Nags Head, NC Home Search

Nags Head

When people think of the Outer Banks in general, it has long been referred to as Nags Head even though it is but one community here.  Tourism in Nags Head began in the mid-1800s when inland farmers would bring their families and livestock to escape the heat and to enjoy the ocean breezes.  These families were ferried by boat across the Roanoke Sound to the original settlement just south of Jockey’s Ridge, the highest sand dune on the east coast.  Cedar shake homes with covered porches were built there and eventually moved to the oceanfront, where the Atlantic breezes and salt air rejuvenated then as it does now. These homes with their wrap around covered porches became known as the Unpainted Aristocracy, and they pay homage to Nags Head’s history to this day.

Nags Head Real Estate Market

Much of Nags Head’s soundside area is home to the Nature Conservancy’s Nags Head Woods Preserve, so a more limited supply of privately owned land on the west side of Highway 158 leads to higher values since there is a short supply of entry level housing.  In 2019 the average price of a home in Nags Head was $463,822 and there were 179 home sold, or 8.36% of the total market.  The volume of those transactions was just over $83 million, which represented 9.64% of overall volume market wide.

The Nags Head Community

Life in Nags Head is good!  With the beach, Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Nags Head Woods, and three fishing piers, there is ample opportunity for recreation.  Just beyond the town limits lies Pea Island, the Bodie Island Lighthouse, the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center and the newly re-built Oregon Inlet Bridge which leads to Hatteras Island. Of course, if shopping is on the agenda, there are three shopping centers, some offering locally owned and national brand outlet stores.  And when it comes to dining, the only concern is deciding where to go, as there are so many excellent options.