Located just 27 miles south of Wilmington, near the mouth of the Cape Fear River, Southport and the surrounding small communities and islands of BrunswickCounty are today becoming an increasingly attractive retirement and second home haven for families seeking year-round fishing and golf, a low cost of living and an escape from an urban atmosphere. Here, in this subtropical environment lush with huge moss-draped oak trees, miles of protected beaches and moderate climate; residential developments with marina facilities and well-manicured golf courses are springing up in every direction.
With more than 15 golf courses available in Southport and BrunswickCounty, in addition to the more than 100 daily fee courses that are only an away, including those in neighboring Myrtle Beach, one need not worry too much about finding an available tee time. Obviously, boating and sailing are important activities that attract many families to the area, as well. Every October, Southport is home to the U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament, a major saltwater fishing event that lures competitors from up and down the East Coast.
Most of the recent surge of development has taken place on the smaller barrier islands and on larger tracts outside Southport, yet, it is still the romantic and historic charm of the harbor town itself that gives the region its sense of identity and character. Travel along streets lined with 200 year old live trees, past imposing Victorian homes, some of which belonged to river pilots and ship captains, and you discover a vibrant and exciting downtown district with five blocks of antique shops, art and craft galleries, restaurants and professional offices. Also nearby is one of the best medical facilities in the area, DosherMemorialHospital. As one observer has noted, this is an area that feels like an authentic community, instead of planned communities of look-alike houses.
Even though BrunswickCounty is one of the fastest growing areas in North Carolina, it still has a population of less than 74,000, spread over hundreds of square miles and 45 miles of beaches. While most newcomers elect to find property in one of the newer planned or gated communities, many have purchased one of the attractive, restored historic cottages as a viable place to retire.
