TOPSAIL ISLAND

TOPSAIL ISLAND

Three distinct towns. One beautiful Island.

Welcome to Topsail Island

 
Topsail Island is long and narrow, stretching 26 miles in length and between 500 and 1,500 feet in width. Topsail Island includes three distinct towns, North Topsail Beach, Surf City, and Topsail Beach.
 
On the north tip of Topsail Island is North Topsail Beach. The town was incorporated in 1990 and has less than 1,000 year-round residents. The northernmost tip joins the New River Inlet Channel, where vehicles are permitted to drive out onto the shore. North Topsail Beach is in Onslow County.
 
Surf City, incorporated in 1949, is situated between North Topsail Beach and Topsail Beach. With land in both Pender and Onslow counties and spanning the island and the mainland, the town is home to most of the island's year-round residents. The majority of the commercial development on Topsail Island is found here. It is now home to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, where thousands of tourists visit rescued turtles every summer.
 
Topsail Beach, incorporated in 1963, is the smallest of the three towns and is situated on the southern end of the island. Although Topsail Beach only has about 500 permanent residents living here year-round, it is a very desirable location due in part to the lack of commercialization and the natural beauty of the southernmost tip of the island, Serenity Point.
 

Living The Life In Topsail Island, NC

There is a bit of history behind the name "Topsail Island." During the times when pirates roamed the waters, scavengers would hide in the inlets between Topsail Island and the mainland. When ships approached the pirates' hiding places, they would storm the approaching vessel and take control of the crew and steal their cargo. Soon, word spread that pirates inhabited the waters off Topsail Island and ships would watch for the tips of the pirate ship's "top sail" when approaching. If the top sail was visible, the ship would retreat from the area to protect their cargo. Today, there are no more pirates lingering in the warm Atlantic waters, but there is plenty of excitement and fun to be had here.
 
The most popular attraction for residents and visitors to Topsail Island are the beaches. Pristine white sandy beaches stretch for miles in both directions. Although the summer season brings thousands of visitors, it's not hard to find your own quiet place along the shore from which to relax and watch the waves roll in.
 
Other popular destinations include the Missiles and More Museum on Channel Boulevard, the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center on Tortuga Road and the Patio Playground on S. Anderson Boulevard in Topsail Beach.
 

Education In The Topsail Island, NC Area

Thinking about moving to the Topsail Island, NC area? Residents living in the Topsail Island area are served by Pender County Schools. Topsail Elementary, Topsail Middle and Topsail High School are the three primary schools of choice. Students living two or more miles from the school are bused at no charge. Middle school students have the option of applying for the Pender Early College High School. This school enables high school students to take college courses while earning their high school diploma. There is no cost for the college courses or books!
 
After graduating from high school, students in the area can begin earning college credits at the Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) or perhaps at Coastal Carolina Community College (CCCC). These community colleges offer an affordable alternative to a four-year university. Most college credits earned at CFCC or CCCC are transferable to a four-year college or university in North Carolina. Don't forget the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW), which is less than an hour's drive away or East Carolina University in Greenville (which is also within driving distance).
 

There Is Plenty To Do On Topsail Island

 
Topsail Island and the surrounding communities contain enough fabulous restaurants, nightlife, home goods, and grocery stores to meet your needs all year round. For a change of pace, or for a larger selection, you are conveniently located close to additional shopping, restaurants, and entertainment in Wilmington or Jacksonville, NC. Residents and visitors can enjoy that small town feel in nearby Sneads Ferry or Holly Ridge, and then cruise into one of these larger cities for a day or an evening of entertainment, shopping and dining.
 
Topsail Island is dedicated to preserving the beach, beautifying its towns, and caring for the needs of residents. There is always something to do around here, even if you don't want to spend your time in a nearby city. You can enjoy quaint shops, pampering yourself at one of our local spas, dining in one of several local eateries, relaxing on the beach, and a myriad of water sports, including surfing, boating, fishing, jet skis and more. If you're a golfer, don't forget to check out some of our fantastic golf courses, like the North Shore Country Club in Sneads Ferry at the base of the high-rise bridge.
 

Homes On Topsail Island

Topsail Island real estate has managed to withstand the economic downturn with steady home prices. Whether you want an oceanfront, sound side, marsh front, or inland home, Topsail Island has something for you.  Many homes are used as vacation rental properties during the peak season, and they can generate a significant yearly income for their owners. 
 
