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Search By Area MapSouthport, NC
Geographic Info
A small nautical town, Southport is located just south of Wilmington and is at the mouth of the Cape Fear River. The village is rich with history and southern charm that leaves its 2,600 year round population happily engaged. Imagine wandering white sand beaches, fishing, and enjoying delectable freshly caught seafood for dinner. Favorite water sports are at your fingertips in Southport including jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, and surfing. With excellent access to the Atlantic Ocean and temperate year round weather, the salty air welcomes many vacationing families. Southport is especially popular with summer vacationers and retirees seeking easy going beaches and lots of sunshine.
The close proximity to Wilmington means residents have the best of both worlds; access to all the conveniences of a city while living in a quiet beach town that is out of reach of interstate traffic. Southport has a quaint downtown with Victorian era buildings that have been converted to shops and eateries. Meander though one of the many lush parks that feature 200 year old live oaks hanging over head. The North Carolina Maritime Museum boasts an extensive collection of memorabilia pertaining to the vast nautical history of the area. The Riverwalk runs along the riverfront and has great benches and observation decks to watch boats float by.
Price Range
From new waterfront homes to charming original cottages, Southport offers several options for housing. Most of the houses are 3 to 4 bedroom single family homes but there are some mobile homes, apartments, and townhouses of various sizes. The median house value is $296,527, which is high compared to both North Carolina and national values.
- More than $2,104,00 1%
- $1,579,001 - $2,104,000 2%
- $1,052,001 - $1,579,000 2%
- $842,001 - $1,052,000 8%
- $631,001 - $842,000 6%
- $420,001 - $631,000 13%
- $210,001 - $420,000 28%
- $105,001 - $210,000 24%
- Less than $105,000 15%
Daily Life
Southport provides the perfect lifestyle for people wishing to escape the stress and traffic of large city living without sacrificing large city conveniences. Southport's close proximity to Wilmington means residents great access to city life while living in a quiet beach town that is out of reach of interstate traffic. Locals enjoy the year round weather mild weather; it hardly ever snows. The Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River provide an endless array of activities that keep locals busy. Imagine waking up and taking early morning beach walks and kayaking through tidal estuaries. Residents take advantage to the great weather and water access and spend lots of their time golfing, fishing, and beaching.
There is a sizable population of retirees who moved to Southport looking for relaxation and quiet coastal living. At one time the only work for young people was summer restaurants and the fishing industry but now youths are relocating to Southport; many have started their own businesses.
Southport has a distinctive downtown district complete with Victorian era buildings that have been changed to banks, antique and collectible shops, restaurants, and professional offices. Walking along the waterfront allows residents to enjoying the transoceanic vessels slowly passing by.
Golf
The Southport area boasts seven of the over thirty golf courses in Brunswick County. Try your luck at the Ed Ricaboni designed The Lakes Country Club in Boiling Spring Lakes or one of three courses in St. James Plantation - The Founders, The Players, and The Members. Each of these has its own unique character that is sure to challenge golfers of every level.
Myrtle Beach is only an hour away and is home to over 120 courses of such high caliber that it has been dubbed the 'Golf Capitol of the World.' World-class golf course architects including Tom Fazio, Pete Dye, the late Robert Trent Jones Sr., and many others have designed courses. There are even courses designed by pros like John Daly, Arnold Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus.
Recreation and Sport
Southport is a great place for all water sports including jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, and surfing. Get your fishing rods out for deep sea fishing aboard modern sports fishing boats. Southport has several marinas to cater to the dock and dry lift boat enthusiasts including Deep Point Marina. Indigo Plantation Marina, and Southport Ramp and Marina.
The North Carolina Maritime Museum houses a substantial collection of the vast nautical history of Southport, the Lower Cape Fear, and southeastern North Carolina. There are guides to lead the way or take an educational self guided tour. They even have a research library and feature popular films and programs.
Wilmington's sports teams keep everyone cheering. It is home to the Wilmington Sharks, a Coastal Plain League (CPL) baseball team that was founded in 1997. Their team is made of top collegiate players who are working on tuning their skills to one-day play professional baseball. Wilmington hosts the Sea Dawgs of the Premier Basketball League (PBL), which plays in the American Basketball Association (ABA). Locals also support the University of North Carolina Wilmington Division 1 intercollegiate sports.
Wandering through Wilmington's vast historic district is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Strolling along the waterfront on the beloved Riverwalk, patrons will find antique shops, art galleries, clothing stores, cafes, and fine dining restaurants. The Battleship North Carolina is moored across the river and is open for visitors to walk her decks and learn about her WWII battles.
