From oceanfront to soundfront and everything in between, there are properties available here to meet the needs of everyone. Here are just a few of the options available to buyers today.
 
Oceanfront:
There is nothing like going to sleep listening to the waves wash up against this barrier island or watching the sun rise over the Atlantic promising another day full of joy and fun. The beach and the ocean are why most people visit or live here, and every square foot of oceanfront is generally more expensive than anywhere else on the beach. Ocean front home prices range from around $200,000 for a small ocean front cottage in Kitty Hawk to multi-million dollar ocean front mansions with guest quarters in Duck. There are a few new and exciting ocean front projects being offered today. Besides the proximity to the beach and the views, oceanfront properties book faster than properties off the ocean. If rental income is important to you, buy as close to the ocean as you can. Windows, doors and shingles tend to have a shorter lifespan closer to the ocean due to the sea breezes. Regardless of these additional costs, owning an oceanfront property has its rewards with the fantastic views, the short distance to the ocean and the tremendous rental income potential.
 
Ocean side of main thoroughfare:
Throughout the Outer Banks there is at least one main road that carries the majority of traffic up and down the Outer Banks. Most renters want to be on the beach side of that road regardless if it is US 158 or NC 12. These roads can be difficult and dangerous to cross during the busy summer season unless crossing at a stoplight. Homes here are still in the beach zone and make great vacation rental properties. Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills are two primary areas where these homes exist. Many homes in this ocean side area have good views of the ocean, and getting to the beach may take only a minute or two. Some oceanside areas have high elevations and can overlook the houses in front of them. Prices in this area vary from just under $200,000 for a small fixer upper or condominium to more than half a million dollars for a large home with great ocean views and superior amenities. Typically this area also has a little bit more of a neighborhood feel. During holiday weekends, out of town owners enjoy meeting their neighbors. Living ocean side of the main thoroughfare may not be the best place for a primary residence. Vacationers may be frequently coming and going and enjoying themselves at different hours. Typical vacation rental homes are usually not be suited for year round living. Carrying groceries to the third floor and living with smaller closets might be better left for vacation renters. All this said, the oceanside area is perfect for most people buying their first vacation rental home. It gives them the feel of the beach without all the cost and also provides the opportunity for significant rental income.
 

Soundside of The Bypass:
This area is where the majority of the beach locals choose to live. Prices in this area start at less than $150,000 for a modest flat-top home or one-bedroom condo and can range to almost a million dollars for a large, new home with views. There is a large, vegetated dune that runs the length of the island in most places. Locals tend to move to the top of this dune for the views or to the soundside of this dune to get out of the wind. In the winter a tempest might be raging along the beach but on the soundside of this dune you wouldn’t know it. Having trees and neighbors makes living at the beach feel a little more like home. There are still quite a few soundside neighborhoods where local kids can go outside and play and not worry about traffic or crime. Locals get used to driving to the beach from their soundside homes, and most areas of the beach have good parking areas. It does not take long to get packing down to a science for a successful day at the beach.
 
Second home buyers not concerned about rental income may consider this area as well. Prices are more affordable and neighbors in these areas look out for each other. Having a friendly relationship with the year round resident next door can give an out of town owner an additional peace of mind.
 
Soundfront:
It does not get much better than being on the sound in the summer. Prevailing winds almost always come off the water keeping the temperature at a comfortable level. The best aspect of soundfront living is the sunsets. There are many places along the beach where the sunsets over the water. Prices for sound front properties run from around $200,000 for an older sound front condo to more than a million for a soundfront palace. There is something magical about enjoying the company of good friends and family while watching the sunset on the Outer banks.

The affordability of beach property is as good as it has been for years. Prices have come down in every beach market segment. Also, interest rates are excellent. As of this writing a 30-year loan was hovering around five percent. If you thought about purchasing property in the past five years and just could not find the right property, it may be time to look again. You will be surprised at how far your dollars will now go.