After more than 30 years of helping buyers and sellers along the Carolina coast, Greg Harrelson is officially expanding his reach into the Oak Island Real Estate market. For buyers coming down from the Northeast and Midwest, Oak Island has quietly become one of the most sought-after coastal destinations in North Carolina — and Greg and his team are now positioned to help those buyers find the right home, at the right price, in the right neighborhood.
Key Takeaways:
- Greg Harrelson brings 30+ years of Carolina coastal real estate experience to Oak Island, NC buyers and sellers.
- Brunswick County was the fastest-growing county in North Carolina from 2020 to 2024, with a 24% population increase driven largely by northern transplants.
- Oak Island offers 14 miles of uncrowded beaches, affordable coastal homes, and a low North Carolina state income tax of 3.99%.
- Greg's team also serves Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, Caswell Beach, and Southport.
- Specialties include second homes, investment properties, and full-time relocation purchases.
Why Oak Island Is Attracting Buyers From Up North
Oak Island has become a top relocation target for buyers leaving colder, higher-tax states like New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. The draw is simple: mild winters, genuine small-town coastal character, and home prices that still feel reasonable compared to what buyers are used to back home.
The numbers tell the story. Brunswick County was the fastest-growing county in North Carolina from April 2020 to July 2024, adding nearly 33,000 new residents and growing its population by 24%. It was also recently ranked the #1 most desirable place to relocate in a national 2025 U.S. News and World Report study. On top of that, North Carolina's state income tax dropped to 3.99% in January 2026 — another meaningful factor for retirees and remote workers comparing their options.
In my experience working with relocation buyers along this coast, the conversation almost always starts the same way: someone visited Oak Island on vacation, fell in love with the pace, and started running the math on what a second home or permanent move would actually cost. Once they compare their current property taxes and insurance to Brunswick County's numbers, the decision usually makes itself.
What Oak Island Offers That Other Beach Towns Don't
Oak Island is the largest beach community in North Carolina, stretching 14 miles along a south-facing shoreline with quiet surf and moderate tides. That south-facing orientation is one of the island's best-kept secrets — it means you can watch both sunrises and sunsets over the water depending on where you are on the island.
Unlike resort destinations built around high-rises and heavy commercial density, Oak Island has stayed true to its roots as a family-oriented beach town. You'll find more than 50 public beach access points, an extensive sidewalk system, several boat ramps, and the iconic Oak Island Lighthouse at the eastern end. The commercial district is the largest of the Brunswick Islands, which means residents have real grocery stores, restaurants, and services without having to cross the bridge.
The housing stock is a mix worth understanding:
- Oceanfront homes — traditional beach cottages and larger custom builds, often used as vacation rentals or second homes.
- Canal and waterway homes — popular with boaters who want a private dock and quick access to the Intracoastal Waterway.
- Third-row and interior homes — the most accessible price point on the island, often the best value for full-time residents.
- Condos and townhomes — a lower-maintenance option that works well for retirees and part-time owners.
The Current Oak Island Market at a Glance
The Oak Island market in early 2026 is best described as balanced — neither strongly favoring buyers nor sellers. That's actually good news for relocation buyers who want time to make a smart decision.
Recent market data from early 2026 shows Oak Island median home prices hovering in the $690,000 to $737,000 range depending on the source, with homes averaging around 60 days on the market. Inventory has tightened slightly year over year, but there's still enough selection for buyers to compare options. The sale-to-list ratio has been running just under 97%, which means well-priced homes are selling close to asking — and overpriced homes are sitting.
One thing I consistently see with coastal NC markets: buyers who try to time the market perfectly often miss the home they actually wanted. The more important decision is finding the right property in the right location — because on a barrier island, not every street, not every row, and not every elevation is equal.
Understanding The Full Brunswick County Beach Market
Oak Island is the anchor, but Greg Harrelson and his team cover the full stretch of Brunswick County's coastal towns. Each one has its own personality, and the right fit really does depend on what a buyer is looking for.
| Beach Town | Best Known For | Typical Buyer |
|---|---|---|
| Oak Island | Largest island, full commercial district, family-friendly | Full-time residents, retirees, second-home buyers |
| Holden Beach | National Geographic top family beach, quiet charm | Second-home buyers, vacation rental investors |
| Ocean Isle Beach | The "Gem of the Brunswick Islands," seven miles of beach | Families, rental investors, retirees |
| Sunset Beach | Smallest, quietest, Kindred Spirit Mailbox fame | Retirees, nature lovers, privacy seekers |
| Caswell Beach | Seclusion, the Oak Island Lighthouse, no commercial district | Buyers wanting maximum privacy |
| Southport | Historic downtown, Cape Fear River, oak-lined streets | Retirees, culture lovers, mainland buyers |
If you're weighing Oak Island against Holden Beach specifically, those are the two most common options buyers compare. Holden Beach is smaller, quieter, and almost entirely residential — you won't find a grocery store on the island itself. For buyers who want that disconnected vacation feel, Holden Beach Real Estate often wins. For buyers who want a true year-round community with more conveniences, Oak Island usually wins.
