach. But we'll talk about the other end of the island. This is the west end. As you can see, another neat little place to take a walk. You can walk around the, tip of the inlet all the way to Monk Island which is, um, along the The Intracoastal Waterway. Great place to walk, get some seashells. And, this tip end of the island, this is the west end. It does have a gate, so you're gonna have to find a beach access prior to the gate of the west end of Holden Beach. So those are the 2 inlets. Another cool place to check out is the pier, at Holden Beach. You can see here at the shot and a lot of people like to go up there and just check it out. A lot of people will be fishing off the pier. It's a pretty cool spot. And again, you gotta look out for these little guys here. usually the months of I think it's May to October is the sea turtle nesting season. So you'll find that a lot of of of residents there on the island will go out and find some of these nests and they'll mark them off. You wanna definitely stay away from those nests, but sometimes, you know, some people can catch some, some hatchlings going making their way down to the ocean. So another unique thing about Holden Beach, on the back side, you get a couple areas that have these canals that have been man made. But if you're that type of person that's looking to have a boat but, you know, you also wanna have beach access, it's a really cool thing. You can hop on your boat and be out the Intracoastal Waterway, down and out the inlet within a few minutes, and then come back and park your boat right behind your house. And you can also walk across the, front street there, Ocean Boulevard, and be at the beach. So another cool thing about Holden Beach. But here again, here's some of the, aerials. What I'm gonna do, in this video, I'll post a link in the description that's got prices on all the homes for sale in, Holden Beach. So if you're looking to get some idea on what the real estate's like, you might wanna check out that page there. But what you'll find on Holden Beach, you'll find a lot of, beach rentals and, they do pretty good out there. You know, if you're looking for an investment property, I've got a couple clients out there, that, they bring in anywhere from 80 to a125 $1,000 a year in rental income. Now the peak season here is gonna be that June, July August, but some people also rent out 2 months prior and 2 months after those months. So, it's a it's a it's a place where, you know, if you got a pool in your oceanfront, that is the most sought after beach rental if you can, you know, house more than 8 people. that that's gonna bring some pretty good, rental potential income into your pocket. But anyway, just kind of flying over the island here, you'll see that it's it's it's it's not really crowded, pretty white sands, it's a really really, gorgeous beach to check out if you're vacationing too, you know. But a lot of people like the fact that you might not wanna live actually on the island. There's a lot of communities that sit right behind Holden Beach on the mainland that you might wanna check out because, you know, you could, you know, you don't have the risk of and and the cost of the flood insurance, but within a few minutes drives, you can reach the sandy shores here down at Holden Beach. So again, I'll post links to, uh, some properties, that are for sale on Holden Beach. You can also check out what things are selling for. There's a couple beach clubs on the island, seascape, at Holden Plantation has a beach club and also Winding River has a oceanfront beach club on this island as well. So it's pretty neat. Hopefully, this video has been beneficial. If you have any questions, always, feel free to give me a call. You know, please subscribe to the, the channel. I do updates on different areas, communities, and real estate pricing updates and market updates for Southeastern North Carolina including Pinder County, New Hanover County, and all of Brunswick County. But here's a shot looking east. You can see, the tip end of Holden Beach and the west end of Oak Island there with the Lockwood Folly River, inlet. And, you know, again, feel free to check out this really cool barrier island. Again, hey, It's Brian Schrader with the Coastline NC Real Estate Team at Lucas Realty Corporation down here in Southeastern North Carolina. for any questions about this barrier island or any other communities here in the area, always feel free to give me a call or shoot me a text. Again, I'll post a link in the description of this video that'll have a page, that'll have everything for sale on Holden Beach pricing. You can see what things have sold for, comps in the area. So that'll be available in the description and we hope to see you guys here on the next area update. Take care now.

