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Topsail Island Real Estate

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Topsail Island

Topsail Real Estate offered by Coastal Carolina Homes

Topsail Island NC is a 26 mile long barrier island situated off the coast of southeastern North Carolina offering pristine white sand beaches and gorgeous blue-green water. With a population of only 500 residents, Topsail Island is a charming destination that still somehow manages to preserve its natural beauty and features three fun-filled seaside communities, Surf City, North Topsail Beach, and Topsail Beach. The lack of commercialization provides a peaceful environment.Topsail Island has mass appeal and easy access from the mainland. Just off U.S. Highway 17, the island is conveniently located about half an hour’s drive from both Jacksonville and Wilmington. Prior to World War II, the only access to Topsail Island was by boat, but today there are two high rise bridges. The temperature is mild year-round and the waters are relatively warm, even after the summer season.

Expect to find many seashells from the Atlantic Ocean and enjoy water sports like boating, fishing and kayaking along the Intercoastal Waterway. You might also have the chance to meet the popular Loggerhead Sea Turtles that come close to the dunes to lay their eggs.

Interestingly, according to local folklore, the island derives its name Topsail (pronounced Tops'l) from the area’s 18th century pirate ships. The pirates would hide their ships behind the island in the channels, hoping to ambush passing ships. The pirate ships topmost sails were visible above the landscape, leading merchant ships to shout out to crew to watch for top sails. That seafaring heritage continues on in many of Topsail Island’s towns and traditions. The name topsail actually came from Topsail Inlet. This inlet's name can be found on early navigational charts with the other Topsail Inlet located in Beaufort, N.C. Soon after J.G. Anderson developed the southernmost end of the island and named it New Topsail Beach, the island has been called Topsail.

Rumors abound that Black Beard hid some of his treasure on Topsail Island. Some say that Blackbeard gifted Topsail Island with his greatest possession... his buried treasure. There's talk around these parts that in Topsail Beach there is a supposed bottomless hole, which the locals call the Gold Hole. Legend has it that in the mid-1900s, a team of treasure hunters came to Topsail from up north and identified that hole as the hiding place of Blackbeard’s treasure. They spent weeks in the Gold Hole working into the late hours of the night. But one morning, they were gone without a trace. Disappeared. Vanished. It’s as if they had never been on Topsail Island. Some say the Gold Hole is no longer, as the treasure of Blackbeard was found and left on that summer night. But is it really?

Prior to World War II, the only access to Topsail Island was by boat. Area residents frequently made this short trip and picnicked on the sandy shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Local farmers are said to have driven their livestock across the waterways to graze on wild grass. Treasure hunters searched for Blackbeard’s infamous buried treasure throughout the maritime forests which covered the island.  During the early part of the 1900's a few structures, less than a dozen, were built along the sound and were used as shelter for fishing trips and summer vacations.

At the beginning of World War II the U.S. Army built a large temporary anti-aircraft training base at Holly Ridge and took possession of the island.  They built the road from Camp David to the sound and installed a floating bridge across the Intracoastal Waterway where the present bridge is located.  They also erected training facilities and support buildings in what is now the Surf City business district.

Immediately after the war, the Navy took possession of the island and began a joint project with Johns Hopkins University known as Operation Bumblebee which was an early guided missile development program.  Over 200 missiles were test fired.  The missile assembly building is located on the sound at Channel Blvd. and Flake Ave. in the Topsail Beach business district which is now used as a museum and meeting center.  The launch pad is used as a patio for the Jolly Roger Motel.  Several missile tracking towers still stand along the island.  The testing program was dismantled in 1948 and the island was given back to the original owners.  The roads and bridge were left intact and so began the development of the island.   

Without huge hotels or glitzy attractions, Topsail is a place to enjoy the beach in its purest, simplest form—without the crowds or chaos of some popular coastal towns. If your idea of paradise involves long days spent relaxing in the sun, lazily casting a line or catching up on your to-read list, you’ll love the island’s private, cozy cottages and beachside retreats just steps from the ocean. Spend a rainy day at the Missiles and More Museum, where exhibits explore the secret missile testing program in Topsail during WWII and the pirate lore behind the beach’s name."

Topsail Island NC Lifestyle

Topsail Island enjoys moderate temperatures for most of the year and relatively warm water temperatures, so outdoor aquatic activity is available nearly year-round. There are a number of events highlighting Topsail Island’s less well-known gems, such as its local vineyards and artist community. The northern portion of Topsail Island is called North Topsail Beach, the center section is Surf City and the southern section is  Topsail Beach.

North Topsail Beach

At the northernmost point of Topsail Island lies North Topsail Beach, with 900 full-time residents enjoying the town’s many activities. A favorite amenity is North Topsail Beach’s bike and pedestrian path that runs from Town Hall to the beach park.

Topsail Beach

Topsail Beach has a welcoming, generous spirit that attracts families, seniors and tourists alike. Preserving the area’s natural environment and beauty is a top priority so high-rise developments are prohibited. The town’s gorgeous beach isn’t its only draw. An excellent fishing pier and a bevvy of restaurants, gift stores and a missile museum keep residents and tourists entertained and active throughout the year.

Surf City

Surf City is the largest town on Topsail Island and is the home to a variety of activities, retail shops and amenities. Boat tours, kayaking, surfing, playing on the beach or enjoying a free concert are just a few favorite activities in the town.

