About
Cape Carteret is a small beach town just north of the Bogue Sound. It lies on the Intracoastal Waterway and connects via bridge to the popular Emerald Isle. Cape Carteret embodies slow-paced coastal living with its mom and pop shops, antique stores, and independently owned restaurants. Living here provides convenient access to some of the most popular Crystal Coast beaches, boating access to the sound and surrounding inlets, and abundant recreational activities at Croatan National Forest.
The area is quiet but sees a tourism surge in the summer. There is a grocery store and plenty of local shopping and dining. It is also close enough to Camp Lejeune to use base services. It doesn’t “feel” like a military town, but many military families choose to settle here for the schools and location. Cape Carteret is at the midway point between MCAS Cherry Point and Camp Lejeune.
Neighbors
The residents in Cape Carteret are a pretty equal mix of civilian and military. During the tourist season, you’ll see an influx of out-of-towners renting the vacation properties on the water. Retirees love the quiet pace and mild climate. Families like to the schools and tight-knit community vibe.
Neighborhood Feel
Cape Carteret is home to a variety of home styles to suit every budget. There are multimillion dollar, oceanfront mansions “across 24” (the road that runs the length of the beach). Further inland you can find anything from mobile homes to new, single family homes. There are several master planned communities with new construction as well as older, established subdivisions with traditional ranch-style homes and colonials.