Festivals and Events
For over 200 years the City of Southport has celebrated our nation's independence with a huge 4th of July festival. Over 50,000 people attend this festival each year. Events include a naturalization ceremony, 5K Freedom Run, parade, Sea Notes Choral Concert, live music, fireworks, art show, and pancake breakfast. Beach Day events are not to be missed; try to win sandcastle building, surf, horseshoe, volleyball, and Shag contests. Food vendors serve everything from shrimp burgers to mouthwatering BBQ. There are whopping 100 arts and craft booths.
For over 25 years the great fall fishing around Southport has been celebrated and showcased through the U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament. This event attracts over 400 boats annually and pays 55 places in its primary prize category including a whopping $25,00 for the largest king mackerel.
The Christmas By the Sea Festival offers one of the best times of year to visit the North Carolina coast; the average temperature is 60 degrees. This festival celebrates this wonderful weather and the holiday season. There is a collection of events includes a historic home tour, lighted boat parade called flotilla, and a choral concert. The downtown stores extend their hours and invite everyone to deck the halls with local mistletoe and seashell ornaments.
Nightlife
Southport has a quiet nightlife that is perfect for enjoying a relaxing dinner enjoying beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Fear River. From fresh seafood to southern favorites, local restaurants feature delicious food to satisfy every one's tastes. Most of the restaurants are located right along the waterfront to allow patrons to gaze at the boats slowly passing by. There are a few pubs to enjoy a beer.
During June through September Southport has a free outdoor summer concert series that features a variety of live bands playing at the Garrison House. Summer also means Southport has its free outdoor film series every second Friday of each month. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, picnics, and friends to enjoy the movie.
Nearby Wilmington comes alive at night with a variety of nightclubs, pubs, theaters, and live music. Level 5 at City Stage boasts a rooftop bar and theatre that overlooks downtown Wilmington. The Liquid Room is a dance club with a lounge type atmosphere. Many people frequent the Rox Nightclub and Ibiza Nightclub to dance and have drinks. Olive or Twist features an 80's night. The Rusty Nail at Beatty's Tavern features outstanding live jazz. The Brown Coat Pub and Theatre is the perfect place to meet friends, have a beer, and watch hilarious live comedy.
Parks
There are a lot of parks in the Southport area. Take a stroll through Franklin Square Park, with its graceful and magnificent old oak trees and visit the Franklin Square Art Gallery. Starting at Whittlers Bench, the Riverwalk meanders along the riverfront and boasts benches and observation decks. Stevens Park is complete with athletic fields, nature trail, concession stand, archery range, horseshoe pits, playground, outdoor volleyball court, picnic shelter, and restroom. Other town parks include Steven's Park, Dutchman Creek Park, Waterfront Park, and the Lowe-White Memorial Park.
Across the water from Southport is Bald Head Island. With over 10,000 acres of nature preserve, there are 14 miles of stunning beaches, including Cape Fear Point, the southernmost cape in North Carolina. Look for dolphins and wander around sand dunes. 180 acres of the preserve is protected maritime forest, with miles of walking trails. Imagine strolling though an enchanting mix of cedars, live oaks, palms, and dogwoods. The tidal creek is perfect for playing in a kayak or canoe. You can even hike around the salt marsh. This area featured in the NC Birding trail. It is not uncommon to see wilson's plover, piping plover, sandwich tern, least tern, and colorful painted bunting.
Schools
Southport children will attend a school in the Brunswick County School District. There are approximately 11,500 students enrolled in the district's 16 public schools. This is an above average school district for compared to both North Carolina and the United States. They rate 37.4% higher than North Carolina school districts and 33.3% higher than US school districts. There is an average of 15 students per classroom and spend an average of $9,141 per child enrolled compared to the national average of $5,678.
History
Originally incorporated in 1792 as Smithville, Southport has always been a nautical area. In 1524 and 1526 the French and Spanish both landed on these shores exploring. The first European style ship built in the New World was crafted along the banks of the Cape Fear River. Pirates frequented the coastal beaches and inlets throughout the 18th century. The Gentleman Pirate, Stede Bonnet, was repairing his damaged ship in a nearby creek when he was captured.
In 1887 citizens changed the town's name to Southport in hopes of attracting a port. Sadly the port went to further upstream to Wilmington, but the nautical spirit is still abundant in Southport because of its excellent access to the both ocean, Cape Fear River, and Intracoastal Waterway. The historic River Pilot's Tower remains on Bay Street, providing pilot services to ocean going ships traveling the Cape Fear River.
Southport has maintained many Victorian century homes that once belonged to river pilots; many have been restored and converted into lovely antique shops and restaurants. Visit the North Carolina Maritime Museum to learn more about area history.
Neighborhoods
There is just one neighborhood in Southport, NC.