Browse All Holden Beach NC Properties for Sale

$799,000
4 Beds 3 Baths 100558410 MLS
Welcome to your dream getaway at 130 Crab Street! This beautifully designed home offers an unparalleled blend of comfort and luxury, perfect for seaside living. Nestled just steps away from the pristine sands of Holden Beach, this property boasts spacious indoor and outdoor living areas, making it ideal for family gatherings or relaxing escapes. This charming four-bedroom, three-bathroom home has undergone extensive renovations in the past 4 to 5 years, boasting a plethora of modern updates. Highlights include a newer roof, fresh vinyl siding, stylish kitchen cabinets paired with quartz countertops, newer HVAC system, luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, revamped bathrooms, decks and upgraded lighting fixtures. Enjoy multiple outdoor seating areas and decks perfect for entertaining while soaking in breathtaking views of the intercoastal waterway. The front porch offers a perfect spot to unwind and watch all of the boating activity. Convenient beach access is just at the end of the street across Ocean Boulevard. Located within easy reach of restaurants, ice cream parlors and candy shops all within walking or biking distance. This home is being sold furnished. One small crab picture to be removed and items in storage. Don't miss this opportunity to own a piece of coastal paradise. Whether you're looking for a full-time residence, a vacation retreat, or a lucrative investment property, ''The Blue Crab Cottage'' is the perfect choice. Schedule your private tour today and start living the beach life!

130 Crab St, Holden Beach

$1,450,000
5 Beds 6 Baths 100555702 MLS
NEED SALT? NEED SAND? NEED SEA BREEZES? Welcome to 115 Deal Drive -- the final sprinkle on the cupcake of your coastal dream lifestyle! This meticulously maintained inverted beach home features 5 bedrooms, 5½ bathrooms, over 2,700 heated square feet, two living areas, and upper and lower decks designed to capture stunning views.The social experience begins the moment you step through the front door into the oversized living/game room complete with a wet bar that is perfect for entertaining family and guests. The main level offers three bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths, providing comfort and privacy for visitors. Take the elevator to the upper level where you'll be welcomed by an open-concept living, kitchen, and dining area illuminated by expansive windows that create exceptional indoor-outdoor flow. Two additional bedrooms and two full baths complete the upper floor. Front double porches capture breathtaking ICW and marsh views, coastal breezes, and unforgettable sunrises. Step outside and embrace true coastal outdoor living with your private pool oasis, perfect place to cool off after a day at the beach, host sunset gatherings, or simply relax under the Carolina sky. Outdoor entertaining is effortless with expansive deck space designed for lounging, dining, and memory-making. Plus the swimming pool is HEATED! This raised home also offers abundant ground-level storage and garage space, making beach living both easy and functional. Make your incredible lifelong memories here. Whether you're searching for a personal coastal retreat, an investment property, or a blend of both, ''Marsh Mellow House'' delivers lifestyle and income potential in one exceptional package.

115 Deal Dr, Holden Beach

$1,675,000
5 Beds 6 Baths 100554981 MLS
If pictures are worth a thousand words, the story these photos tell is so much more than a beautiful house at the beach. This is coastal living at its true essence. From the marsh in the backyard—home to a variety of wildlife—to the distant Intracoastal Waterway where vacationers and residents enjoy a day of boating, to the stunning ocean views out front with magnificent sunsets, this home offers a way of life you've never experienced and may never want to leave. The coastal community of Pointe West embraces it all, featuring a private day dock and exclusive beach access—putting coastal living right at your fingertips. With magnificent views and refreshing summer breezes from both the front and back of the home, unwind at the end of your day by the refreshing pool. Before taking a dip, rinse the sand away in one of the two outdoor showers, complete with new plumbing. The pool features a new gas heater for cooler evenings, new plumbing and filter, and is surrounded by new Trex decking at both the pool and front of the home. This home offers five bedrooms and five and a half baths—perfect for hosting family and friends or generating rental income. While ideal as an investment property, the sellers have used this home as their primary residence, lovingly enjoying all it has to offer. Enjoy the convenience of bringing in groceries or beach bags via the elevator, complete with new technology and wiring, including a new main board. End your evening snuggled up with a good book in front of one of the fireplaces—located in both the living room and primary bedroom. This home truly has it all and so much more. A full list of upgrades and improvements can be found in the documents.

