Southern Shores NC started as a dream of the Stick family.  Over 50 years ago, the Sticks purchased the land that is now the incorporated town of Southern Shores.  Development of this land began in the 1940’s and was fully developed in the 1990’s with the sales of the lots on Duck Woods Drive.  Over the years this area has been recognized as one of the best developed communities in the nation. Residents of the town are proud of how the town was developed and how it is run today. It is known as a town of volunteers and a town with very low taxes. The Southern Shores Civic Association, a volunteer group, works hard to keep beach accesses and other town land in good shape. Joining this group will help you stay informed and continue the tradition of a wonderful beach community.  

Southern Shores offers some of the largest home sites in all Dare County towns. The average lot size in this area is approximately half an acre.  This provides owners with a higher level of privacy and the ability to build larger sized homes. As a result, some of the Outer Banks finest primary residences are located in this area. Southern Shores has a surprisingly large amount of water front residences as well.  Canals run throughout the town and almost all lead out to the Currituck Sound.  Southern Shores residents take day trips from their back yard dock to fish the ocean or the sound.  They can also be found waterskiing in the summer on Ginguite Creek. This body of water is protected on three sides and can be calm when most other areas too rough for boating. Southern Shores boasts some of the most scenic roads on the beach.  A drive down Dogwood Trail in the spring time when the azaleas and dogwoods are blooming will make you feel like you are in a Southern Living magazine.  All these features make Southern Shores one of the most desirable areas to purchase.

Even though most of the property in Southern Shores NC has a unique "Southern Shores" feel,  there are a few different subdivisions within this town.  Seacrest Village in the north east part of town is a good mixture of primary residences, vacation homes and vacation rental properties.  This subdivision is prized by buyers because of its quiet cul-de-sacs and great beach access.  Each of the avenues (First through Thirteen), terminate at the ocean front lots.  This allows for easy walks down quiet streets to get to the beach.  The beach along Seacrest Village is probalby the quietest of the Outer Banks Towns because parking here is limited to people with town parking passes.

Although the majority of Southern Shores is a primary residential area, it also has many vacation rental homes and second homes.  Homes on the Avenues (First though Thirteenth), are highly desirable vacation rental homes because no street has to be crossed to get to the beach. Second homeowners from Hampton Roads, Virginia especially favor this area because it is less than two hours from their home.  Weekend trips are common for these folks especially in the Spring and Fall.

Southern Shores ocean front homes are also highly saught after.  There is very little erosion here, it is close to goods and services. Going to the grocery store does not require an afternoon. Southern Shores limits parking areas along the beach to just residents and guests.  As a result, these beaches are some of the quietest in the area. Vacation rental home owners should have no problem renting their cottages here from Memorial Day to Labor Day.  Weeks before and after the summer weeks will book if the property has a heated pool and/or is close to the ocean. 

Southern Shores NC probably also has one of the highest percentages of out of town owners who do not rent. Over the years many of these people end up retiring to their second home.  Census data shows that this town has the highest median age of any town on the Outer Banks.  Retirees favor Southern Shores for its neighborhood feel, the Duck Woods Country Club and low taxes.

There are still quite a few unimproved lots in town but there is very little land left that is sub dividable.  Future development will likely be limited to building on existing lots and removing older homes from highly desirable locations.  In the future, Southern Shores should continue to be a favorite for both retirees and second home owners.

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