Explore Morehead City, NC Real Estate

Welcome to Morehead City, a beautiful Outer Banks well known for its small-town coastal charm and artistic flair. Visitors are captivated by the sailboats and yachts plying the Sound, but for locals, it’s about the friendly neighborhoods and daily access to fishing, boating, and other sports that make it home. 

The “Summer Capital by the Sea” continues to be a popular place to buy a vacation home or a full-time residence. Morehead City’s central location makes it the perfect place to access all that makes Outer Banks living attractive for those who want to live on the water. If you want to buy a home near Morehead City, use our profile to see if it ticks all the right boxes for you. 

About Morehead City

The Morehead City area has been occupied since the early 1700s, but it was Governor John Motley Morehead who saw the potential for a thriving resort and commercial town where Beaufort and the Newport River intersected. In the mid-1800s, he bought 600 acres from a local family, the Arendells. 

This was the beginning of the Shepard Point Land Company, which divided the rest of the land into over 100 plots. The peninsula quickly thrived as a vacation destination, easy to access thanks to the railroad, and popular for its sailing and beachfront access.

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Growth in Morehead City fluctuated over the years, impacted by hurricanes, the American Civil War, and the Great Depression. Those opulent hotels and Gilded Age mansion vacation homes became run-down from the economic and environmental stresses. 

Morehead City’s future looked bleak until the 1980s when the area received a large grant to help revitalize the maritime community. Original structures were remodeled, new homes were built, and parks and playgrounds were added. Thanks to a tourism push, the quaint downtown became a bustling center for commerce and community again. 

Modern-day Morehead City is equal parts traditional charm thanks to its historic architecture and modern conveniences, like the high-end seafood restaurants, a world-famous Marlin Tournament, and specialty shopping. The classic coastal beach town vibe keeps the locals in town and visitors coming back each year.

If you’re considering moving to Morehead City, here are some answers to frequently asked questions.

What is the cost of living in Morehead City, NC?

The cost of living in Morehead City is 6.0% below the US average, making it a more affordable option than other parts of the country. Transportation, housing, and utility costs are below the national average. The unemployment rate in Morehead City is 4.0%. For comparison, the US average is 6.0%. Tourism, hospitality, fishing, and marine services are the leading industries here.

What is the average price of a home in Morehead City, NC?

Based on the August 2023 home listings in Morehead City, NC, the average sales price was $400,604. Housing prices range from $75,000 for a half-acre lot to $25M for 15 minimally developed acres on Moore Creek with deepwater access. The most expensive listing home was $3.4 M with waterfront on Spooner’s Creek and 4,800 sq ft underfoot. Rent in Morehead City runs between $1.5k and $9k monthly. 

Are there any condos or townhomes available in Morehead City, NC? 

The Morehead City real estate market is as diverse as the people who call this place home. Find many modern condos and townhomes to choose from, many with stunning water views. August 2023 had 28 listings in this category, almost a third of the available homes on the market.

Communities like The Shores at Spooner Creek and Olde Towne Condo are known for their spacious units, high-end amenities, and unbeatable location to the downtown waterfront shops and restaurants. Condo prices range from $200,000 to $1M and are a popular option for vacation homes, rental investments, and maintenance-free living. 

Are there any waterfront properties in Morehead City, NC?

Morehead City is a peninsula with Harlowe Creek on one side and Bogue Sound on the other. Living on the waterfront is one of the city’s perks! Locals that buy a home on the water wake up to scenic views and get a front-row seat to spot dolphins, birds, and other native wildlife right from their back porches. 

Many of Morehead City’s waterfront properties have private boat slips, so getting out onto the water is simple and convenient. Neighborhoods like Brandywine Bay, Morehead Bluffs, and Mariner’s Point are known for their sprawling waterfront estates. 

Are there golf course communities in Morehead City, NC? 

There are two golf courses within the city limits and seven other impressive public courses within a 20-mile radius. The Morehead City Country Club features an 18-hole champion golf course with an expansive clubhouse, perfect for hosting events or grabbing lunch after a round of golf. 

Neighborhoods like Country Club East, Country Club Run, and Bermuda Greens have residential homes in golfing communities where residents can experience an exceptional lifestyle at the intersection of luxury and recreation. 

What is the local property tax rate?

The property tax rate in Morehead City is 0.38 mils. Add to that the 2022 property tax rate for Carteret County at 0.46, for a combined 0.82 mils. That doesn’t include the school district or special districts. 

What county is Morehead City, NC in?

Carteret County is home to some of the state’s most beautiful beachfront communities and the famous North Carolina Outer Banks. Carteret County has 11 municipalities, including Beaufort, Bogue, Atlantic Beach, and Cedar Point. 