1055 Tide Ridge Dr, Holden Beach

$778,000
3 Beds 3 Baths 100545181 MLS
SELLERS OFFERING $10,000. TOWARDS CLOSING COST ASSISTANCE OR RATE BUY DOWN! Come see this freshly painted canal home with amazing views! From the front porch, you have the most beautiful sunsets over the appx. 50 acre marsh. From the back deck, you can view the entire canal from Greensboro St. to High Point St. where you can watch others fishing, swimming, or kayaking around the canals. You know what they say about real estate...it is all about the location, and this home has the perfect location. Inside you will find a totally updated kitchen with new cabinets, granite countertops, appliances, and farm sink. Three bedrooms and two updated bathrooms with tiled showers and granite countertops. Large living room area with views of the canal. Updated flooring throughout. New HVAC, roof & gutters in 2024. Two car garage under the house with new garage doors & motors, lighting, and plenty of room for two cars, workshop, storage room, and half bath. Walk out into the fenced in back yard with an outside shower. Fish from your newer dock or take your boat off the newer 10,000. pd boat lift and fish out in the ICW. Walk to the beach access close by, to the General Store, or ice cream at Haley's Ice Cream Shop. Truly one of the best locations on the island. Home is not currently in a rental program but would make a great rental as it is being sold furnished, backs to the canal for all the water activities, and has a close beach access.

142 Greensboro St, Holden Beach

$724,900
3 Beds 3 Baths 100544546 MLS
Walk to the beach and not in a flood zone! Your Holden Beach Escape Awaits Imagine waking up to salty ocean breezes, biking to the beach, and ending your day gathered with family and friends in your own backyard retreat. This beautifully renovated coastal cottage offers the relaxed beach lifestyle you've been dreaming of--now at an even more attractive price. Located on the desirable east end of Holden Beach, this charming home is just a short walk to multiple public beach accesses, local restaurants, and island activities. Situated on a high lot outside the high-risk flood zone, you'll enjoy added peace of mind along with rare conveniences including an attached garage and concrete driveway. The beautifully landscaped yard, once recognized as Yard of the Month, creates exceptional curb appeal. A spacious fenced backyard provides plenty of room for entertaining, relaxing, or adding the pool you've always wanted. Inside, natural light fills the inviting living spaces, creating a warm coastal atmosphere. The generous dining area is perfect for gathering after a day at the beach, while the updated kitchen features granite countertops, stainless-style appliances, and bamboo flooring throughout the main level. A large conditioned garage offers valuable additional storage space. Upstairs, the primary suite serves as a peaceful retreat with a vaulted wood ceiling, updated fixtures, a walk-in closet, and a stylish ensuite bath. Two additional bedrooms and a full bath provide comfortable accommodations for family and guests. Recent updates, including a newer roof, HVAC system, irrigation system, and termite bond, allow you to spend less time on maintenance and more time enjoying the coastal lifestyle. Whether you're looking for a primary residence, vacation getaway, or investment property, this move-in-ready home offers the perfect blend of comfort, charm, and location. Conveniently situated between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach airports, travel is easy while beach living remains front and center. Come experience the simple pleasures of Holden Beach and discover why this special home is the perfect place to create lasting memories.

