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Vital Statistics

  • Population: 33,935 (2006 Census)
  • Physical size: 384 sq. mi.
  • Median household income: $46,125 (2004 Census)
  • Median age: 40 (2000 Census)
  • Avg. yearly rainfall: 52
  • Avg. summer high temp: 79
  • Avg. winter low temp: 43
  • Public hospitals: 1

Public Schools

  • Number of students: 4,804
  • Number of full-time teachers: 342
  • Raw student-teacher ratio: 14:1
  • Number of Elementary schools: 4
  • Number of middle/junior high schools: 3 (includes one 6gr.-12gr. school)
  • Number of senior high schools: 3 (includes one 6gr.-12gr. school)

Real Estate

  • Tax rate: $0.26-$0.43 depending on district
  • Median value owner-occupied housing: $137,200 (2000 Census)
  • Owner-occupied housing: 35% (2000 Census)

Outer Banks, North Carolina, Real Estate and Lifestyle

When people hear "Outer Banks," their thoughts turn first to vacation. But in fact, the Outer Banks boasts a large residential population. These residents have the privilege of living the beach lifestyle daily!

Dare County is the civic name for the the largest portion of Outer Banks of North Carolina. (The northern portion of the island group is part of Currituck County [link this term to Currituck market overview].) Real estate in this region is as varied as the population, which is made up of more than 30,000 part-time and year-round residents.

A long string of narrow barrier islands nestled between Currituck, Pamlico, Oregon, and Albemarle Sound to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Outer Banks offers a mix of history, geography, and carefree lifestyle unlike any other area of North Carolina. The region has been called "the land of beginnings" for its famous "firsts." Roanoke Island is the site of the would-be English settlers' Lost Colony. Kitty Hawk hosted the Wright Brothers' first flight. And Cape Hatteras was the first US location to be given the National Seashore designation. Imagine adding "first resort-style real estate" to your personal list!

The Outer Banks area has a long history of both blessing and curse for seafarers. The shallow inlets and ever-changing sea floor characteristic of this island string trapped many a ship that would then fall into the hands of pirates including the infamous Edward "Blackbeard" Teach. Later, the same treacherous conditions would make the Outer Banks famous for its humanitarian efforts in the form of a system of well-known lifesaving stations. For modern-day owners of Outer Banks real estate, this fascinating history is part of everyday living. Today, these unique barrier islands offer boaters, kayakers, fishermen, surfers, and naval and colonial historians alike a location abundant in opportunity to learn, earn, and play.

The real estate of Outer Banks runs the gamut from cozy three-room inland cottages to sprawling, multistory structures right on the beach. Cedar shingle and Cape Cod-style architecture are common along the water while inland luxury homes may feature stone, brick, or Mediterranean-style construction. Many larger homes features suites with access through outer doors and stairs, offering ease and privacy for those who make their homes available to guests. Many homes also feature first-floor garages and showers with living areas beginning on the second floor, making it easy to control the sand and water that follow you home after a day of adventure. While not all homes are waterfront, many areas are within an easy walk to the water.

The Outer Banks of North Carolina has so much to offer. If you've ever considered making vacation-style real estate part of your daily life, this area may be ideal for you!