Getting Started
The Outer Banks is one of the fastest growing destinations in the country. Each year, people from all over the world decide to move to the area. The number of people moving to the Outer Banks, and even relocating to NC, is staggering. From beaches to high-quality locally owned restaurants, there’s many reasons why so many choose to call the Outer Banks home.
We’ve compiled the following resources to help you prepare for the move:
- The Weather
- Real Estate + Neighborhoods
- Finding a Home When You Live Out-of-State
- Rental Options
- Top Attractions
- Frequently Requested Links
The Weather
The weather on the Outer Banks is almost always great. Mild temperatures are seen throughout most of the year. During the summer, average temperatures range from the low 50s to the upper 80s. During the winter months, we’ll see the occasional snow but temperatures don’t typically dip below 40 degrees. Even during the coldest months, you’ll still find many locals out fishing or driving the beach. Another part of living on the Outer Banks is hurricane season. While OBX experiences up to 200 days of sunny weather a year, it’s important to note that the weather can be unpredictable, especially during hurricane season.
Real Estate + Neighborhoods
One of the most appealing aspects of owning a home in the Outer Banks is the bang you get for your buck. The draw to living in this area can be due to lower housing prices and vacation rental income that has recently soared. Compared to other beach towns on the East coast of the US, the Outer Banks is still relatively affordable. The cost of living in the Outer Banks can be comparable if not considerably cheaper than cities like Raleigh, Charlotte, New York, or Boston. Newcomers are flocking to the area and for good reason. From the 4-wheel drive beaches of Corolla to the southernmost areas of Nags Head, the Outer Banks has options that appeal to everyone.
Here are some of our favorite neighborhoods in the Outer Banks: Your Guide to the Best Neighborhoods in OBX.
Finding a Home When You're Out-of-State
Schedule to Visit Before Moving to the Outer Banks
If possible, schedule a time to visit the city prior to moving. This will give you a chance to get a feel for the city and check out neighborhoods. Prior to visiting, be sure to make a list of any neighborhoods and schools that you would like to tour while you’re in the area. Follow the link HERE to see crime rates and stats for different neighborhoods. View school zones and school rankings HERE.
Buying a Home
Buying a home in North Carolina is a little different than other states. Check out our Buyer Packet to see things you need to know before buying a home in North Carolina. If you would like to receive an up-to-date list of homes for sale in the Outer Banks, reach out to us HERE.
Video Tours
When you find a home you’d like to see, video tours are the best way for us to show you a home without you having to be there in person. Listing photos can often be deceiving so live video tours give you the best sense of a home. We’ll explore every nook and cranny of the home to make sure that you feel comfortable before moving forward. We also recommend using Google Maps Street View to check out the neighborhood and get a feel for commute times.
See more info on buying a home in North Carolina in our Buyer’s Packet below.
Rental Options
Short-Term Options:
If you are planning to buy a home soon after moving to the Outer Banks, we recommend renting a month to month or short-term rental to live in while you shop for homes. Resources for short-term options:
1. Airbnb – Many Airbnbs offer short to long term rental options. In most cases, Airbnbs come furnished and utilities are covered.
2. Sublet Housing – This service specializes in sublet housing and offers fully furnished homes and apartments for varying periods of time.
3. Facebook Group: ‘Outer Banks Vacation Home Rentals’ – A great spot to find independent owners to rent from in the OBX.
Yearly Rental Options:
1. Zillow– Many landlords utilize Zillow to list their rentals so many options can be found here. Zillow also makes it easy to apply at multiple places – pay $29 for unlimited applications for 30 days.
Top Attractions
There’s so much to do and so much to see in the Outer Banks! From historic sites to gardens, it’s easy to find something to do in the area.
Here’s our list of top things to do in and around the Outer Banks:
Frequently Requested Links
Here are some of our most requested links for the Outer Banks:
Have questions about moving to Outer Banks? Ask Away!
Haley Smith
Relocation Realtor