Holden Beach has long been known as the "Family Beach." This is due not only to the friendly atmosphere, but also to zoning put in place many years ago. Our building heights max out at 35 ft, allowing for 2 story cottages with parking underneath, but no high rises and no hotels.

Our commercial district is restricted to 2 areas of the island. At the fishing pier we have a grill open for breakfast and lunch, a food market and a resortwear store with ice cream parlor above. Just east of the bridge is our other commercial district with 2 restaurants, a seafood market, candy store and mortage provider. Just enough business to make life on the island convenient. Over the bridge on the causeway are plenty of businesses designed to entertain our visitors and residents of all ages. Many are colorfull Mom-and-Pop establishments that have been in the area for generations.

Tour Holden Beach >

oceanfront
By far the most desirable location for tourists. There’s nothing like waking up to waves crashing on the shore, whether you are here for week or a lifetime. Oceanfront homes and lots start around one million dollars and many bring in $60,000 to $80,000 a year in rent, with some larger ocean front homes yielding well over $100,000 a year. There are several rental companies on the island to choose from. The management companies charge 15 - 17% commission, much less than what you may be used to in other areas.

second row
Each geographical location has it’s own charm. Second row homes enjoy filtered views of the ocean and in many cases, expansive views of the salt water marshes at approximately half the initial investment cost of oceanfront. All along Ocean Boulevard, you’ll see beach accesses dedicated to the second row, canal and dune homes. This makes the walk to the beach a quick jaunt for the second row home owner and their guest.

Second row home owners who choose to rent can expect $20,000 to $40,000 a year in rents depending on the homes ammenities with a few homes yielding as much as $60,000.
   With the installation of Holden Beach’s new sewer system, many second row homes have been able to add private pools. This significantly increases rental income and with our moderate climate, provides an added bonus for home owners in the off-season.

canal
Holden Beach has 3 sets of man-made canals, all west of the bridge. Each has a “gateway” to the Intracoastal waterway. The first set of canals is named for cities and towns of NC. They start in the 400 block close to the Holden Beach fishing Pier. In the 500 block you’ll find 4 canal streets named for shells and in the 900 block the set of canals named for fish.
   Canal homes usually have floating boat docks and many have boat lifts. Many canal streets have there own dedicated beach accesses. The view from a canal home is water, water, water. You can usually see the ocean from a second story deck and just beyond your backyard is a beautiful ribbon of water leading out to the ICW. These homes are a boat lovers dream, as you are never more than 2 minutes away from an impromptu boat ride. Canal homes start just below $500,000. About half of the canal homeowners rent out their canal homes in the peak season. These homes bring in anywhere from $5000 to $25,000 depending on location and the home’s size and amenities.

dune
Homes that are on the island and do not touch water have come to be known as dune homes. Many have spectacular views of the marshes or Intracoastal Waterway, some have filtered ocean views. Most dune homes have dedicated beach access close by. The dune homes are usually the least expensive properties on the island both in initial investment and upkeep even though they enjoy all that island living has to offer: ocean breezes, beautiful views and access to the beach.

With our recent migration from septic systems to sewer, many dune homes are now able to have a pool in their back yard, creating their own water views. With the rising prices of rentals on the ocean and second row, these dune homes are becoming popular rental homes.
   In many cases, dune homes have more of a neighborhood atmosphere. Many of the owners are permanent residents and second home owners. They get to know each other and the repeat visitors over the years and enjoy the same sense of community they enjoyed in communities “back home.” Or in our case, enjoy a sense of community we never had time for back home. From our dune home, we have a view of the ocean, the marsh and the ICW. We meet on the beach on Sundays to play bocci ball and are joined by our friends and their guest from other neighborhoods here on the beach. Move to the beach and you’ll find yourself in a more relaxed, friendly environment. Somehow, unscripted gatherings just seem to happen when you live on an island.

waterway
Properties that touch the intracoastal waterway are a special breed. The tidal marshes between the homes and the ICW are teaming with wild life. From a waterway property, you’ll watch not only the yacht parade in the spring and fall, but also natures parade of waterfoul. Herons, Ibis and Egrets grace our marshlands and teach a constant lesson of our area’s delicate ecosystem to all those who care to learn. You may see a deer peak out of the thick myrtles and gallop across the marsh. The marsh grasses turn almost chartruese in the summer. With the blue skies reflected in the marsh waters that ebb with each tide, every view is a painting begging for an artist. Many of the waterway properties have their own piers to the waterway with floating boat docks, gazebo covered decks and boat lifts. Others have the waterway view and enjoy a community dock and pier. Waterway lots start in the $600k’s. Homes start just under $1,000,000.