Brunswick Real Estate North Carolina: Gateway to Golf and Growth

Brunswick County is conveniently located between historic Wilmington, NC and lively Myrtle Beach, SC. Near the mouth of the Cape Fear River, Leland, Southport and the surrounding small communities and islands comprise one of the fastest growing counties in the nation. Since 2000, Brunswick County has experienced a population growth of more than 40 percent, yet its population of just over 100,000 residents spreads over hundreds of square miles and 45 miles of beaches. With a low cost of living and a high rate for home appreciation, Brunswick County has proven to be an ideal choice for new residents, retirees, and investors.

Brunswick County is an area that is both “out of the way” and close to everything. Small, yet progressive towns like Belville, Leland, Navassa, and Sandy Creek have made Brunswick County a hot spot for growth and development while retaining the down-home country charm and a laid back coastal lifestyle that define the area.

You can opt for a home in the Brunswick island communities of Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, Oak Island, Caswell Beach, or Bald Head Island. Or, settle in community such as Calabash, Carolina Shores, Shallotte, Bolivia, Boiling Spring Lakes, Brunswick Forest, St. James, or Southport.

Neighborhoods and developments offer a boater’s and golfer’s paradise (there are 39 golf courses in the Brunswick County alone!) with a varied choice of housing styles and prices.

Work and Travel in Brunswick County

Some of the county’s largest employers include: Brunswick County, Progress Energy Carolinas, Wal-Mart, Food Lion, Bald Head Island, Brunswick Community Hospital, DAK Americas, Rampage Sports Fishing Yachts, Carolina Staffing Solutions, Sea Trail Corporation, and SSA Atlantic Terminals, Inc. Over 3,000 acres of industrial zoned land within 10 miles of the port of Wilmington will be developed over the next three years. Because Brunswick County is sandwiched between the more metropolitan cities of Wilmington, NC and Myrtle Beach, SC, it gives the Brunswick County workforce additional opportunities.

Brunswick County is a gateway to major highways including US Highway 17, Interstate 40, US 421, and US 74/76. Brunswick County Airport and Ocean Isle Airport serve smaller aircraft while nearby Wilmington International Airport has 42 daily scheduled flights and is served by three major US airlines.

Education and Higher Learning in Brunswick County

Brunswick County offers seventeen public schools, two of which are specialty schools. There are also several private schools throughout the area that serve kindergarten through 12th grade. Postsecondary education is available through Brunswick Community College and Gardner-Webb University’s Goal Program.

Brunswick Community College (BCC) sits on a 200-acre main campus and offers more that 20 programs to serve the changing needs of its community. BCC has state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, administrative offices and a 1500-seat auditorium. The college awards associate degrees, certificates and diplomas in an array of programs.

BCC offers the first two years of general college requirements curriculum and is a convenient and economical choice for continuing education. The BCC course roster is compatible with the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, allowing for a smooth transition to a four-year university.

In addition to curriculum programs, BCC assists both new and existing businesses and industries with specially designed occupational skills training in its Leland Training Center. The Continuing Education Department features a variety of vocational interests and life-long learning opportunities with specialized courses for various vocations. Seniors (age 65 or older) who are North Carolina residents may attend courses tuition-free.

Gardner-Webb University, based in Boiling Springs, NC, offers bachelor degree classes at sixteen extension campuses in NC including one at Brunswick Community College. All community college graduates with an accredited Associate’s degree are accepted.

Medical Facilities in Brunswick County

Brunswick County features excellent healthcare facilities, as well as long-term and assisted living options. Brunswick Community Hospital and Dosher Memorial Hospital both provide comprehensive medical services and educate the public through various community programs and special events.

Centrally located on Highway 17 in Supply, Brunswick Community Hospital is convenient from all areas of the county. It is a 60-bed JCAHO-accredited, acute care facility with more than150 physicians and specialists offering a wide range of services, from orthopedics to obstetrics. Brunswick Community Hospital is a 24 hour/7 day a week facility, with an Emergency Department staffed with board certified physicians. The hospital offers high-tech diagnostic imaging services such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a new, state-of-the-art Physical Therapy and Cardiac Rehab center.