142 Carolina Ave, Holden Beach

$839,900
3 Beds 3 Baths 100536770 MLS
Experience refined coastal living in this stunning second-row retreat, perfectly positioned to capture sweeping marsh views and gentle ocean breezes. Here, luxury meets comfort in a setting designed for both relaxation and connection. Begin your mornings on one of the decks, coffee in hand, as the marsh glows in the early light. Evenings bring painted sunsets and the soft rhythm of island life settling in around you. Every moment here feels intentional. Inside, this beautifully furnished home offers an effortless blend of sophistication and warmth. Sunlight pours into the open living spaces, highlighting beautiful finishes, stylish LVP flooring, and thoughtfully curated details throughout. The reverse floor plan elevates the experience, placing the main living area upstairs where the views become part of everyday living. The open-concept design creates an inviting atmosphere for gathering. Built-in shelving and a charming fireplace anchor the living room, offering a cozy retreat after a day on the beach. The kitchen is both elegant and functional, featuring granite countertops, a classic subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and generous cabinetry, perfect for everything from intimate dinners to lively coastal celebrations. Extensively refreshed in 2023 with new furnishings, flooring, interior paint, lighting, and updated bath vanities, the home feels polished and turnkey. A tankless water heater adds modern convenience to the experience. On the ground level, an outdoor shower and ample storage make beach days seamless, while private deeded beach access just steps away ensures the shoreline is always within reach. This is coastal luxury without pretense elevated yet welcoming, sophisticated yet relaxed. A place where comfort surrounds you, views inspire you, and every day feels beautifully lived.

648 Ocean Blvd W, Holden Beach

$819,000
3 Beds 2 Baths 100507121 MLS
Enjoy the best of all possibilities, location, lot size & comfort. This roughly 1600 sq foot home has recently been painted inside & out. Located perfectly on the canal, the deck overlooking your dock provides views of the ICW & the canal feeder. You can sip your favorite evening beverage in the shade & enjoy spectacular water views. This home sits on a rare 75-foot lot, offering someone the opportunity to keep their watercraft at home, put in a pool, add onto the home or just offer adequate parking for entertaining. Be on the ICW in seconds or be on the ocean in minutes from this center island location. A casual 2 minute stroll will have you on beach in minutes. The home has 3 comfortable bedrooms & 2 bathrooms. Beds currently in the home comfortably sleep 9. The bathrooms are tile with pass through glass shower doors. Hardwood floors on the main level & laminate floors on the second level. The 2 upstairs bedrooms each have private balconies. Ample closet & storage space upstairs. The kitchen is well laid out, with a stainless-steel stove & refrigerator. White dishwasher, washer & dryer. Tile backsplash & custom epoxy counter tops add a modern beachy feel. Lots of cabinet space & a pot filler round out the kitchen. The living room features a pot belly stove, perfect for those cold winter nights. Lots of windows allow for natural light through the day. The dining room has a spacious table that seats 8, allowing for elegant dining or casual low country boils. The master suite is on the lower level & has a king size bed. Outside, the deck wraps around 3 sides of the home, there is a covered area that is ideal for grilling & entertaining. The home sits East to West, allowing for morning coffee on the back deck as the sun comes up or drinks in the evening when the sun is the west. Most suggest this home sits on the ''good side'' of the canal. The deck features & extra wide stairs in back make moving furniture & appliances easier.

154 Sand Dollar St, Holden Beach

$1,090,000
4 Beds 4 Baths 100515764 MLS
Here's the one with Coastal Charm & Big Views - Second Row on Holden Beach! Welcome to your dream beach retreat! This beautifully updated 4-bedroom (which includes 2 large primary suites), 3.5-bath home offers the best of island living with a prime second-row location and stunning views of both the Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. With 2 living rooms there is plenty of room for everyone. Enjoy a reverse floorplan that maximizes the scenery, with large windows in the kitchen and dining area framing picture-perfect marsh and ICW vistas, while ocean views grace the front porches. Inside, you'll love the fresh coastal feel, featuring a white shaker-style kitchen (2021), updated tile bathrooms with new vanities and fixtures (2022), and stylish finishes throughout. The roof, gutters, and outdoor shower were also replaced in 2022, giving peace of mind and extra polish. All windows were replaced & are hurricane rated as well. Sold mostly furnished (with just a few exceptions), this home is ready for immediate enjoyment or investment--boasting a strong rental history. 2024: $74,465, 2025: $65,387 Whether you're sipping coffee while watching the boats pass on the ICW or catching the ocean breeze from the porch, this Holden Beach home has it all. Bonus: there is a deeded beach access just a few houses down between 963 & 965 OBW which means you will have your toes in the sand quickly! Don't miss your chance to own a slice of paradise--schedule your showing today!

982 Ocean Blvd W, Holden Beach

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