The Outer Banks, often abbreviated as OBX, are a chain of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, extending over 175 miles. Known for their beautiful beaches and rich history, the Outer Banks offer a variety of attractions, including historical sites, lighthouses, and natural reserves. With a population of around 57,000, popular towns include Corolla, Duck, Kitty Hawk, and Nags Head, each offering its own charm and attractions.
Are you looking for a particular Outer Banks, NC neighborhood or subdivision to live in? You’ll find all the current and upcoming Outer Banks neighborhoods and subdivisions here. Choose an Outer Banks, NC neighborhood or subdivision from the list below to learn more about it. From the historic Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills to the serene landscapes of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, visitors can explore a wide array of activities that highlight the area’s natural beauty and historical significance.
This is the place to be if you have a dog. Duck was named one of the “Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches” by US Today. Duck is a small town known for its modest boutique shops, casual restaurants, and taverns. The uncrowded beaches make it simple to go for a walk along the seashore. Because there are no chain stores or establishments in the area, living here is a unique experience. Make sure to stop by The Island Bookstore, a local independent bookstore. Explore the area with bike trails and a wooden boardwalk, which are located between the beach and the sound.
If you want a true small-town beach experience, Duck is the place to be – there’s a reason it made our list of the top Outer Banks neighborhoods!
Bias Shores: This small enclave in southern Duck has its own pier overlooking the Currituck Sound. A private beach, tennis courts, a pool, and a bike path are all available. Popular stores and dining establishments are only a short walk away.
Schooner Ridge: One of Duck’s most popular neighborhoods, with stunning views of the Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. This community has a clubhouse as well as an indoor and outdoor pool.
If you have school-aged children, Ocean Crest has three top-rated schools nearby. Oceancrest, which is near the ocean, features a pool, tennis courts, and private beach access. Homes in this neighborhood are big and modern.
Local Favorites:
The Paper Canoe: This seaside restaurant serves fresh seafood, homemade pasta, and wood oven favorites while providing a high-quality dining experience.
The Village Table and Tavern: This oceanfront restaurant served pub meals in a comfortable ambiance and had live music and a full bar.
Horse in the outer banks – Wild horses roam the Outer Banks.
There is a lot to see and see in this town, which is usually the first town people encounter when they visit the Outer Banks. Go kayaking, boating, surfing, or beachcombing for shells. The majority of the homes here are very close to the beach, so you can walk or ride your bike there. Fun fact: This beach has more lifeguards than any other on the Outer Banks! This community earned a spot on our ranking of the top Outer Banks neighborhoods.
Kitty Hawk Estates: This neighborhood is ideal for raising a family or for a vacation house. This is the heart of the village, surrounded by food stores, local schools, and odd boutiques.
Seascape: This community is built around a golf course, making it an ideal spot to live if you enjoy golf.
Martin’s Point: A gated area that is safe and secluded, making it ideal for both families and seniors. Take an evening stroll in the neighborhood and then head to the beach to take in the spectacular views.
Local Favorites:
Rundown Cafe serves authentic Caribbean and Pacific Rim food. Try the calamari or the coconut shrimp!
High Cotton Barbeque serves North Carolina-style barbeque, brisket, and fried chicken.
The town of Nags Head is one of the most well-known and frequented portions of the Outer Banks. The first early beach bungalows were constructed on stilts here. Some of these ancient coastal houses can still be found today. Many attractions and well-known eateries may be found here, including Jockey’s Ridge and Jennette’s Pier. This coastal town is ideal for families, first-time visitors, and beach enthusiasts. Nags Head is also a pet-friendly destination, so bring your pups for a walk on the beach. Come here to sunbathe, swim, kayak, and surf at the best resort site on the North Carolina coast. Celebrated as a terrific spot to live, enjoy fresh local seafood and a friendly community. There’s a reason Nags Head made our ranking of the Outer Banks’ Best Neighborhoods.
Seven Sisters: This oceanside neighborhood, located off Engagement Loop and just across from the water, was named after a clump of sandhills known as the Seven Sisters. A few meters away is the community pool and handy beach access. These multi-story coastal houses have driveways and decks from which to watch the sunset. The proximity of local shops, chain retailers, a doctor, and grocery stores makes this neighborhood quite convenient for residents. There is even a Duck Donut!
The Village at Nags Head: You’ll be greeted with stunning views of the sound and easy access to the beach. Homes on this side of the sound are near to the Nags Head Golf Links, and residents have preferential tee appointments. Some houses even have private pools and elevators. Residents enjoy the community pool and bathhouse on the oceanside of this property.
Local Favorites:
Tortugas Lie: In a sports bar-like setting, this Caribbean eatery serves burgers, seafood, and sushi.
Blue Moon Beach Grill:This tiny grill serves seafood and typical southern comfort food.
This residential community is perfectly located for getting around, sandwiched between the communities of Kitty Hawk and Duck. Because most homes are surrounded by woods, this is a very secluded spot to reside. Because the beaches here are completely private, there are rarely any crowds. The beaches are only accessible to residents and guests. Keep in mind that there are strong rules concerning dogs on the beach here, so if you have one, it will have to stay at home. Southern Shores on the Outer Banks is ideal for families, those looking to live in a residential environment, or those seeking peace & quiet. This is a busy community with an affluent ambiance that deserves to be on our list.
