With its famous boat-to-table seafood restaurants, one of North Carolina’s two state ports and a charter fishing fleet that brings the waterfront to life each afternoon, Morehead City is a true demonstrator of coastal flair. Located on the mainland in Carteret County, it is situated on the opposite bank of the Newport River from Beaufort. Its high rise bridge offers the primary gateway to the Atlantic Beach and the rest of the towns that make up the 26 mile barrier island affectionately known as the Crystal Coast.
Morehead City is an ever-growing community with the busy state port as its cornerstone, where military ships and freighters from all over the world can be seen coming and going every day. Envisioning a “great commercial city”, the town was established by a group of investors, who sought to take advantage of the deep channel of Beaufort Inlet by building a port there and then transporting goods to Goldsboro by rail. Morehead City actually celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2007, paying homage to its long history as an important shipping and fishing port in North Carolina’s history.
Since then, Morehead City has become known as the “Summer Capital by the Sea,” and has been a popular vacation destination and fishing port. In fact, during the 1880s and 1890s, several fishermen moved their houses from Shackleford Banks to Morehead City between 10th and 15th streets, thereby becoming a crucial part of the fishing industry and economy of the town.
Today, Morehead City’s rich maritime heritage is evident every where you look. The waterfront marina area offers many half-day, full-day and overnight charters, and people come from around the country to experience the top-notch fishing. With the Gulf Stream only 30 miles offshore, anglers of all ages hook a wide variety of fish and bring them to the docks after 4 p.m. Watch as the fisherman bring in catches of grouper, tuna, snapper, mackerel, mahi-mahi, and red drum then ice them down on the dock, while overlooking beautiful Sugarloaf Island.
The waterfront historic district is bustling with an exciting collection of marinas, fishing charters, tour boats, friendly faces, promenades, rich history, restaurants, antiques, art galleries, unique shops and more. Located just off Arendell Street, between 4th and 14th Streets, this area is a must-stop for any vacationer looking for a great meal, deal or adventure. Explore the many shops that feature local art, home accessories, clothing, books, collectibles, antiques, stationery, furniture, jewelry, and nautical gifts. You just may find the perfect original painting, sculpture, pottery, art glass, or handmade textile to grace your home or office with beauty long after your visit has ended.
Evidence of the fruitful fishing industry can definitely be appreciated at the dinner table, and Morehead’s waterfront has long been famous for its fine restaurants, featuring all kinds of fresh seafood and other diverse offerings. Enjoy the catch of the day at one of the waterfront eateries, or a classic southern meal in one of downtown’s historic buildings.
Besides fishing, there are several other ways to explore the beautiful coastal areas in and around Morehead City. Go to the waterfront and book a day trip to Cape Lookout, a sunset cruise along the coast, or take the ferry to Sugarloaf Island for an eco-tour excursion. If luck's with you, you may spot wild ponies galloping on Shackleford Banks and dolphins leaping just off shore. For those wishing to explore the underwater world, Morehead City’s first class dive shops invite you to discover the many colorful fish and WWII ship wrecks that lie beneath the sea.
Year round, there is always something to do in and around Morehead City. In May, check out the Beach Music Festival at the Crystal Coast Fairgrounds or the annual Quilt Show at the Crystal Coast Civic Center. May is also when the MCAS Cherry Point Air Show takes place and where spectators can watch amazing aerial feats and a wonderful fireworks display. The Crystal Coast Jamboree offers live entertainment year round for people of all ages.
In June, there’s plenty of excitement on the Morehead City waterfront as the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, now more than 50 years old, brings a week of fishing, fun and big money that consistently tops the $1 million mark. The waterfront comes alive on the 4th of July with a huge celebration that includes fireworks, a street dance afterwards. Upwards of 5000 people often attend this grand event.
In conjunction with the annual “ARTragious!” Arts Festival, Morehead City also offers an annual 3 Day Family Boating and In-Water Boat Show gala celebration on the waterfront. Every third Thursday from Memorial Day through Labor Day, there are free music concerts on the Beaufort waterfront. Free summer concerts are also held at Fort Macon State Park in Atlantic Beach.
For over 50 years, the neighboring town of Beaufort has sponsored it’s Annual Beaufort Old Homes and Gardens Tour and the accompanying antique show and sale. In the fall, Morehead City is abuzz with Ferris wheels, amusement rides, live music, games and all the seafood you can handle during the North Carolina Seafood Festival, held annually the first weekend in October.
Learn more about the region’s history at The History Place, downtown’s beloved hands-on museum capturing the life, lore and rich heritage of the Morehead City community. Ranging from Indian relics to genealogical information, the museum is a unique collection of Carteret County artifacts and a history buff’s dream.
The economy of the town is based on tourism, commercial and sport fishing, and some light industry. Carteret General Hospital serves the entire county, and is the second largest employer in the county after the school system. Higher education also plays a significant role in the economy and culture. There is Carteret County Community College as well as several marine-research facilities such as the Institute of Marine Sciences and the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries. It is also home to the Ferry Division of the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
Visit Morehead City’s official website here. For extensive, additional demographic and statistical data, including income, employment, housing and cost of living, click here.
The Morehead City real estate market consists of a varied selection of detached, single-family homes, townhomes and condos. Prices for non-waterfront, detached, single-family resale homes range from about $125,000 up to $600,000. Homes with river, canal and sound views can range from $170K – approximately $400K while more upscale waterfront homes typically range from about $500K – over $2.5 million. Non-waterfront condos/townhomes range from $115K – approximately $325K and waterfront ones range from $325K - $900K.
Carteret County's 2010 - 2011 tax rate of $.23 per $100 of assessed value is the lowest of any county in NC. The 2010-2011 Morehead City city tax rate is .22 per $100 of assessed value. There is no difference in the tax rate if the property is oceanfront vs non-oceanfront. More information can be obtained at the Carteret County Economic Development website.
As an experienced REALTOR® in the area, I am already familiar with current real estate values, taxes, utility costs, municipal services and facilities, and may be aware of local zoning changes that could affect your decision to buy. A professional REALTOR® can also help you determine how much home you can afford. Allow me to suggest ways to accrue the down payment and explain alternative financing methods. In addition to knowing the local lending market and current interest rates, contact me for information on what personal and financial data to bring with you when you apply for a loan. Whether you already know which area you are interested in or are looking for some suggestions, contact me today and we can discuss any question you might have about Emerald Isle or any of the surrounding towns!
If you're thinking of selling your home in Morehead City NC, the first thing you should ask is "How much is my home worth?" Being educated on market trends in Morehead City NC gives you the best chances of selling your home quickly and for the best price possible. Keep in mind, I also have an extremely aggressive online marketing plan that guarantees your home will be advertised on a minimum of 300 premier real estate websites such as Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia and Homes.com. Contact me today and I will be happy to give you more information about my services to sellers.
Buying a Home in Morehead City, NC?
Finding a single family home, condo, townhome, oceanfront, sound front, second home or investment property in Morehead City NC is sometimes a challenge, especially when you find the property you want and then find out the property was just sold. Get immediate information on ALL new Morehead City NC homes for sale and other property listings that match your criteria emailed daily. Click on "VIP Buyer's Program" now! As always, if you have any questions about the Morehead City North Carolina real estate market, or finding that perfect home here, please let me know!
