The Wooded Area of Oak Island
With reasonably priced homes, most within walking distance of the beaches at Oak Island, the Wooded Area is just across the ICW from the mainland. It is bounded by the Intracoastal Waterway and Davis Canal and Oak Island Drive. Most lots in the Wooded Area are less than a fifth of an acre and many of these homes in this area do not even require flood insurance. Larger lots can be found on the Intracoastal Waterway, Davis Canal and in Oak Island Estates. Click on the picture above for more information on this area.
St. James Plantation
St. James Plantation is Brunswick County's most exclusive gated community. Larger homes on lots typically measuring better than a third of an acre. There are waterfront options here including the Intracoastal Waterway, the St. James Marina and a variety of marsh, pond and golf course fronting homes and lots from which to choose. With 81 holes of golf a marina, wet and dry boat storage, restaurants, tennis, clubhouses and a host of activities, St. James Plantation is a popular destination for active residents. The picture above is of the Founder's Club, one of St. Jame's clubhouses;.
Oak Island Beach Area
Made up of oceanfront, second and third row homes, Oak Island Beach area extends from the oceanfront to Davis Canal, Montgomery Slough and Oak Island Drive to the north and east to Caswell Beach. Single family homes are the norm, but there are several condo complexes as well. There is a mix of vacation rentals, primary residences and second homes. A few blocks off the beaches there is a light commercial area made up of food stores, restaurants and service providers.
Southport
Quaint frame houses, many a hundred years old overshadowed by even older Live Oaks, Southport is the quintessential small southern coastal town. On the southern bank of the Cape Fear River, the Atlantic Ocean can be seen just past the lighthouses on Bald Head Island and Caswell Beach. A popular stopping off point for boaters heading south for the winter, or back up again in the spring, the waterfront is a popular place to watch the boat traffic up and down the Intracoastal Waterway, to and from Bald Head Island and from Wilmington to ports over the world.
Oak Island Mainland
Leaving Oak Island and Caswell Beach via the Long Beach Road Bridge you'll be in Oak Island Mainland. It has a mix of single family homes, town homes and condos. Ownership costs are lower here than on the island and some of the communities offer HOA services not found in the beach areas. There is a marina here, public boat landings, many pubic parks as well as Oak Island Par three golf course.
Boiling Spring Lakes
Further from the beaches, Boiling Spring Lakes offers lower price points on homes and lower costs of ownership than "near beach" properties. Lots are very affordable and there are no HOA restrictions in most areas. Lots tend to be a quarter acre or larger and the location makes the area appealing as a midpoint between Southport and Wilmington. The "Big Lake" shown in the picture to the right lost its' dam during Hurricane Florence. Reconstruction planning and approvals are well under way.
Caswell Beach
Caswell Beach is dominated by ocean front and second row homes with views to the ocean, Bald Head Island and back across the Intracoastal Waterway and expansive marshlands back to Southport. It is home to the Baptist Assembly which is located on the grounds of Fort Caswell and the Oak Island Golf Club. There are several condo communities from which to choose. One, Oak Island Beach Villas is ocean front , but most within walking or a golf cart ride to the beach.