Seacrest Village:This community is ideal for families because it is a short and safe walk from the beach. If you have children, this is an excellent spot to live because there is no through traffic.
Chicahauk: This community is nestled between the ocean and the main road in a quiet neighborhood. Tennis courts and a parking lot directly adjacent to the beach are available to residents of this neighborhood..
The Dunes: The homes here feature breathtaking views of the ocean and the sound. Have some fun at the local volleyball and basketball courts. There is a playground nearby and beach parking, making it ideal for families
Local Favorites:
Southern Shores Pizza and Deli: New York Style Pizza, sandwiches, burgers, wine, and beer are available.
Steamers Restaurant and Catering: Enjoy fresh seafood, sandwiches, and beverages.
Take a ferry to Ocracoke Island to experience 16 miles of magnificent beaches, which is one of the reasons why it’s one of the top Outer Banks areas. Bike to the ice cream shop or spend the day kitesurfing. When traveling the Outer Banks, legendary pirate Blackbeard would make Ocracoke Island his preferred refuge. The natural beauty here is unparalleled, as is the real estate. Kayak trips, fishing charters, the Ocracoke Island Lighthouse, and even a museum dedicated to the infamous pirate Blackbeard are all available in this historic town. There are 10 neighborhoods to pick from in the area, as well as one school for kindergarten through high school.
Oyster Creek: Living in the Oyster Creek area, right next to the canal, puts you on island time. This peaceful and relaxing community provides easy access to the beach as well as numerous docks for your boat.
Cat Ridge Ocracoke Island:This area, which is home to the Ocracoke Island Lighthouse, is in a beautiful location right on the water. There are several vacation homes in this area that have a beautiful view of the sound.
Down Creek:The Down Creek area is ideal for families because it is located directly near Silver Lake Harbor. The wonderful thing about this community is that there are condominiums available. This region is quite convenient because it is surrounded by local shops, an art gallery, and a medical center.
Local Favorites:
Dajio: Dine on the outdoor terrace while enjoying southern seafood and modern American dishes..
Howard’s Pub and Raw Bar: This 30-year-old family restaurant serves conventional pub fare and oysters in a quirky setting.
Kill Devil Hills was the site of the Wright Brothers’ maiden flight in 1903, making it a historically significant Outer Banks community. The Wright Brothers Memorial stands here to commemorate such a significant occurrence. The town is becoming a shopping and dining destination, with several restaurants operating all year. This is an excellent place to consider for a vacation or second home, and there’s a reason it made our list of the top communities on the Outer Banks!
First Flight Village: This neighborhood is known for its premium ocean-side residences with breathtaking ocean views. Enjoy private pools, hot tubs, onsite watersport rentals, and a game area for all ages, as well as an easy walk to the beach. There is so much to do here that it is ideal for families and young couples.
Avalon Beach: Avalon Beach, known as the oldest community in the area, is safe and has its own fishing pier. Homes in this area are reasonably priced and close to the beach.
Whispering Pines: This neighborhood’s homes are private and surrounded by forests, with less than 100 properties. Lots in this region are small but the homes are magnificent, and it is located in the center of Kill Devil Hills.
Local Favorites:
Kill Devil Grill: In a diner-like setting, this casual restaurant serves American meals. Make sure to order some dessert!
Food Dudes Kitchen: Dine on burgers and seafood flavored with Caribbean and Mexican flavors at this surfer-themed restaurant.
Manteo is well known for its historic waterfront, Roanoke Island Festival Park, Civil War history, bed and breakfasts, African-American heritage, The Lost Colony, Elizabethan Gardens, the North Carolina Aquarium, and charter fishing. Manteo has a charming downtown and is easily accessible from the nearby Outer Banks towns.
Rodanthe is recognized for being a part of the Tri-Villages and being home to the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station. Kiteboarding, windsurfing, fishing, and camping are all popular activities here. Its proximity to the beaches of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore makes it an attractive location for outdoor enthusiasts. Rodanthe is particularly well-known for its appearance in Nicholas Sparks’ novel and film “Nights in Rodanthe.”
Waves is the place to be if you enjoy watersports. Waves is another Tri-Village hamlet known for its outdoor water activities like surfing, kiteboarding, windsurfing, fishing, and swimming. The community is close to the beaches of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and the Pea Island Wildlife Refuge.
Salvo is full of stacked crab posts, fish crates, and Banker fishermen at work. This area is also noted for its Tri-Villages, kiteboarding, windsurfing, fishing pier, campers, beaches on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, and closeness to the Pea Island Wildlife Refuge.
This tiny community has the most people on Hatteras Island and is well known for paddleboarding, Canadian Hole Watersports, commercial seafood, fishing piers, and the beaches of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Frisco is known for its densely forested coastal forests, but it also has horseback riding, the Native American Museum, camping, and access to the beaches of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Hatteras is well known for the North Carolina ferry, charter fishing, its nautical legacy, Civil War history, the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, Cape Hatteras National Seashore Beaches, and the U.S. Weather Bureau Welcome Center.