Kure Beach

Kure Beach is one of the quietest and most charming beach towns on the southern North Carolina coast — a small, tight-knit community on Pleasure Island in New Hanover County that prizes tranquility and natural beauty over commercial development. With a year-round population of about 2,000, this is a place where neighbors know each other and the beach is never crowded.

Rich in history, Kure Beach is home to Fort Fisher State Historic Site — the location of one of the largest land-sea battles of the Civil War. The Fort Fisher State Recreation Area offers miles of undeveloped beachfront, and the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is one of the state’s most popular family attractions. The Kure Beach Fishing Pier, dating back to 1923, is the oldest fishing pier on the Atlantic coast.

The housing stock in Kure Beach consists primarily of single-family beach cottages, elevated coastal homes, and a limited number of condominiums. The town has maintained strict limits on high-rise development, preserving its low-density residential character. Many homes offer ocean views, and the compact town layout means most residents are a short walk from the beach.

As of early 2026, the median home price in Kure Beach is approximately $815K. The market ranges from smaller cottages and condos starting around $400K to oceanfront and waterfront homes exceeding $1.5 million. Kure Beach tends to command slightly higher prices than neighboring Carolina Beach due to its quieter character.

By property type:

• Oceanfront and ocean-adjacent homes: $500K – $700K+, with premium lots near “The Point” (the island’s famous sunset-viewing spot) commanding the highest prices
• Interior homes and second-row properties: $350K – $550K, depending on lot size, condition, and proximity to beach accesses
• Cottages and smaller homes: From the low $300Ks, offering entry-level coastal ownership or strong rental investment potential

Property taxes follow New Hanover County rates with a combined effective rate of approximately 0.45%. Given Kure Beach’s relatively low density and limited commercial base, the residential tax burden remains manageable. A home assessed at $800K would pay roughly $3,600 annually.

Kure Beach’s lifestyle is defined by its peaceful pace and natural surroundings. The Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, stretching along the southern tip of the island, provides some of the most pristine and undeveloped beach in the region — a stark contrast to the more developed beaches to the north.

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is a centerpiece of the community, offering marine exhibits, sea turtle rehabilitation programs, and educational events year-round. The Basin Trail at Fort Fisher provides a scenic walk through maritime forest and marsh habitats.

Dining in Kure Beach is casual and community-oriented. Jack Mackerel’s Island Grill, Freddie’s Restaurant, and Big Daddy’s Seafood are local staples. The Ocean Front Bar & Grill at the Kure Beach Pier offers some of the best sunset views on the island.

• KoKo Cabana — fish tacos, seafood plates, and coastal cocktails right next to Kure Beach Pier
• Solar Brewing Company — the island’s first brewery, with handcrafted pizzas, wings, and locally brewed beer
• Ocean Crest Fishing Pier — 893 feet long, open April through September; $2 admission to walk and watch
• Seahorse Eats and Drinks — casual beer and wine bar at the Ocean Crest Pier

Community events include the Pleasure Island Seafood Blues and Jazz Festival (shared with Carolina Beach), the Kure Beach Street Festival, and regular pier fishing tournaments. The tight-knit community frequently gathers for beach cleanups, holiday celebrations, and neighborhood cookouts.

Kure Beach is served by New Hanover County Schools. Students attend Carolina Beach Elementary (shared with Carolina Beach), then feed into Murray Middle School and Ashley High School on the mainland. The school system offers strong programs across the district.

• West Brunswick High School — Niche grade B-minus, 1,512 students with a 17:1 student-teacher ratio
• Brunswick County Early College High School — Niche grade A, a selective option for 365 students seeking accelerated academics

Private and charter school options are available in the greater Wilmington area. The University of North Carolina Wilmington is approximately 20 minutes north.

Kure Beach occupies the southern portion of Pleasure Island in New Hanover County, roughly 18 miles south of downtown Wilmington. The town is accessed via US-421, which runs the length of Pleasure Island.

The Fort Fisher-Southport Ferry, departing from the southern tip of the island, provides a scenic 30-minute crossing to Southport and access to Brunswick County without backtracking through Wilmington. ILM airport is about 30 minutes away. The drive to Myrtle Beach via the ferry and US-17 takes roughly 90 minutes.