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Oak Island, NC
St. James, NC
Bald Head Island
Southport, NC
Boiling Springs Lakes

Southport Scene

Southport, NC

Southport, NC, is a picturesque town steeped in history and known for its charming downtown, scenic waterfront, and welcoming community. Located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, Southport offers a blend of small-town charm and modern amenities, making it an ideal spot for families, retirees, and vacationers alike. With its historic homes, stunning marina, and easy access to the Atlantic Ocean, Southport provides a unique coastal living experience.

Southport is known for its vibrant community events, waterfront dining, and proximity to beaches. It is a favored location for those seeking a quiet, historic town with the benefits of coastal living, just minutes from Oak Island and a short drive from Wilmington.

Living in Southport

Real Estate

Southport offers a diverse real estate market, with historic homes, modern waterfront properties, and new developments to choose from. The town is popular among those looking for historic charm and easy access to the water.

  • Home Prices: The median home price in Southport ranges from $350,000 to $750,000, though waterfront homes or those with historic value can exceed $1 million.
  • Property Types: Southport features a mix of historic homes, single-family residences, townhomes, and condos. The downtown area is popular for its charming, tree-lined streets and historic properties.
  • Market Trends: Southport’s real estate market remains competitive, especially for homes in the historic district or along the waterfront. The town is popular among retirees and second-home buyers looking for a scenic and peaceful environment.

Featured Agents & Loan Officers

Education

Schools

Southport is served by the Brunswick County School District, which provides a strong public school system for local families. The schools available to Southport residents include:

SB Elementary
Southport Elementary School
SB Middle SChool
South Brunswick Middle School
South Brunswick High School

In addition to public schools, Southport residents have access to nearby private and charter schools, including Southport Christian School. For those interested in a broader comparison of schools in the Southport Area.

Things to Do

Recreation and Amenities

Southport is known for its stunning waterfront views, historic architecture, and vibrant community life. The town offers a variety of recreational activities for residents of all ages.

  • Waterfront & Marina: Southport’s marina is a hub for boating, fishing, and water sports. The Cape Fear River and Intracoastal Waterway offer endless opportunities for outdoor recreation.
  • Parks & Trails: The town has several parks, including Franklin Square Park, where residents can enjoy picnics, festivals, and community events. There are also walking trails along the waterfront, providing scenic views of the river and the ocean.
  • Community Events: Southport is known for hosting the North Carolina Fourth of July Festival, one of the largest celebrations in the state. Other events include farmers’ markets, art festivals, and historic walking tours.

Important Stuff

Traffic & Commute

Southport offers easy access to surrounding areas, including nearby Oak Island and Wilmington. The town’s streets are easy to navigate, and residents enjoy short commutes to nearby shops, restaurants, and medical facilities.

  • Commuting: Southport is a car-friendly town, with most residents using private vehicles to get around. Commuting to Wilmington is convenient via Highway 87 and US-17.
  • Public Transportation: While Southport does not have a comprehensive public transportation system, local taxis and ride-sharing services are available.

Health & Medical Facilities

Residents of Southport have access to excellent healthcare services, with several hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities nearby. The Dosher Memorial Hospital provides emergency care, surgical services, and a variety of outpatient programs.

  • Medical Services: Southport has several primary care clinics, specialist offices, and urgent care centers available to residents. The town is also within close proximity to larger medical centers in Wilmington.
  • Senior Care: For retirees, there are a number of senior care services and assisted living facilities in the Southport area, providing a range of healthcare options for aging residents.

Community

Community & Lifestyle

Southport’s historic charm and welcoming community make it an ideal place to live for those seeking a relaxed, coastal lifestyle. The town’s rich cultural history, combined with modern conveniences and a strong sense of community, makes it a highly desirable location for families, retirees, and vacation home buyers alike.

  • Family-Friendly & Retiree-Oriented: Southport is both a family-friendly town and a popular destination for retirees. Its scenic waterfront, historic district, and range of recreational activities offer something for all ages.
  • Community Involvement: Southport has a strong sense of community, with numerous clubs, volunteer opportunities, and neighborhood events. Residents often gather for festivals, parades, and cultural activities, fostering a close-knit environment.

Important Stuff

Taxes

Southport’s property taxes are relatively moderate, especially for a town with such desirable waterfront access and historic appeal. The total property tax rate in Southport is approximately $0.73 per $100 of assessed property value, which includes the Brunswick County tax rate of $0.485 per $100 and the municipal tax of $0.245 per $100.

  • Additional Fees: Residents may also incur fees for services like waste management, stormwater management, and public works.
  • Comparison to Other Towns: Southport’s property tax rates are higher than those of Boiling Spring Lakes but lower than those of Bald Head Island.

Crime & Safety

Southport enjoys a reputation for being a safe and welcoming community. The town’s police department is actively involved in maintaining public safety, and the crime rate in Southport is lower than both state and national averages.