Search Bald Head Island Area Homes
Search By Area MapBald Head Island, NC
Geographic Features
Bald Head Island, also known as Smith Island, is two miles off the Cape Fear River on the coast of North Carolina. It is the farthest south of North Carolina’s cape islands and is the most northern point on the coast that sabal palms grow.
Taking the 20-minute passenger ferry to this island will brings you to a stunning slow paced community without the stresses of everyday life. Transportation on Bald Head Island is limited to golf carts, bikes, and flip flops. This truly shapes the relaxed and quiet feeling of the island.
Among Bald Head Island’s 12,000 acres, you will discover over 10,000 acres of untouched natural habitat. Imagine pristine acres of white sand beach, green marsh, and preserved maritime forest.
Mild weather and striking natural scenery make Bald Head Island a beloved local that has retained a quiet atmosphere perfect for enjoying the landscape. At high tide paddle a kayak through the estuary waters and look for local wildlife. Walk along the beach looking for shells and watch the sun rise and set over the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy the superb fishing or explore Old Baldy, the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina.
Price Range
There are 600 housing units on Bald Head Island and have a median price of $791,600. There is only real estate company located on the island, The Island Agency.
Area History and Culture
Bald Head Island’s relaxed community was once ruled by pirates and has even played a part in two American wars. During the 17th and 18th century the town village was a refuge and base for notorious pirates like Edward Teach (aka Blackbeard) and Stede Bonnet. Bonnet terrorized the Carolina and Virginia coasts aboard his ship the Revenge with 10 guns and 70 men.
Bald Head Island earned it name from early river pilots who used the "bald" headland as a reference point for entering the Cape Fear River.
The most revered area landmark, Old Baldy Lighthouse was built in 1817 to direct mariners up the river. It was the second of three lighthouses built on the island but is the only one still remaining. Old Baldy has continued to be the islands highest structure with its 108 steps.
Bald Head Island was home to the U.S. Lifesaving Service in the 18th and 19th centuries. They were predecessors to the Coast Guard and had building and ships on the southeastern shore.
During the American Revolution, Bald Head Island was home to England’s Fort George. In the Civil War the same area served as the confederate base Fort Holmes. They used it for shipping and smuggling goods.
Despite mild changes shifts in sand and sea, Bald Head Island remains much as it was centuries ago. It still serves as a home for those seeking rejuvenation in a beautiful, natural setting.
Daily Life
With only 170 full season residents, Bald Head Island offers a quaint seashore community. There is a large influx of tourists that make this area significantly more populated in the summer months. There is also a much higher cost of living on the island. Compared to the rest of the country, Bald Head Island's cost of living is 15.60% higher than the U.S average. Even with the higher cost of living daily life on the island has significant compensations, such as no car traffic at all and year round mild weather.
Locals take advantage of the great weather and play lots of golf, tennis, and hike among the 10,000 acres of beautiful preserved marsh, forest, and beach. The Atlantic makes regular fishing excursions, surfing, kayaking, and boating all at your fingertips. Imagine strolling along white sandy beaches to watch the sun set or simply relaxing on a porch watching the world roll by.
Golf
Bald Head Island features the Bald Head Island Club's championship links, recognized as one of North Carolina's most spectacular courses. This course has been awarded 4.5 stars from Golf Digest's Places to Play. It has a slope rating of 139 and course rating of 74.3, putting it in the top 20 percent of courses in difficulty. Every golfer will enjoy its spellbinding course design. George Cobb, who was a 20 year Augusta National lead consultant, created this course to work with the unparalleled wild beauty. This 18-hole seaside golf course winds its way around lagoons, along the ocean, around dunes, and through a maritime forest. Much of the course is bordered by the natural habitats of herons, egrets, foxes and even alligators.
Recreation and Sports
The slow pace of Bald Head Island makes recreation here a treat. The beaches are beloved for swimming, surfing, kayaking, beach combing, and soaking up the sunshine. The miles of ocean also make this a fishing and boating paradise. Its three marinas have all the amenities needed. They are Deep Point Marina, Bald Head Island Marina, and Indigo Plantation Marina.
The 10,000 acres of nature preserve provide a seemingly endless area to explore. Walk among live oaks, dogwood, and palms in the maritime forest. The miles of paths are part of the NC Birding trail where you can spy plover, painted buntings, and tern. The marshes are perfect for paddling or walking among the wildlife.
Old Baldy Lighthouse is North Carolina’s oldest remaining lighthouse. The 90 foot brick structure was built in 1817 and helped guide ships saftly into the mouth of the Cape Fear River till 1935. Only 100 steps and a wooden ladder take you to the top where you have stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Fear River, and the island. The Old Baldy Lighthouse grounds are also home to the Smith Island Museum of History. Located in the 1850’s lighthouse keeper’s cottage, the museum features period house wares and many historic artifacts. Proceeds from the gift shop benefit the Old Baldy Foundation.
