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Outer Banks Retirement Homes

The Outer Banks does not really have any purely retirement communities. There are areas, mostly on the westside of the big road, populated mostly with year round residents, affectionately referred to as locals. There are no communities composed of only seniors. A couple of communities tried starting out that way but they failed and then became homoginzed mix of old and young. The Outer Banks tends to attract the more active seniors who want to live in an age eclectic neighborhood. We humans tend to reflect our environment so living around younger people can have a positive effect.

Everybody has their own ideas and aspirations about how they will spend their retirement years. You have probably already spent a lot of time figuring out what you will be doing in your Golden Years. This is probably why you are here looking at retirement homes.

The Outer Banks has a lot to offer to retirees. Low taxes, low crime, great community senior centers and plenty of flat level nature for those who want to get outside and stay active.

I am not going to tell you how or what to do with your Golden Years, I am sure you already know, but I will share what years of experience have shown. The biggest commonality amongst people is the deteriorating condition of our knees. None of our knees are getting any better which brings up our first topic.

Stairs

The Outer Banks is full of stairs, and stairs, like my forehead and prostrate, seem to be getting bigger every year. Stairs are one of the major concerns shared by soon to be seniors when shopping for their retirement home. Having hospitals and such nearby is great, but having to navigate stairs during the course of your routine day can make life miserable.

Add in an extra set or 2 of stairs to get up to the kitchen and living area on the top floor, and it can become insurmountable. These types of houses are commonly referred to as 'Reverse Floor Plans' and are best suited to the more physically inclined unless they are equipped with an elevator.

One Level Living

One of the better options is to retire to a house with one level living. When the kitchen, living area and ensuite are all on the same floor.

One level living can be found on the ground floor or the 3rd floor. If the house has an elevator then every floor can be one level living. You see this a lot with the reverse floor plans which are usually located where there might possibly be a water view.

The most popular style house for retirees is the ranch style homes. The entire house is situated on one floor built close to the ground. Minimal or no stairs to get in and no stairs inside. The only downside is they tend to sprawl as the square footage starts to increase."

You won't find many homes on the Outer Banks that are built directly on the ground. Our low elevation puts most of the OBX in some type of flood zone which requires the homes to be elevated.

If the ground is 10 feet above sea level then a house can be built right on the ground. The houses below are ranchers, scroll down further for other style houses.

Elevated Ranchers

There are areas on the Outer Banks where the ground has some minor elevation. If the ground elevation is 7 feet, which is very common, then a 3 foot high masonry foundation will supply enough elevation to meet the flood insurance requirements and shorten the entrance stairs.

You can have a rambler or rancher where everything is spread out on one level except that it is built a couple of feet up off the ground. The houses below should be those on masonry foundations with minimal elevation. Scroll down further for different style homes.

OBX Beach Box Homes

The Outer Banks traditional "Beach Box" offers one level living up on pilings. You still have to climb a set of steps to get into your house but once you are inside all of your living area is on one level. If your one of the lucky ones without knee problems this could be a perfect match for you.

Outer Banks Retirement Homes
OBX Ground Level Homes OBX Ranch Style Floor Plan
OBX Homes W/Inlaw Apartment
OBX Homes With Dry/Covered Entry OBX Homes With Elevator

