Paradise Found: Island Living Goes Mainland

Kate Lino

THE FANTASY OF LIVING BY THE OCEAN lures many to East Coast beach-front property, but there is something special about the beaches that dot the shoreline of south Brunswick County in North Carolina. Perhaps it’s the booming real estate market or possibly just the calming coastal environment. Either way, vacationers and permanent residents alike are falling in love with the area.

South Brunswick seems to summon in people a passion for boating as well, which brings many potential home buyers inland but close enough to the Atlantic to feel and smell its cooling breeze. “You feel like you’re miles away from anything. We absolutely love it here. It’s tranquil and peaceful,” says John Chitla, who first purchased a home in south Brunswick County in 1999.

As island prices continue to rise, more people are discovering the benefits of mainland living. And with more than 10,000 residential sites planned over the next three to five years, investors in the area will continue to prosper. “A lot of people like the boating access,” says Scott Haigler, president of the Haigler Group, which specializes in south Brunswick County coastal and mainland properties. “Our area of expertise is not just island or mainland. We have valuable experience in all aspects, from weekend getaways to retirement to just moving to the area to raise a family,” adds Haigler, who has seen the area from Highway 17 to the Intracoastal Waterway boom in the last few years. “We enjoy selling the lifestyle,” Haigler says. “We really like to look at ourselves as lifestyle advisors, which means we’re not just helping you buy or sell a house. We are showing you the lifestyle many have grown to appreciate here.”

Developers, apparently buying into the theory that south Brunswick County is a special place, have planned several new mainland subdivisions in the area. “It’s a fabulous investment whether you want property on the islands, on the Intracoastal Waterway or near the golf courses,” Haigler says.

Among the up-and-coming south Brunswick County areas are the mainland sections of Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Calabash and Carolina Shores, all a short drive from the beach and approximately 45 minutes from Wilmington, North Carolina. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is only 25 minutes south.

Located just north of the South Carolina border, Calabash is a quaint fishing village known as “The Seafood Capital of the World.” Nearby is Carolina Shores, home to 1,500 residents and an 18-hole golf course. Shallotte is south Brunswick County’s center of commerce. Located close to Highway 17, it is the home to Brierwood Golf Course and Arnold Palmer’s latest design, Rivers Edge Golf Course. Shallotte features nationally known retailers and restaurants, all within easy reach of the beach, but maintains its small-town charm.

Chitla is convinced that buying mainland property is a good business decision. “I think it’s the safest investment you can make. The appreciation has been very good. You can’t go wrong in the whole coastal area,” he says. “That’s probably where the most activity is now. People want a little retreat off the ocean.” “It is the perfect location,” Haigler adds. “You are near everything, but you can come back here and things are still quiet and laid back.” Whether it’s island or mainland life, the pace, atmosphere and lifestyle are worth their weight in saltwater. “Life down here in general is like a vacation every day, whether you are working or retired,” Haigler says. “It’s a laid-back and unique area. It’s a relaxing and tranquil lifestyle.”