Night Life
Bald Head Island has a quiet nightlife that is perfect for enjoying a relaxing dinner enjoying sweeping views of the ocean and river. Restaurants serve an array of food to satisfy every hunger. Bald Head Island Club is situated with full view of the Atlantic Ocean and overlooks their golf course. Its wide verandah creates a relaxing atmosphere that can be used for events. Eb and Flo’s Steam Bat has a great deck that overlooks the marina. Shoals Club Dining features casual dining that overlooks Cape Fear Point. It takes its name from the sandy “Frying Pan Shoals” that extend 20 miles from the cape.
Festivals and Events
Each labor day, Bald Head Island hosts the Beach Music Extravaganza. This fun event features three days of live beach music and shagging, the official dance of North Carolina. If dancing with family and friends makes you hungry then worry not because the party has lots of delicious food and drinks to entice you.
In 2010 Bald Head Island held the first annual North Carolina Wine and Food Weekend. This festival highlights local cuisine and beverages. The first night of the festivities is “N.C. Uncorked”, a celebration and tasting of award-winning North Carolina wines. The weekend progresses with a local produce open air market, a grand tasting of the fresh from the docks seafood, and a scavenger style food and wine race. Sunday morning has a sparkling wine brunch with fresh seafood.
The town also celebrates traditional American holidays with small local events for Halloween, 4th of July, Christmas, and Easter.
Parks
Over 10,000 acres of Bald Head Island have been deemed nature preserve. There are 14 miles of stunning beaches, including Cape Fear Point, the southernmost cape in North Carolina. Here you can 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. The Bald Head Island Conservancy has fun educational programs about the local flora and fauna.
Bald head island has three marinas including: Deep Point Marina, Bald Head Island Marina, and Indigo Plantation Marina.
Schools
There are no public schools on Bald Head Island but students would 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.
Neighborhoods
There are three developments on Bald Head Island that create the feeling of different neighborhoods. Cape Fear Station is along the beach and overlooks the salt marsh or the maritime forest. The Hammocks are fractional-ownership homes near the golf course which include memberships in three island clubs. Harbor Village is designed as a traditional seafaring community. Cedar-clad homes border the island's 10-acre marina.
Geographic Features
Bald Head Island, also known as Smith Island, is two miles off the Cape Fear River on the coast of North Carolina. It is the farthest south of North Carolina’s cape islands and is the most northern point on the coast that sabal palms grow.
Taking the 20-minute passenger ferry to this island will brings you to a stunning slow paced community without the stresses of everyday life. Transportation on Bald Head Island is limited to golf carts, bikes, and flip flops. This truly shapes the relaxed and quiet feeling of the island.
Among Bald Head Island’s 12,000 acres, you will discover over 10,000 acres of untouched natural habitat. Imagine pristine acres of white sand beach, green marsh, and preserved maritime forest.
Mild weather and striking natural scenery make Bald Head Island a beloved local that has retained a quiet atmosphere perfect for enjoying the landscape. At high tide paddle a kayak through the estuary waters and look for local wildlife. Walk along the beach looking for shells and watch the sun rise and set over the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy the superb fishing or explore Old Baldy, the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina.
Price Range
There are 600 housing units on Bald Head Island and have a median price of $791,600. There is only real estate company located on the island, The Island Agency.
Area History and Culture
Bald Head Island’s relaxed community was once ruled by pirates and has even played a part in two American wars. During the 17th and 18th century the town village was a refuge and base for notorious pirates like Edward Teach (aka Blackbeard) and Stede Bonnet. Bonnet terrorized the Carolina and Virginia coasts aboard his ship the Revenge with 10 guns and 70 men.
Bald Head Island earned it name from early river pilots who used the "bald" headland as a reference point for entering the Cape Fear River.
The most revered area landmark, Old Baldy Lighthouse was built in 1817 to direct mariners up the river. It was the second of three lighthouses built on the island but is the only one still remaining. Old Baldy has continued to be the islands highest structure with its 108 steps.
Bald Head Island was home to the U.S. Lifesaving Service in the 18th and 19th centuries. They were predecessors to the Coast Guard and had building and ships on the southeastern shore.
During the American Revolution, Bald Head Island was home to England’s Fort George. In the Civil War the same area served as the confederate base Fort Holmes. They used it for shipping and smuggling goods.
Despite mild changes shifts in sand and sea, Bald Head Island remains much as it was centuries ago. It still serves as a home for those seeking rejuvenation in a beautiful, natural setting.