Dare County Senior Services

Manteo Senior Center

Hatteras Island Senior Center

Dare County Senior Games

Kill Devil Hills Senior Center

Currituck County Senior Services

$775,000
SOLD Price: $758,000
Closing Date 6/8/2026
3 bd
2 ba
Gorgeous and Affordable OBX Beach Cottage in the heart of Duck. This is the one you have been looking for! Walk or bike to all the restaurants, shopping, and events in the town park. You don't need to get back in the car! Only 6 lots back from the oceanfront; less than a 5 minute stroll to walkway over the dune to one of the most beautiful OBX beaches. Tastefully and beautifully furnished and decorated. 3 bedrooms and 2 baths; one is a primary ensuite. Bright, open living/dining and kitchen. Private screened porch extends the living area. Enjoy your breakfast and coffee while you listen to the birds. Ample size sundeck for the whole family. The lot is large and provides privacy. Owners are "hands on" and have maintained the property over the years. Fortified roof 11/22, windows replaced in 4/21; heat pump 5/17, most kitchen appliances replaced in 2/24; new septic system. Quiet, Private street with beach access.
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4 bd
2 ba
Tucked away on a quiet, hidden street in the heart of Avon, Salty Soul is the kind of coastal escape buyers dream about. More than just a beachhouse, this beautifully reimagined 4-bedroom, 2-bath retreat perfectly blends classic Hatteras Island charm with fresh, modern comfort. Fullyrenovated in 2023, the home features luxury laminate flooring, stylishly updated bathrooms, and bright, coastal-inspired living spaces designedfor relaxed, easy living. Beyond the stunning interior, what also makes this home stand out is the peace of mind it offers. Major systemupgrades have already been taken care of, including a new HVAC system in 2024, a brand-new dryer and hot water heater in 2025, and arecently updated septic system. Step outside and embrace the Outer Banks lifestyle. Take in ocean views from the spacious sundeck...perfectfor morning coffee, sunset cocktails, or simply soaking in the coastal breeze, or unwind on the screened-in porch, ideal for enjoying the outdoorsin comfort year-round. You’ll also appreciate the convenience of a hot/cold outdoor shower, a dedicated fish-cleaning station, and plenty ofstorage for all your beach and water gear. Whether you're relaxing on the deck or taking a short stroll to the beach, every detail invites you toslow down and enjoy the moment. With its ideal location, thoughtful upgrades, and effortless coastal vibe, Salty Soul is a standout opportunity,perfect as a personal getaway, investment property, or both. Your next chapter on Hatteras Island starts here.
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3 bd
2 ba
Tucked away on a private 19,000 square foot homesite in the heart of Buxton, this property offers room to spread out, mature trees, and a peaceful setting that feels worlds away while still being close to everything. If you're looking for privacy, you'll appreciate the wooded surroundings, large yard, and friendly neighborhood atmosphere. The home features a spacious covered porch, an open floor plan, three bedrooms, and two full baths. The living, dining, and kitchen areas flow together, creating a comfortable space for everyday living. Downstairs, you'll find abundant ground-level space perfect for storage, hobbies, a workshop, or keeping all your beach and fishing gear organized. While there is room for personal updates and improvements, the property offers a solid opportunity for a primary residence, employee housing, or long-term rental investment. Location is what makes this property especially appealing. Cape Hatteras Secondary School is within walking distance, and you're just minutes from Buxton's beaches, shopping, restaurants, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and everything else Hatteras Island has to offer. Finding nearly half an acre in such a convenient Buxton location is becoming increasingly difficult, making this a great opportunity for someone looking for privacy, space, and potential.
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Absolutely adorable, well maintained and lightly used ten year young home! Three bedrooms and two full bathrooms upstairs with living area/flex space and one full bathroom downstairs. This Sandy Bottom Homes gem has many upgrades including a tiled kitchen back splash, dining room chandelier, blinds, custom cabinets with soft close doors and drawers gorgeous granite countertops and beautiful hardwood floors in the main living area and tile in the baths PLUS a nice sized storage shed that coveys with the home! Located on popular Yorktown Street this well built home is a must see and comes with many furnishings. Items with a pink "dot" on them "will not" convey with the sale.
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4 bd
2 ba
Prime location in Kitty Hawk! On corner of Ride Lane and Hawks St. Walk down Hawks cross over Beach Rd to direct beach access. This is a home to be made your own. Needs a lot of TLC on the interior. Exterior woodsy yard allows for privacy! The decking needs an overhaul. Roof leak on the west end was recently patched. 6 girders were replaced. Trane HVAC replaced in 2021. Has well water.
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3 bd
1 ba
If you've been dreaming of a charming beach cottage, this could be the one. Just a short walk to the beach, this home also offers easy access to everything Avon has to offer—hop on your bike and be at local shops, restaurants, or the gym in just minutes. Inside, the flexible bonus space is currently used as a fourth bedroom, but it could easily become an art studio, yoga retreat, home office, or cozy reading nook. The spacious workshop provides plenty of room for beach gear, tools, and all your coastal adventure essentials. Whether you're looking for a vacation getaway, investment property, or full-time residence, this cottage offers the perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and beach-town charm. ***2026 FORTIFIED ROOF***