Carteret’s famous attractions include the Cape Lookout National Seashore, the NC Aquarium, Fort Macon State Park, and the NC Maritime Museum. But it’s not just a vacation destination. Families appreciate that many Carteret County schools, including Atlantic Elementary, Buford Middle, and Croatan High, consistently rank as some of the top-rated public schools in the district. It also has hiking trails, parks and playgrounds, and an active library system with events for kids, teens, and families. 

Is Morehead City, NC growing?

As of 2023, Morehead City has a population of 9,933. Morehead City is currently growing at a rate of 1.25% annually. It added 3.81% more people since 2020 when the most recent US Census recorded 9,568 residents. 

What neighborhoods are in Morehead City, NC?

Locals and visitors love to stroll through downtown Morehead City, popping into the eclectic boutiques, enjoying lunch by the water, and enjoying live music at Jaycee Park. The homes here are among the city’s most historic.

Brooke Woods is a quiet, residential neighborhood made up of ranch-style homes. The neighborhood has wide sidewalks, shady streets, and a community park with a playground. Families like how it’s two miles from Morehead City Elementary. The average selling price for homes in this neighborhood was $312,864 in August 2023.

Country Club Run is right next to the Morehead City Country Club and has both townhomes and single-family homes. The spacious clubhouse is perfect for social gatherings, and the pool brings friends and neighbors together in the warmer months. Townhome prices ranged from $230k-$300k and home prices ranged from $270k to $960k. 

Carriage Crossing is a townhome community known for its mature shade trees and easy access to local shopping centers and Downtown Morehead City. Most of the townhomes were built in the mid 1980’s but have been updated to appeal to the modern home buyer. The average price for a townhome here was $115,483. 

How is golf in Morehead City, NC?

You won’t find abundant golf courses here, but the ones that are here guarantee stunning views and challenging play. 

The Morehead City Country Club has been a central part of the community for years. It features an elite-level golf course, public swimming pool, a packed events calendar, and plans for a sprawling 3000-square-foot clubhouse. 

Brandywine Bay Golf Club is the other option. This course was designed in 1977 by Bruce Devlin and has been a place where both expert and beginner golfers can enjoy the game. The Brandywine Bay Golf Club has tiered membership options, opening the country club lifestyle to more people.

Find a handful of championship-style courses within 20 miles of Morehead City limits known for their beautiful grounds, high-end amenities, and social spaces. A few nearby courses include Crystal Coast Country Club, The Beaufort Club, and the Silver Creek Golf Club. 

What areas are near Morehead City?

Morehead City’s central location makes it easy to get to some of the most beautiful and historic parts of North Carolina. Some of the closest places to Morehead City are:

Atlantic Beach awaits directly across the Sound over the Atlantic Beach Bridge. This sunny paradise is prized for its beautiful beaches, impressive fishing and diving spots, waterfront dining, hiking trails, and million-dollar beach homes. 

Newport is about 18 minutes from Downtown Morehead City. History buffs love taking day trips to visit Civil War battlefields and forts. 

Beaufort is Morehead City’s older next-door neighbor, with a history dating back to the 1600s. Now, it’s a hub for world-class fishing and seafood restaurants and its connections to the infamous pirate, Blackbeard. 

Emerald Isle is consistently recognized as one of the best beach spots in North Carolina, and it’s right next to Atlantic Beach on the island. Life consists of a friendly community of beachgoers, fishing enthusiasts, and nature lovers. Sea turtle conservation is a big deal here, and Emerald Isle is an official sea turtle sanctuary.

Outer Banks: A chain of barrier islands that dot the North Carolina coast, the Outer Banks is known for its pristine beaches, wild horses, lighthouses and premium waterfront real estate. Both a natural landmark and a premier shopping and dining destination, the Outer Banks has something for everyone. 

What to know about living in Morehead City, NC

Morehead City is a safe, quiet suburban area perfect for professionals, retirees, and growing families. Thanks to its waterfront location, Morehead City sees long, steamy summers where temperatures creep up to the mid-80Fs, and cold, windy winters where temperatures can dip into the 40Fs. If you love spending time outside, some of the best times in Morehead City are from late April to early June and from mid-September to late October.

While Morehead City doesn’t have a huge population, it’s the kind of community that focuses on bringing people together, evidenced by its busy events calendar. Throughout the year, Morehead City locals jam out to live music at Jaycee Park, browse the Morehead City Curb Market each Saturday, or participate in holiday parades and art festivals. The North Carolina Seafood Festival is held in Morehead City every October. It brings thousands of seafood-loving visitors to the city each year. 

Making a move to Morehead City

This city is great for people who love living, working, and playing on the water. Morehead City is known for its countless fishing opportunities, bustling waterfront district, and maritime culture. Living in Morehead City means easy access to the beach, local parks and playgrounds, locally owned restaurants, and a selection of retail stores, from grocery essentials to specialty shops. And it all comes with an affordable cost of living for a waterfront town in the Outer Banks! What could be better?

If you want to live in Morehead City, contact a local real estate agent to find the right neighborhood.