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Oak Island, NC
St. James, NC
Bald Head Island
Southport, NC
Boiling Springs Lakes
Southport Scene
Bald Head Island, NC
Bald Head Island is a unique, car-free island located off the coast of North Carolina, known for its serene natural beauty, luxury homes, and secluded atmosphere. Accessible only by ferry or private boat, Bald Head Island offers an exclusive lifestyle focused on relaxation, conservation, and a deep connection with nature. The island boasts pristine beaches, a preserved maritime forest, and lush marshlands, making it a paradise for nature lovers, golfers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat.
With golf carts and bicycles as the primary modes of transportation, Bald Head Island is a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the mainland, providing a perfect setting for luxury living and vacationing.
Living in Bald Head Island
Real Estate
Bald Head Island’s real estate market is known for its high-end, luxury homes, many of which offer breathtaking ocean, forest, or marshland views. The island’s exclusivity and natural beauty make it one of the most desirable and prestigious locations on the North Carolina coast.
- Home Prices: The median home price on Bald Head Island ranges from $700,000 to over $2 million, with oceanfront properties and homes with private docks commanding premium prices.
- Property Types: Bald Head Island offers a variety of luxury homes, many of which are custom-built to blend seamlessly with the island’s natural environment. Most properties are single-family homes, though there are a few townhome and condo options available.
- Market Trends: Due to its limited access and focus on exclusivity, the Bald Head Island real estate market is steady, with demand often exceeding supply. Homes on the island are sought after by luxury buyers, vacation homeowners, and investors seeking unique properties.
Featured Agents & Loan Officers
Education
Schools
While Bald Head Island does not have any schools located directly on the island, students attend schools on the mainland, typically in nearby Southport.
Southport Elementary School
South Brunswick Middle School
South Brunswick High School
Things to Do
Recreation and Amenities
Bald Head Island is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of recreational activities in a serene, environmentally conscious setting.
- Beaches: The island boasts 14 miles of untouched, sandy beaches, providing opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing.
- Golf: The Bald Head Island Club offers a world-class golf course set against a stunning coastal backdrop. It’s one of the island’s most popular amenities for residents and vacationers alike.
- Nature Trails & Conservation: Bald Head Island is home to the Bald Head Woods Maritime Forest Preserve, a preserved area of maritime forest that offers hiking and biking trails. The island also supports a turtle conservation program, where residents can volunteer to protect endangered sea turtles.
- Marina & Boating: The island’s marina offers docking facilities for private boats and provides access to deep-sea fishing, kayaking, and sailing.
Important Stuff
Traffic & Commute
Bald Head Island is a car-free community, meaning all residents and visitors rely on golf carts, bicycles, or walking to get around the island. This adds to the island’s tranquil, laid-back atmosphere and helps preserve its natural beauty.
- Transportation: Residents and visitors travel to and from Bald Head Island via ferry services from the mainland in Southport. The ferry ride takes approximately 20 minutes, and there is a tram service to transport residents and guests to their homes once they arrive on the island.
- Commute to Nearby Cities: While Bald Head Island is remote, it is only a short ferry ride away from Southport, which provides easy access to the mainland. From Southport, residents can drive to Wilmington or Myrtle Beach for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Health & Medical Facilities
Bald Head Island does not have its own hospital or large medical facilities, but residents have access to healthcare services in nearby Southport.
- Medical Services: The Dosher Memorial Hospital in Southport provides emergency services, primary care, and a range of specialized treatments. Additionally, Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center in Bolivia offers advanced medical services and surgical care.
- Emergency Response: Bald Head Island has its own emergency medical response team that can address urgent medical needs on the island before transferring patients to the mainland if necessary.
Community
Community & Lifestyle
Living on Bald Head Island is all about embracing nature and tranquility. The island’s laid-back lifestyle, combined with its luxury amenities, creates a peaceful yet vibrant community for residents.
- Exclusive, Eco-Friendly Lifestyle: Bald Head Island is known for its environmentally conscious approach to development, with strict building codes designed to preserve the island’s natural beauty. The island’s residents enjoy a slower pace of life, surrounded by lush forests, marshlands, and pristine beaches.
- Community Events & Social Life: Despite its exclusivity, Bald Head Island offers plenty of opportunities for socializing and community involvement. Residents can participate in events hosted by the Bald Head Island Club, join nature walks, or volunteer for conservation efforts like the turtle program.
- Retirement & Vacation Home Destination: Bald Head Island is a popular destination for retirees and second-home buyers who want to escape to a private, coastal retreat.
Important Stuff
Taxes
Bald Head Island’s property tax rates are among the highest in the region due to its exclusivity, high-end properties, and additional infrastructure needs. The total property tax rate on Bald Head Island is approximately $1.17 per $100 of assessed value, which includes the Brunswick County rate of $0.485 per $100 and the municipal tax of $0.685 per $100.
- Additional Fees: In addition to property taxes, Bald Head Island residents pay additional fees for services such as ferry transportation, utilities, and island maintenance. These fees help maintain the island’s unique infrastructure and services.
- Comparison to Other Towns: Bald Head Island’s property taxes are significantly higher than those of neighboring towns like Oak Island and Southport, reflecting its luxury market and limited access.
Crime & Safety
Bald Head Island is known for its safety and low crime rate, thanks in part to its isolation and limited access. The island’s private security and small population help create a secure, peaceful environment for residents and visitors alike.