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3 bd
2 ba
Welcome to 50175 Treasure Court — a classic 3 bedroom, 2 bath canalfront getaway in the highly sought-after Brigands Bay community of Frisco! If you’ve been dreaming of easy one-level living with incredible water access and those famous Pamlico Sound sunsets… this one is calling your name. Step inside to a bright, cheerful open floor plan where the kitchen, dining, and living areas flow together effortlessly. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, plenty of cabinet space, and a center island for gathering after a day on the water. Down the hall are three comfortable bedrooms and two full baths, all lovingly maintained and ready for your personal touch. Outside is where this home truly shines. Enjoy your private boat dock, your own boat ramp, and a wide, quiet canal perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, crabbing, and heading straight out to the Pamlico Sound. Relax on the brand new decks, take in the breeze from the spacious screened porch with sound views, or spread out underneath the home where there’s tons of covered outdoor living space. You’ll also love the fenced yard, fish cleaning station, outdoor shower, and great storage for all your beach and boating gear. Brigands Bay is one of Frisco’s favorite waterfront neighborhoods — ideal for walking, biking, fishing, windsurfing, and soaking in those postcard-worthy sunsets. And when you’re ready to explore, everything Hatteras Island has to offer is close at hand. Ramp 49 is just around the corner for beach driving and shell hunting. Sandy Bay is perfect for soundside adventures. The Frisco Bathhouse is your spot for lifeguarded beach days. And you’re only minutes from local restaurants, shops, art galleries, and the Hatteras–Ocracoke ferry. Whether you’re searching for a full-time home, a weekend retreat, or a solid investment property, this Brigands Bay beauty is a keeper. Schedule your showing today — this one won’t stick around!
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?? PRICE SLASHED — $50,000 REDUCTION ?? 234 Soundside Drive | Colington Harbor, NC | NOW $649,000 Waterfront. Boat dock. Electronic lift. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths. And just dropped $50,000. This is the Outer Banks waterfront lifestyle at a price that makes sense. Colington Harbor is one of the best kept secrets on the OBX — tucked away, peaceful, and surrounded by water. Pull your boat up to your own private dock, sit on the water, and watch the sun go down. This is what people move here for. At $649,000 this won't last. Waterfront homes with a dock and lift at this price point are rare. Buyers who have been waiting for a deal on the OBX — this is it. This isn't just a canalfront home — it's a complete waterfront lifestyle package that most buyers in this price range only dream about. Tucked inside the gated boating community of Colington Harbour, 234 Soundview Drive delivers deep-water canal access, a motorized boat lift, private dock, soaring vaulted ceilings, panoramic water views, and a fully separate ground-level suite — all at a price point that makes this the smartest buy on the water right now. Let's talk about the layout — because this is where 234 Soundview separates itself. The main residence is thoughtfully designed with four spacious bedrooms and two and one half beautifully appointed baths, each serving distinct areas of the home so that no one is sharing, waiting, or compromising. The primary suite commands the entire top floor with sweeping canal views, a walk-in closet, and a spa-inspired private bath — your personal retreat above it all. The mid-level hosts three additional bedrooms, each with deck access and canal views, sharing a well-appointed full and 1/2 bath conveniently located on the same floor. Every bedroom. Every bath. Right where they need to be. Then there's the ground level — and this is where the value story gets serious. A fully separate, self-contained suite with its own private entrance sits ready for whatever you need it to be: a short-term rental generating immediate income from day one, a private guest wing for family so visits never feel crowded, a multigenerational living suite, or a game room and hang-out space for the whole crew. No tenant. No lease. No complications. Move in, decide how you want to use it, and start maximizing it immediately. Outside, the Outer Banks lifestyle kicks in at full volume. Your private dock and motorized boat lift put you on the water in minutes — Albemarle Sound, Roanoke Sound, the full network of Outer Banks waterways. Fish off the dock. Crab from the backyard. Launch a kayak or paddle board at sunrise. Come home to an outdoor shower and cold beverages on the deck while the canal mirrors the sunset back at you. This is not a description of a vacation — it's Tuesday. The open-concept kitchen anchors the main living level with hardwood floors, stainless appliances, beautiful cabinetry, and a peninsula that keeps the cook in the conversation while the canal view does the rest. The oversized two-car garage keeps the toys organized and the cars dry — a rare find in OBX coastal living. Colington Harbour delivers the full amenity package: gated 24/7 entry, marina, boat launch, three soundside beaches, saltwater pool, kiddie pool, dog park, tennis and pickleball courts, basketball, playground, pavilion, and clubhouse. All of it for one of the lowest HOA fees on the Outer Banks. Five minutes to Kill Devil Hills beaches. Zero hassle. Completely vacant and ready to close. 234 Soundview Drive isn't a compromise — it's a two-for-one on the canal.