Daily Life
With only 170 full season residents, Bald Head Island offers a quaint seashore community. There is a large influx of tourists that make this area significantly more populated in the summer months. There is also a much higher cost of living on the island. Compared to the rest of the country, Bald Head Island's cost of living is 15.60% higher than the U.S average. Even with the higher cost of living daily life on the island has significant compensations, such as no car traffic at all and year round mild weather.
Locals take advantage of the great weather and play lots of golf, tennis, and hike among the 10,000 acres of beautiful preserved marsh, forest, and beach. The Atlantic makes regular fishing excursions, surfing, kayaking, and boating all at your fingertips. Imagine strolling along white sandy beaches to watch the sun set or simply relaxing on a porch watching the world roll by.
Golf
Bald Head Island features the Bald Head Island Club's championship links, recognized as one of North Carolina's most spectacular courses. This course has been awarded 4.5 stars from Golf Digest's Places to Play. It has a slope rating of 139 and course rating of 74.3, putting it in the top 20 percent of courses in difficulty. Every golfer will enjoy its spellbinding course design. George Cobb, who was a 20 year Augusta National lead consultant, created this course to work with the unparalleled wild beauty. This 18-hole seaside golf course winds its way around lagoons, along the ocean, around dunes, and through a maritime forest. Much of the course is bordered by the natural habitats of herons, egrets, foxes and even alligators.
Recreation and Sports
The slow pace of Bald Head Island makes recreation here a treat. The beaches are beloved for swimming, surfing, kayaking, beach combing, and soaking up the sunshine. The miles of ocean also make this a fishing and boating paradise. Its three marinas have all the amenities needed. They are Deep Point Marina, Bald Head Island Marina, and Indigo Plantation Marina.
The 10,000 acres of nature preserve provide a seemingly endless area to explore. Walk among live oaks, dogwood, and palms in the maritime forest. The miles of paths are part of the NC Birding trail where you can spy plover, painted buntings, and tern. The marshes are perfect for paddling or walking among the wildlife.
Old Baldy Lighthouse is North Carolina’s oldest remaining lighthouse. The 90 foot brick structure was built in 1817 and helped guide ships saftly into the mouth of the Cape Fear River till 1935. Only 100 steps and a wooden ladder take you to the top where you have stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Fear River, and the island. The Old Baldy Lighthouse grounds are also home to the Smith Island Museum of History. Located in the 1850’s lighthouse keeper’s cottage, the museum features period house wares and many historic artifacts. Proceeds from the gift shop benefit the Old Baldy Foundation.
Night Life
Bald Head Island has a quiet nightlife that is perfect for enjoying a relaxing dinner enjoying sweeping views of the ocean and river. Restaurants serve an array of food to satisfy every hunger. Bald Head Island Club is situated with full view of the Atlantic Ocean and overlooks their golf course. Its wide verandah creates a relaxing atmosphere that can be used for events. Eb and Flo’s Steam Bat has a great deck that overlooks the marina. Shoals Club Dining features casual dining that overlooks Cape Fear Point. It takes its name from the sandy “Frying Pan Shoals” that extend 20 miles from the cape.
Festivals and Events
Each labor day, Bald Head Island hosts the Beach Music Extravaganza. This fun event features three days of live beach music and shagging, the official dance of North Carolina. If dancing with family and friends makes you hungry then worry not because the party has lots of delicious food and drinks to entice you.
In 2010 Bald Head Island held the first annual North Carolina Wine and Food Weekend. This festival highlights local cuisine and beverages. The first night of the festivities is “N.C. Uncorked”, a celebration and tasting of award-winning North Carolina wines. The weekend progresses with a local produce open air market, a grand tasting of the fresh from the docks seafood, and a scavenger style food and wine race. Sunday morning has a sparkling wine brunch with fresh seafood.
The town also celebrates traditional American holidays with small local events for Halloween, 4th of July, Christmas, and Easter.
Parks
Over 10,000 acres of Bald Head Island have been deemed nature preserve. There are 14 miles of stunning beaches, including Cape Fear Point, the southernmost cape in North Carolina. Here you can 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. The Bald Head Island Conservancy has fun educational programs about the local flora and fauna.
Bald head island has three marinas including: Deep Point Marina, Bald Head Island Marina, and Indigo Plantation Marina.
Schools
There are no public schools on Bald Head Island but students would 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.
Neighborhoods
There are three developments on Bald Head Island that create the feeling of different neighborhoods. Cape Fear Station is along the beach and overlooks the salt marsh or the maritime forest. The Hammocks are fractional-ownership homes near the golf course which include memberships in three island clubs. Harbor Village is designed as a traditional seafaring community. Cedar-clad homes border the island's 10-acre marina.