Opened in 1930 and located in Southport, J. Arthur Dosher Memorial Hospital was Brunswick County’s first hospital. This 100-bed, JCAHO-accredited facility provides state-of-the-art surgical services, diagnostic imaging, lab services and a new nursing center. Additionally, the hospital offers comprehensive therapies including physical, occupational, respiratory, speech, and cardiac rehabilitation.

Waterford Medical Center is on Highway 17, only minutes away from New Hanover Regional Medical Center, one of the most modern medical facilities in the state.

Lifestyle and Leisure in Brunswick County

In recent years, the beautiful beaches, quaint towns, mild climate, and quiet atmosphere of Brunswick County have brought many new residents to the area. Brunswick County offers golfing, fishing, boating and wide powder-sand beaches.

The ideal combination of pleasant weather and numerous championship golf courses makes Brunswick County a golfer’s paradise. You’ll find more than 39 golf courses within the county limits, in addition to the more than 100 daily fee courses (including those in neighboring Myrtle Beach) only a short drive away.

Fishing piers are located on each island and charter boats are available for Gulf Stream fishing. Brunswick County plays host to many fishing tournaments, including the U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament, a major saltwater fishing event that lures competitors from up and down the East Coast with a $25,000 first place award.

Brunswick County is proud of its gorgeous, relaxed beach communities (Holden Beach was rated one of the best family beaches in the country by National Geographic Traveler magazine). It’s not unusual for an impromptu volleyball game to develop or for residents to enjoy leisurely kayaking through the marshland. Boating, sailing and visits to area lighthouses and private islands are also popular leisure activities for residents.

Bird Island is a secluded island only accessible by way of Sunset Beach. Bald Head Island (accessible by boat or ferry) is another stunning untouched nature preserve where bicycles and golf carts are the only permitted vehicles.

Year-round festivals and events keep life in Brunswick County interesting. Notable festivals include the North Carolina Oyster Festival and the North Carolina 4th of July Festival in Southport which brings 50,000+ people together to celebrate with fireworks, a parade, and more. Other popular events include the Christmas by the Sea Festival with its home tours, concerts and lighted boat parade; Coastal Women’s Show in March; Oak Island Lighthouse 10K run/walk in April; and a full season of theatrical performances from two community theatrical groups.

Beyond the beach, Brunswick County features a variety of attractions including museums, a planetarium, vineyards and wineries, antiques shopping, and more. And, of course, Brunswick County is considered the "Seafood Capital of the World", boasting the freshest (and best) seafood that can be found.

Retirement in Brunswick County

Historic Southport and the surrounding small communities of Brunswick County have become an increasingly attractive retirement and second home haven for families seeking year-round fishing and golf, a low cost of living, and an escape from an urban atmosphere. Nestled amongst huge moss-draped oak trees and miles of protected beaches, residential developments with marina facilities and well-manicured golf courses have sprung up throughout the county.

Young, active retirees are flocking to this mild climate to play golf and tennis and to enjoy the beautiful, uncrowded white sand beaches. For the boating enthusiasts, Brunswick County has plenty of marinas on the intracoastal waterway with easy access to rivers and the ocean.

Real Estate and Housing in Brunswick County

Warm weather, low taxes, friendly people and quiet communities make Brunswick County an ideal place to retire, relocate, or raise a family. Thanks to its location, Brunswick County is a gateway to Wilmington, NC and Myrtle Beach, SC, close enough to the excitement of these two cities, yet far enough away from the hustle and bustle.

Brunswick County real estate offers an array of residential options including oceanfront homes and condos, golf communities and country acreage. Brunswick County is home to many of the southeast’s top planned residential communities, such as Waterford, Brunswick Forest, St. James Plantation, and Magnolia Greens. Or, if you prefer a location with more historic charm, try Southport, a harbor town with Victorian homes that belonged to river pilots and sea captains. Its quaint downtown district with antique shops, art galleries and boutiques is a draw for residents throughout the area.

Brunswick County is ranked #1 in all the Carolinas for price appreciation. With consistent increases in sales volume and home prices, the real estate market in Brunswick County shows tremendous potential. Historical data and future trends demonstrate that Brunswick County will continue to be a wise investment for homeowners.

Intracoastal Realty is here to help you find Brunswick County home or land for sale that will best suit your lifestyle. Whether buying a home for relaxation, relocation, or retirement, contact us today. We’ll work with you find a place you can call home.