Relocate Here

Whether you work or not, the Crystal Coast is an amazing place to live. With more than 85 miles of enticing beaches and hundreds of miles of sound and river shorelines, the area has opportunities as endless as our ocean for you to live, work and play.

Living in a vacation destination has its perks! Throughout the year, you can enjoy a variety of unique activities - from Cape Lookout National Seashore, Fort Macon State Park, the NC Aquarium and NC Maritime Museum to seasonal fesitvals and events.

You will also enjoy:

  • North Carolina’s lowest county property tax rate ($.33 per $100 valuation, 2020-21)
  • One of the state’s best-ranked school districts (second highest SAT score in NC in 2020)
  • A nationally ranked health care system with a Mayo Clinic Care Network affiliation.
  • Easy access to anywhere on the East coast via a four-lane connector (soon to be Interstate 42) connecting Carteret County with I-95, I-40 and Raleigh-Durham and the Research Triangle Region

Places to Live on the Crystal Coast

You can choose to live in a variety of locations. Carteret County has 11 municipalities and many unincorporated areas from which you can choose. From the bustling town of Morehead City to the seclusion of Harkers Island, the beach views in Emerald Isle to the South’s favorite town of Beaufort, you can find a place to call your own that fits your personality.

An amazing variety of housing is available at very affordable prices in Carteret County. You can choose to rent or purchase your home on the Crystal Coast.

From ocean-, sound- and riverfront homes and condominiums to funky cottages within walking distance to restaurants, bars and shops, the Crystal Coast has a housing option just for you. And if you want to live — literally — on the water, you can live on your boat and enjoy that lifestyle too!

Crystal Coast - Beaufort Home
Photography by Crystal Coast Tourism Development Authority
Big Rock weigh station
Photography by Marc Montocchio

What are you waiting for?

Come and be a part of the award-winning Crystal Coast!

NC Seafood Festival
Moonrakers inside