Homes For Sale on Topsail Island North Carolina

Topsail Island offers prime waterfront properties in all three of its communities, on the Atlantic Ocean side as well as on its wetlands side. Waterfront condominiums, single family homes and grand $1 million estates are all available along Topsail Island’s 26 miles.

Property on Topsail Island is generally considered more affordable than in other coastal communities and has regularly appreciated over the years. With its superb influx of visitors needing housing during the tourist season and its affordable market, Topsail Island is considered an excellent investment.

For more information about real estate on Topsail Island, North Carolina or to contact a top selling Realtor with local knowledge of homes for sale on Topsail Island send an email to one of our real estate agents via our Contact page

Topsail Beach

 

Hot Topsail Island Real Estate

618 N Topsail Drive, Surf City image
618 N Topsail Drive, Surf City $750,000

Looking for a classic beach cottage that has been updated to make you feel right at home? This amazing classic beach cottage with modern touches is located close to the ...

  • 3 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 100386692 MLS
544 Little Kinston Road, Surf City image
544 Little Kinston Road, Surf City $949,000

Amazing views of the Intracoastal Waterway while tucked away on a marsh banked creek. Relax on the deck sipping margaritas in the afternoon with a cool breeze rolling off...

  • 3 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 100386531 MLS
940 Broadway Street, Surf City image
940 Broadway Street, Surf City $959,000

Your search ends here! The Surf City canals offer the best of island living, a short walk to Topsail's white sand beaches, a deep water canal in your back yard, and unobs...

  • 4 Beds
  • 3 Baths
  • 100386498 MLS
1407 S Shore Drive Unit #A, Surf City image
1407 S Shore Drive Unit #A, Surf City $1,150,000

Beautiful NEW CONSTRUCTION! This four bedroom, four bath home sits second row to the ocean with it's own private beach and sound access! This home would make an excellent...

  • 4 Beds
  • 4 Baths
  • 100386380 MLS
1202 N Topsail Drive, Surf City image
1202 N Topsail Drive, Surf City $1,200,000

NEW CONSTRUCTION to be complete just in time for 2024 rental season. This 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath with 2300 sprawling sq ft is only 180 ft from the beach access. Located aw...

  • 4 Beds
  • 4 Baths
  • 100386347 MLS
1020 Course Lane Unit #Lot 382, Surf City image
1020 Course Lane Unit #Lot 382, Surf City $297,240

The white sand beaches and the beautiful bluish green waters of the Atlantic Ocean offer a perfect combination of adventure and relaxation. An almost year around mild cli...

  • 3 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 100386141 MLS
1008 Course Lane Unit #Lot 376, Surf City image
1008 Course Lane Unit #Lot 376, Surf City $297,240

The white sand beaches and the beautiful bluish green waters of the Atlantic Ocean offer a perfect combination of adventure and relaxation. An almost year around mild cli...

  • 3 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 100386134 MLS
1027 Course Lane Unit #Lot 411, Surf City image
1027 Course Lane Unit #Lot 411, Surf City $298,240

The white sand beaches and the beautiful bluish green waters of the Atlantic Ocean offer a perfect combination of adventure and relaxation. An almost year around mild cli...

  • 3 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 100386131 MLS
1035 Course Lane Unit #Lot 407, Surf City image
1035 Course Lane Unit #Lot 407, Surf City $297,240

The white sand beaches and the beautiful bluish green waters of the Atlantic Ocean offer a perfect combination of adventure and relaxation. An almost year around mild cli...

  • 3 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 100386127 MLS
120 N Shore Drive, Surf City image
120 N Shore Drive, Surf City $2,950,000

Welcome to your dream beach house! This amazing oceanfront home features 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and a beautiful elevator to get you between all 3 floors. Located in the...

  • 6 Beds
  • 4 Baths
  • 100385843 MLS
1025 Course Lane Unit #412, Surf City image
1025 Course Lane Unit #412, Surf City $286,240

The white sand beaches and the beautiful bluish green waters of the Atlantic Ocean offer a perfect combination of adventure and relaxation. An almost year around mild cli...

  • 2 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 100385561 MLS
Lot 12 Katelyn Drive, Surf City image
Lot 12 Katelyn Drive, Surf City $696,500

This beautiful, prime lot is located in Surf City, near the town limits of Topsail Beach. The lot comes with its own boat slip, has beautiful water views, a community boa...

  • 100385432 MLS
Lot 13 Katelyn Drive Drive, Surf City image
Lot 13 Katelyn Drive Drive, Surf City $812,500

This beautiful, prime lot is located in Surf City, near the town limits of Topsail Beach. The lot comes with its own boat slip, has beautiful water views, a community boa...

  • 100385409 MLS
1909 S Shore Drive, Surf City image
1909 S Shore Drive, Surf City $799,900

A relaxing coastal life can be yours in this remarkable beach home with sparkling ocean views centrally located in Surf City on the second row and only a short stroll to ...

  • 4 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 100385139 MLS
111 N New River Drive Unit #K43, Surf City image
111 N New River Drive Unit #K43, Surf City $63,900

Dry Slip K43 at Topsail Island Yacht Club is on the top level and the dimensions are 35 feet long, 9 feet 6 inches wide, 5 feet 10 inches high. The slip can handle a maxi...

  • 100384751 MLS

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Saltwater Real Estate Group, Inc.
3203 Catherine Lake Road
Richlands, NC 28574
910-340-1107

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