 
Topsail Island offers something for everyone. Young couples enjoy the beach, the local nightlife, and the close proximity to metropolitan areas. Families find fantastic school systems, family-friendly fun, and inexpensive, comfortable living. Retirees can sit back and relax in the warm summer sun without worrying about cold winter nights. No one wants to miss out on the peace and serenity of beholding a majestic sunrise over the ocean or a spectacular sunset on the sound side of the island. Imagine doing just that every day!
 
Come and experience Topsail Island and see for yourself why so many people love it here. Don't put your dreams on hold, call Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Treasure today!
 

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TOPSAIL ISLAND

Overview for TOPSAIL ISLAND, NC

10,543 people live in TOPSAIL ISLAND, where the median age is 32.1 and the average individual income is $39,346. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

10,543

Total Population

32.1 years

Median Age

Low

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$39,346

Average individual Income

BROWSE PROPERTIES IN THE AREA

Pending
MLS® 100436267

$4,500,000

230 N Anderson Boulevard, Topsail Beach, NC 28445
4 Beds 5.5 Baths 4,886 Sq.Ft.
Active Under Contract
MLS® 100430078

$3,500,000

44 Porpoise Place, North Topsail Beach, NC 28460
9 Beds 9.5 Baths 4,830 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® 100440746

$2,900,000

16 Hunter Heath Drive, North Topsail Beach, NC 28460
3 Beds 3.5 Baths 4,358 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® 100430675

$2,750,000

39 Porpoise Place, North Topsail Beach, NC 28460
11 Beds 12 Baths 4,858 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® 100382251

$2,595,000

30 Porpoise Place, North Topsail Beach, NC 28460
5 Beds 4.5 Baths 3,062 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® 100421322

$2,499,000

748 New River Inlet Road, North Topsail Beach, NC 28460
8 Beds 8.5 Baths 4,248 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® 100437432

$2,495,000

1753 New River Inlet Road, North Topsail Beach, NC 28460
6 Beds 6 Baths 2,508 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® 100407424

$2,490,000

604 S Shore Drive, Surf City, NC 28445
5 Beds 5.5 Baths 2,869 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® 100422979

$2,450,000

106 Charlotte Avenue, Surf City, NC 28445
6 Beds 5 Baths 3,746 Sq.Ft.
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Demographics and Employment Data for TOPSAIL ISLAND, NC

Population Households Employment

TOPSAIL ISLAND has 4,755 households, with an average household size of 2.22. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in TOPSAIL ISLAND do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 10,543 people call TOPSAIL ISLAND home. The population density is 378.07 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

10,543

Total Population

Low

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

32.1

Median Age

52.83 / 47.17%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
4,755

Total Households

2.22

Average Household Size

$39,346

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Around TOPSAIL ISLAND, NC

There's plenty to do around TOPSAIL ISLAND, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

1
Car-Dependent
Walking Score
21
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Kinetic Nutrition, Davis Seafood, and Midgett & Sons Crab Company.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Kinetic Nutrition Logo
Dining 1.28 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Davis Seafood Logo
Dining · $$ 3.22 miles 19 reviews 5/5 stars
Midgett & Sons Crab Company Logo
Dining 2.94 miles 6 reviews 5/5 stars
Mason-Dixon Logo
Dining 1.27 miles 13 reviews 4.8/5 stars
Coffee Haven Logo
Dining 1.31 miles 49 reviews 4.5/5 stars
Bada Bing Original Italian Ice and Ice Cream Logo
Dining · $$ 2.56 miles 18 reviews 4.5/5 stars

Schools in TOPSAIL ISLAND, NC

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby TOPSAIL ISLAND. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating
Dixon Middle
118 Ridgefield Ave, Sneads Ferry, NC, 28460
PUBLIC
5th - 8th
3/5
Dixon Elementary
130 Betty Dixon Rd, Holly Ridge, NC, 28445
PUBLIC
PreK - 4th
4/5

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how can we help?

The Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Treasure team is a group of trusted local experts who know the area intimately and who help their clients find just the right place for a second home, investment property, or year round residence. Using our vast knowledge of the rules and regulations of living along the coast, we work diligently to educate our buyers and sellers to ensure they have the smoothest transaction possible. Other services include commercial real estate and long term rental property management. Contact us today!

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BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS TREASURE REALTY

(910) 327-4444
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SNEADS FERRY
1950 NC Highway 172 Ste R
Sneads Ferry NC 28460


SURF CITY
14061 NC Highway 50 Ste B
Surf City NC 28445


WILMINGTON
7971 Market St
Wilmington NC 28411