Why Greg Harrelson's Experience Matters on Oak Island
Greg Harrelson has been selling real estate along the Carolinas coast for over 30 years, with extensive experience in second homes, investment properties, and full-time relocation purchases. That matters on Oak Island for a few specific reasons.
Coastal transactions are different from inland transactions. Flood zones, elevation certificates, wind and hail insurance, short-term rental regulations, septic systems, private wells, and waterway access rules all come into play. A buyer moving down from New Jersey who's never bought in a flood zone before needs an agent who can flag those issues early — not discover them at closing.
Greg's team also understands the rental market, which is often the deciding factor for second-home buyers. Oak Island has a strong weekly summer rental market, but performance varies significantly by street, row, and amenity package. The difference between a property that pencils as an investment and one that doesn't can be as simple as the walk-to-beach distance.
Oak Island Real Estate FAQs
Is Oak Island NC a good place to buy a second home?
Yes, Oak Island is one of the best second-home markets on the Carolina coast right now. The island has a strong vacation rental demand through the summer months, reasonable entry prices compared to destinations like the Outer Banks or 30A, and a year-round community that supports property values in the off-season. Buyers from the Northeast and Midwest typically find it a noticeable upgrade in lifestyle and affordability compared to beach markets closer to home.
How does Oak Island compare to Holden Beach?
Oak Island is larger, has more amenities, and functions as a year-round community. Holden Beach is smaller, quieter, and almost entirely residential with limited commercial services on the island itself. Oak Island typically appeals to full-time residents and active retirees, while Holden Beach tends to attract buyers who want a peaceful vacation or second-home setting.
What are property taxes like in Brunswick County NC?
Property taxes in Brunswick County are significantly lower than what most buyers are used to in the Northeast. Combined with North Carolina's state income tax dropping to 3.99% in January 2026, the total tax picture is one of the biggest drivers of relocation to this part of the coast. Exact rates vary by municipality — Oak Island, Holden Beach, and unincorporated Brunswick County each have different millage rates — so it's worth running specific numbers on any home you're considering.
Can I use my Oak Island home as a vacation rental?
Yes, Oak Island permits short-term vacation rentals, and it's one of the stronger summer rental markets in coastal North Carolina. However, rental performance varies significantly by location within the island, and Oak Island does have specific registration and occupancy requirements for rental properties. Greg's team can walk you through which streets and home types tend to produce the best rental income.
How far is Oak Island from Myrtle Beach and Wilmington?
Oak Island sits almost exactly between Myrtle Beach, SC and Wilmington, NC — roughly 45 minutes to an hour from each. That location is a big part of the appeal. Residents have easy access to Wilmington International Airport, the shopping and dining of Myrtle Beach, and major medical facilities in both directions, without living in the middle of either.
Is now a good time to buy in Oak Island?
The Oak Island market in early 2026 is balanced, which means buyers have time and leverage they haven't had in several years. Inventory is adequate, price reductions are more common than they were during the peak seller's market, and well-prepared buyers can negotiate effectively. For relocation buyers with a 5-10 year horizon, the current window is a solid opportunity — especially given the ongoing population growth pressure on Brunswick County housing supply.
Ready to Explore Oak Island Real Estate?
Whether you're looking at a primary residence, a second home, or an investment property in Oak Island, Holden Beach, or anywhere else in Brunswick County, Greg Harrelson and his team are ready to help. Three decades of experience along the Carolina coast means we've seen every type of transaction, every type of coastal property, and every type of buyer situation — including the specific challenges that come with a long-distance relocation.
Reach out today to start a conversation about what you're looking for. We'll help you understand the market, narrow down the right island or neighborhood, and find the home that actually fits the life you're trying to build on the coast.
About Greg Harrelson
Greg Harrelson has been one of the top-producing real estate agents on the Carolina coast for over 30 years. With more than 15,000 homes and condos sold or partnered on throughout his career, Greg brings a level of market expertise that very few agents in the region can match. His approach combines proven marketing strategies with exceptional follow-up and communication, ensuring that every buyer and seller receives hands-on guidance from the first conversation through closing.
Greg's track record speaks for itself: over 1,100 five-star reviews on Zillow and more than 500 reviews on Google — a reflection of the consistent results and client-first service his team delivers. Whether you're buying an oceanfront home on Oak Island, a vacation property on Holden Beach, or relocating full-time from up north to Brunswick County, Greg and his team have the experience, the systems, and the reputation to help you get it done right.
