🏖️ Best Beach Towns in North Carolina
Updated Mar 14, 2026 · 14 towns ranked by data
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1
64
3
New Hanover County · Pop. 115,451
$310,000
Home Value
6.0/1k
Crime Rate
42
Walk Score
$48,500
Income
52
5
BrevardNC
Transylvania County · Pop. 8,000
$280,000
Home Value
1.5/1k
Crime Rate
42
Walk Score
$42,000
Income
46
6
Haywood County · Pop. 10,000
$260,000
Home Value
1.5/1k
Crime Rate
38
Walk Score
$42,000
Income
45
8
44
9
Watauga County · Pop. 1,300
$480,000
Home Value
0.5/1k
Crime Rate
40
Walk Score
$45,000
Income
43
10
42
11
38
13
36
14
Rutherford County · Pop. 1,850
$280,000
Home Value
0.8/1k
Crime Rate
15
Walk Score
$45,000
Income
34
How We Scored This
The most livable beach communities in America, scored on coastal access, affordability, safety, and quality of life.
Beach Access
Weight: 20% · Higher is better
Affordability
Weight: 15% · Lower is better
Walkability
Weight: 15% · Higher is better
Safety
Weight: 15% · Lower is better
Schools
Weight: 10% · Higher is better
Dining
Weight: 10% · Higher is better
Income
Weight: 15% · Higher is better