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Wonderful Coastal Retreat in Colington Harbour This delightful single-family home, built in 1990, offers a cozy coastal lifestyle in a sought-after gated community. Inside, discover a welcoming layout with 2 bedrooms, a full bath, and light-filled living areas with a mix of wood laminate, and vinyl flooring throughout. The well-equipped kitchen includes full appliances—dishwasher, range, refrigerator, washer, dryer—ensuring move-in convenience. Climate control is handled by forced-air heat, heat pump, and central A/C (installed 2021) Outside, the wood-framed home is nestled on a beautiful lot with exterior carport parking and minimal maintenance needs. The HOA contributes to neighborhood upkeep and community appeal. This home presents excellent value, ideal for first-time buyers, vacationers, or downsizers. Whether as a warm and welcoming primary residence or a low-fuss coastal getaway, 109 Harbour View Drive is a smart, lifestyle-forward choice just a short distance from Outer Banks beaches and local amenities. New septic installed May 2026.
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$500,000
SOLD Price: $500,000
Closing Date 6/5/2026
3 bd
2 ba
Turn-Key Canal Front Living in Colington Harbour
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3 bd
2 ba
560 sq ft
Now offered at a fresh and under market value @ $659,000, this beautifully updated oceanside retreat in the heart of Kill Devil Hills delivers the ultimate Outer Banks lifestyle with strong short-term rental income already in place. Located just steps from two public beach accesses and bordered by protected National Park Service land, this property offers the rare combination of privacy, convenience, and investment potential. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, and an inviting open-concept design, the home blends classic coastal charm with thoughtful updates throughout. Recent improvements include all new top-level windows (2026) and a new top-level window trim+blind package, upgraded flooring (2024), updated lighting, insulated interior walls for enhanced comfort, solid-core doors, a newer HVAC system, and newly rebuilt rear steps and landing (2026). Downstairs, the spacious game room creates the perfect gathering space after a day at the beach, while two garages offer abundant storage for surfboards, kayaks, fishing gear, bikes, and all your OBX essentials. Outdoor living takes center stage with multiple decks, shaded lounge areas, a private hot tub, outdoor shower, and rooftop deck ideal for sunset views and stargazing over the Atlantic coastline. Whether used as a primary residence, second home, or vacation rental, this property was designed to maximize the Outer Banks experience. For investors, the property has already proven itself with nearly $46,000 in Airbnb rental income generated in 2025. Walk or bike to beaches, restaurants, shopping, and local attractions while enjoying one of the most desirable locations in Kill Devil Hills. Turnkey, stylish, and income-producing, this is an exceptional opportunity to own a high-performing beach home on the Outer Banks.
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Discover a rare opportunity to own a private retreat in the heart of Nags Head. Backing directly to the protected Nags Head Woods Preserve, 2824 S Lost Colony Drive offers exceptional privacy with direct access to nature trails leading toward the Sound. Lovingly maintained by its original owners since 1994 and never rented, this property has been used exclusively as a cherished family second home. The upper level features a bright, open-concept great room with vaulted ceilings, a spacious kitchen with abundant cabinetry and breakfast bar, dining area, and of course flow out to expansive outdoor living areas. Large sun decks and a spacious screened porch provide the perfect setting for outdoor dining, morning coffee, afternoon breezes, and peaceful views of the surrounding maritime forest. Three bedrooms are located on this level, including a private ensuite, plus a shared hall bath. One of the home's most unique features is its versatile lower level, complete with three additional flex space rooms, a large full bath with laundry, a spacious recreation room, and a full second kitchen! Whether you're seeking a multigenerational living arrangement, space for extended family or additional flexibility for your lifestyle, the dual-kitchen layout offers countless possibilities. The game room is ready for serious entertaining (Cousin Eddie and the kids may never leave ...) with a pool table, arcade game, pinball machine, darts, popcorn cart, and additional refrigerator. Outside, the property feels even larger thanks to the paper street buffer to the south and the protected preserve directly behind the home, creating a private wooded setting rarely found this close to everything Nags Head has to offer. Multiple covered and open deck spaces extend the living area outdoors, while the generous area beneath the home provides ample room for storage, entertaining, or the future addition of a hot tub. Recent improvements include a roof (2022), upper HVAC (2022), lower HVAC (2023), decking (2022), septic drainfield (2024), and water heater (2024). Located in one of the most desirable areas of Nags Head, you'll enjoy easy access to Nags Head Woods Preserve, Jockey's Ridge State Park, Dowdy Park, the YMCA, Bonnett Street beach access, local restaurants, shopping, fishing, and watersports. Enjoy the best of the Outer Banks lifestyle with beaches, sound side sunsets, nature trails, and local attractions all just minutes from your doorstep. Offering a rare combination of privacy, versatility, outdoor living, and location, 2824 S Lost Colony Drive is a unique Outer Banks property that must be seen to be appreciated.
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