Kure Beach, N.C.- Every city and town has its claim to fame. Every community has something it can brag about, something that makes it unique from any other place on earth. For Kure Beach, North Carolina that thing is the oldest fishing pier anywhere on the Atlantic Coast. Any time day or night, including in the wee hours of the morning, anglers cast off from the pier to the ocean waters some 26 feet below.
The pier is privately owned. It was built in 1923, but several hurricanes have damaged the structure, forcing it to be rebuilt and repaired over the passing years.
Kure Beach is the perfect place for those who want to be by the water, but are still looking for a small town feel without so many tourists. Officially the town’s population sits at 2,200, but that number increases during the warmer months when those who own second homes move in for the spring and summer. And while the town does have several smaller motels, many neighborhoods forbid owners from renting their properties on a short term basis. The town does have some ocean front homes that are not under HOA rules, but when they come on the market the price will be in the seven figures. Consequently Kure Beach may not be the best place for investors. Instead its a town designed for those who want to live here- either year round or on a part time basis.
Just the Facts
- Kure Beach is located on a 17 mile stretch of land called Pleasure Island. Just south is the North Carolina State Aquarium and the historic Fort Fisher military camp. To its north sits the much larger town of Carolina Beach. The Atlantic Ocean is to the east, and the Cape Fear River to the west.
- The correct pronunciation is CURE-EE (like the Asian sauce.)
- Median annual household income is $114,989.
- Average price of a single family home in 2022 was $955,529
- Although Kure Beach’s downtown is rather quaint, it does provide a few dining options. One of the most famous restaurants is an Italian joint called Freddie’s which is known for its famous pork chops.
- During World War 2, a German U-boat fired at least three shells on Kure Beach in an attempt to hit a Dow Chemical Power Plant, but the missiles flew over the town and landed in the Cape Fear River.
- Distance from Kure Beach to Downtown Wilmington is 18 miles
- Distance from Kure Beach to Myrtle Beach 91 miles
- Distance from Kure Beach to Raleigh is 144 miles
Where to Live
Kure By the Sea: This neighborhood includes a couple of ocean front homes, but the vast majority of the properties are located in the section of the neighborhood that is directly across the street from the ocean. Homes in this coastal community are in all different sizes, colors and price ranges. They range from 1,800 square feet to more than 5,000 square feet. Community amenities include a pool, club house as well as a private beach access point with parking and a gazebo overlooking the ocean.
Kure Beach Village: This upscale beach neighborhood comes complete with two pools, two tennis courts, and two clubhouses. Residents also have access to a private beachfront gazebo and restroom with a parking area for beach access. Because of the neighborhood’s proximity to the ocean, most of the houses are built on pilings due to storm surge and flooding risks.
Kure Dunes: This neighborhood has a community gazebo, clubhouse, and pool, along with a private beach access with parking lot located across the street from the homes. In 2022 three homes sold in Kure Dunes with an average price of $1,305,833.
Seawatch: This high-end neighborhood offers easy access to the beach. The estates are classic southern style beach homes with most being built around the millennium. Built on wood pilings, each house is trimmed in white and has a silver metal roof. The community includes a pool, tennis court, tiki bar, and a private ocean front gazebo. In 2022 a total of six homes sold in Seawatch for an average price of $1,279,816.
The Cove at Kure Beach: Is a community of townhomes located on the southern portion of Kure Beach. The neighborhood is made up of 22 units each measuring more than 2,100 square feet with three bedrooms and four bathrooms. Amenities include a community pool with clubhouse. All units include large balconies and many have private elevators. Two townhomes sold last year for an average price of $957,450.
The Keys at Kure Beach: is a residential townhome community featuring swimming pools, tennis courts and private beach access. The neighborhood was built in 1995. Floor plans include two, three and four bedroom homes, ranging in size from 1,300 to 2,000 square feet. In 2022 only one townhome sold in the neighborhood. It closed in July for $530,000.
Final Thoughts
Kure Beach is a town for luxury buyers. While it does have a small town feeling, it should be noted that in order to get to Kure Beach, motorists must drive through Carolina Beach which is more popular for tourists. During the summer months the main drag will have a lot of stops and starts, but locals know that you can take Dow Road and avoid much of the traffic.
Investment buyers are going to need to review HOA rules and regulations (your buyer agent can help.) If you want to get into the short term rental business, there are other beach towns on the North Carolina coast that may provide better options.
For those buyers who are looking for a home, who want to be close to Wilmington, and in short proximity to the water, Kure Beach needs to be on your list.