What No One Tells You About Coastal Living

If you ever want to know what it's like to live in a town where the sun rises and sets over the ocean daily, this article is for you. Stick around as I tell you what living full-time in Emerald Isle is like. Who am I? My name is Denis Raczkowski, and I live in Emerald Isle full-time. Because Emerald Isle is a coastal paradise located on Bogue Banks, a barrier island off the coast of North Carolina, most people think everything in Emerald Isle revolves around the ocean and the sound surrounding it. Far from it. Emerald Isle offers a unique blend of smooth, wide beaches and clean, sparkling waters, and it boasts a close-knit community and a variety of recreational and employment activities. Whether considering buying, selling, investing, or relocating to Emerald Isle, this article will give you a good first impression of living and working here full-time. Stick around to the end, where I reveal what makes living in Emerald Isle so special. Trust me when I tell you, you’ll want to move here yesterday. Let’s dive in!

For those visiting my website/blog for the first time, Emerald Isle is a picturesque town on the western end of Bogue Banks, a barrier island off the southeast coast of North Carolina. If you know the Outer Banks, Bogue Banks is the southernmost island. Emerald Isle spans approximately 5.2 square miles, with a length of about 13 miles and a width of roughly half a mile. As of 2024, Emerald Isle's estimated permanent population is 4,006, reflecting a steady growth rate of 1.01% annually. During peak tourist seasons, the population surges to approximately 50,000 weekly, highlighting its popularity as a vacation destination. The primary thoroughfare is North Carolina Highway 58, known locally as Emerald Drive. This state-maintained main street runs east-west, bisecting the island's width and serving as the town's central artery. Along it, you will find souvenir and gift shops, grocery stores like Food Lion and Publix, restaurants like Katherine’s Martini Bar, Fish Hut Grill, and my Flip Flops Donut shop, and other service providers like Willis’ Seafood. At its western end, Emerald Drive has something many North Carolinians have never seen: a rotary or traffic circle. Emerald Drive connects residents and visitors to various neighborhoods, businesses, and beach access points through a well-organized town-maintained street system totaling over 45 miles. The more or less perpendicular grid layout is designed to provide easy navigation, whether by car, golf cart, bike, or foot, while preserving the natural beauty of the coastal environment.

So much for the bird' s-eye view. Let’s put flip-flops on the ground. When relocating, people naturally want to understand what it costs to live in Emerald Isle. Emerald Isle's cost-of-living index is 125, 34% higher than the North Carolina average and 25% higher than the national average. That’s because the entry fee or housing cost is much higher than average. The median home price in Emerald Isle is approximately $624,200. Half the homes cost more, and half the homes cost less, and this median number is significantly higher than the national median of $338,100 and the North Carolina median of $289,300. For those considering renting full-time, some long-term rentals are available. They are usually inland cottages, and they average around $1,160 per month, which is 18.9% cheaper than the national average but slightly higher than the state average. Let me tell you that not many of these year-round rentals exist. Since Emerald Isle is a vacation destination, most rentals in Emerald Isle are weekly rentals, which can go for as much as $15,000 a week during high season.

Utility costs are about 2% lower than the national average, while grocery costs align closely with national figures as we have both a Food Lion and a Publix in town. The closed big-box store is Sam’s Club, about 30 miles off the island in Jacksonville. Are you a Costco or Sam’s Club member? Put your answer in the comments below.

Tourism plays a significant role in Emerald Isle's economy, given its coastal location. But, for the most part, this is temporary or seasonal work. Local businesses, restaurants like my Flip Flops Donut shop, property management companies, and hotels constantly seek employees during peak tourist seasons. However, most hospitality jobs dry up once the off-season hits, only to return the following year. The Town of Emerald Isle periodically offers positions in public services. For instance, lifeguard positions are available for the 2025 season. However, with the rise of remote work, many residents, old and new alike, take advantage of the town's reliable internet services to work from home, which gives them the best of all worlds: enjoying a balanced lifestyle.

I haven’t forgotten my number one reason for living here, but you should know that Emerald Isle boasts many recreational options. With 12 miles of pristine shoreline, residents and visitors can swim, sunbathe, and beachcombing daily. The waters of Bogue Sound are ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing, catering to both novices and enthusiasts. Emerald Isle offers parks like the Emerald Isle Woods Park, featuring walking trails, disc golf, and picnic areas. Of course, locals and vacationers use the Emerald Path, which enables cyclists, joggers, and walkers to navigate the entire length of Emerald from The Point at its western tip to its shared border with Indian Beach at its eastern end. Remember: No motorized vehicles. The town hosts various events throughout the year, such as its St. Patrick Festival in March, bi-monthly blood drives, and the Emerald Isle Marathon in October, fostering a strong community.

Numerous local organizations, such as the Sea Turtle Watch and events like the marathon, welcome volunteers, allowing residents to contribute to the town's well-being. Residents are highly engaged. They join various town committees, participate in town meetings, voice opinions, and stay informed about local developments. Everyone is encouraged to run for Town Commissioner or Mayor. However, if you want to have friends, I recommend strongly against doing so.

And, now, as promised, for my money, the most impressive part of living in Emerald Isle is how the town and the surrounding waters provide a soothing balm to a harassed spirit. You are steps from the water and just minutes from some of the Crystal Coast’s best shops, restaurants, and local attractions. Whether you want to enjoy fresh seafood, browse charming boutiques, need some cold beverages or donuts for breakfast, or relax by the water, this town has it all. Did I forget to add negligible crime and some of the highest-performing public schools in the state?  And you can get around in shorts nearly year-round. Are you ready to sign up? Call or text me at 919-308-2292 or click on the following link https://calendar.app.google/WtLYG17zYhwUyVsr8 to schedule a 30-minute phone conversation where you can ask me anything about Emerald Isle and the Crystal Coach. Leave a comment below so I know what content you enjoy reading. I’m Denis Raczkowski, your local Emerald Isle real estate expert. Thanks for reading! Please leave a comment and read my other blogs.