Emerald Isle

Discover Emerald Isle's Unique Lifestyle

Many claim that the large forest that resides on Emerald Isle is the reason for its name. When developers flew over the island for the first time, the stands of trees looked like a beautiful green gem off the coast, hence, Emerald Isle.

Today, Emerald Isle has some of the most beautiful beaches along the eastern coast. The island is reached by a high-rise bridge from Cedar Point on the mainland, and also by way of Morehead City and Atlantic Beach. The beach and area surrounding it was initially designed in the 1920's to create a large tourist summer attraction, and has grown to become one of the most popular spots in the state. 

Are you looking to find your new home in Emerald Isle? Take some time to explore the highlights of life in this scenic community, and give us a call when you're ready to get started!

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Emerald Isle at a Glance

Want to know even more about residential life in this outstanding town of beautiful homes, friendly faces, and big opportunities? You don’t have to look far—as your local experts, we know all the insider details! 

Quick Facts

Population: 3,683
County: Carteret
Zip Code: 28594
Median Home Value: $518,000

Travel & Commute

Cape Carteret: 14 min
Morehead City: 23 min
Jacksonville: 44 min
Major Roads: NC-24, NC-58, US-17

Emerald Isle Attractions

Everything You'll LOVE in Emerald Isle

Beautiful Beaches

Thanks to it's secluded location, Emerald Isle boasts 12 miles of stunning shoreline and tons of public access beach areas. On the waterfront, you'll find deep blue and green waters that are nearly crystal clear in some areas, as well as warm golden sand and plenty of space to lounge.

In addition to relaxing, the beaches in Emerald Isle are also known for prime swimming, sailing, surfing, kayaking, fishing, scuba diving, and more. 

Tons of Outdoor Recreation

Speaking of surfing, Emerald Isle is one of the top spots on the coast to hang ten. And it's not just regular surfing—you can even try out kitesurfing, as well! If you don't have your own equipment, there are plenty of equipment rentals to check out, offering boards, boats, bikes, and more at an affordable price. If you're big into fishing, you can also hire a charter boat and try your luck out on the sea!

Want to spend a little time away from the water? No problem—there's plenty of land-based recreation on the island, too! Emerald Isle Woods Park has a number of hiking trails and a disc golf course, Golfin' Dolphin Mini Golf is just across the bridge, and Salty Pirate Waterpark has tons of slides and arcade games. 

Top-Notch Local Flavors

Hanging out by the water all day can really make you work up an appetite. Luckily, Emerald Isle is home to tons of mouthwatering local restaurants specializing in a variety of flavors—not to mention some of the freshest seafood you'll find.

If you're wondering where to stop for lunch or dinner, we recommend trying the crab cakes at Caribsea, the filet special at Kathryn's Bistro & Martini Bar, and the greasy pizza at Lazzara's Pizza & Subs. Be sure to save a little room for dessert, because Sweet Spot has some of the tastiest ice cream on the coast!

Rich Local History

Henry Fort, who owned the land around Emerald Isle originally worked to create designs for an ocean resort, but things were never finalized. After his death, his daughter Anita Maulick inherited the property and sold it in the 1950s to a developer. The area was divided into 1000+ foot blocks designed for commercial and residential development. In 1971, a bridge was constructed from the island to the mainland and this increased development of the island substantially. Now's it's a hub for tourism!

But Emerald Isle wasn't always such a popular vacation spot. In fact, it was once known as famous pirate territory, and the renowned Blackbeard himself was known to traverse this area of the coastline. Today, there are a number of museums scattered along the coast that pay tribute to Emerald Isle's rich history. 

Ready to Find Your Home in Emerald Isle?

Searching for a home for sale in Emerald Isle or want to learn more about what it's like to live in these scenic little communities by the water? We've got the resources to help you find the perfect home! Contact us to learn more and schedule a showing of your favorite homes, or browse our buyer resources below.

Selling a home in Emerald Isle? We can definitely help you out with that, too!

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