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.
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 Built On Foundation | OBX Homes With Elevator |
3 bd
2 ba
Investor opportunity in Kill Devil Hills on the Outer Banks! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath fixer upper at 102 Porthole Court is located in a highly desirable west side location near Publix, Lowe’s, shopping, dining, and everyday conveniences. Perfect for fix-and-flip investors, rental property buyers, or rehab loan purchasers looking to add value and build equity in the OBX real estate market. The home offers a spacious layout, solid potential, and strong upside in a growing coastal market. Ideal for cash buyers, renovation loans, or investment financing. Hard money and rehab loan financing contacts are available for qualified buyers, making it easier to move quickly on this investment opportunity. Bring your contractor and vision to transform this Outer Banks property into a profitable resale, rental, or personal residence. Property is being sold as-is with endless possibilities for renovation and value-add improvements.
MORE Call Agent 800-647-1868
2 bd
1 ba
SOUNDFRONT living in the gated community of Colington Harbour. This affordable 2-bedroom, 1-bath soundfront home offers sweeping sunset views of the beautiful Albemarle Sound and an unbeatable opportunity to enjoy true coastal living. Home now being renovated with major upgrades.
The open floor plan creates a bright and inviting interior, while the back deck provides the perfect vantage point for taking in breathtaking sunsets over the water. With 77 feet of bulkheaded shoreline, this property delivers both stability and stunning scenery. Ideally located just around the corner from Colington Harbour’s desirable amenities, the home offers convenience alongside its exceptional setting. PROPERTY NOW IN SUBSTANTIAL RENOVATIONS STAGE.
(Buyer Agent should list seller as) Bosco-Mahoney Survivor Trust, John James Mahoney, Trustee ALL WORK ON HOME COMPLETED AS OF 05-22-2026
MORE Call Agent 800-647-1868
3 bd
2 ba
793 sq ft
Tucked beneath the shade of sprawling live oaks in the heart of Kill Devil Hills, 1710 Sea Swept Road offers the kind of location and functionality people are searching for. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home features maple cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and beautiful hardwood floors that add warmth and character throughout the home.
Outside, the fenced backyard creates the perfect setup for dogs, kids, cookouts, or quiet evenings under the trees, while the detached shed offers additional storage for beach gear, tools, and toys.
Located in central Kill Devil Hills, this home sits just three blocks from the 3rd Street sound access, one of the locals’ favorite spots to catch an Outer Banks sunset. You’re also conveniently close to beaches, restaurants, shopping, and everything that makes life on the OBX so special.
An added bonus is the fully enclosed permitted storage area underneath the home, offering substantial opportunities for future use, expansion, workshop space, or additional functionality.
Whether you’re searching for a primary residence, second home, or investment opportunity, 1710 Sea Swept Road offers the kind of character, location, and flexibility that makes people fall in love with. This is the kind of Kill Devil Hills property that feels like home the second you pull in the driveway.
MORE Call Agent 800-647-1868
4 bd
3 ba
If you are looking for a home in like-new condition without the price tag, THIS IS IT. Located on a very nice street, convenient to everything, it is just a short walk to Bay Drive soundfront walking/biking path & sound boat ramp. Fantastic 4 bedroom home with a fenced yard this home is low maintenance and has tons of storage. Large carport with a separate enlcosed workshop or storage room. Lots of parking also! The nice sized outdoor shower is perfect after your beach day. Home is sold furnished with all brand new furniture in 2025, only the bunk bed & twin bed do not convey. Features include a spacious laundry room, Whirlpool appliances, granite counters with lots of cabinets in the kitchen. The primary bedroom feautures a large tile shower, double vanity & walk in closet.
MORE 
3 bd
1 ba
Welcome to Hipnautic — your laid-back coastal escape in the heart of Kill Devil Hills.
Spend your mornings sipping coffee in the furnished sunroom, afternoons exploring nearby beaches, shops, and local restaurants, and evenings gathered around the firepit under the salty coastal breeze. The spacious grassy yard offers room to relax, unwind, and enjoy time together after long sun-soaked beach days.
Inside, "Hipnautic" embraces the nostalgic charm of the Outer Banks with bright coastal interiors, inviting living spaces, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere designed for making memories. Turn key brand new kitchen appliances, new quartz countertops, and light coastal LVP floors. Ship lap ceilings give the home an OBX coastal vibe. This home offers the perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and OBX charm. After days of fun in the sun, rinse off using the convenient outdoor shower and then head into town to explore the local eateries. There's never a dull moment at this delightful home!
MORE Call Agent 800-647-1868
3 bd
2 ba
Step into the easygoing coastal lifestyle with this timeless beach box home, perfectly situated only three blocks from the sand. Designed for relaxation and togetherness, the open floor plan creates a bright, breezy flow from the living area to the kitchen and dining spaces—ideal for gathering after a day at the beach.
Enjoy inviting nice sized bedrooms with plenty of space for family, friends, or a mix of both. Head up to the top sun deck to soak in the coastal air, sip your morning coffee, or unwind under the evening sky. House is currently being used as 4 bedrooms but septic permit is for 3 bedrooms.
A classic screened porch extends your living space outdoors, offering a peaceful spot to read, dine, or simply relax. This home blends the charm of a traditional beach box with the comfort and functionality you want in a coastal getaway. Whether you're seeking a vacation home, an investment property, or your own slice of beach-town living, this one delivers the best of the coastal lifestyle.
MORE 
$599,000
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!
MORE Call Agent 800-647-1868
$569,000
3 bd
2 ba
Welcome to the Nags Head treehouse of your dreams! Nestled in the sought-after North Ridge neighborhood, this home offers exceptional outdoor living surrounded by natural beauty. Inside, you’ll find two spacious living areas, three bedrooms, and two bathrooms. The home also includes high-end appliances, an induction oven, well-maintained wood floors throughout, and an EV charging station.
Enjoy the outdoors year-round from the large covered and screened porch or relax on the private sun deck. Solar panels provide meaningful energy savings and long-term financial benefits. Close to Jockey's Ridge, Dowdy Park, the beach, shops, and restaurants.
The owners have thoughtfully designed the outdoor space to blend nature and creativity, creating a unique climber’s paradise unlike anything else in the area!
MORE Call Agent 800-647-1868
$801,000
4 bd
3 ba
4-bedroom, 3-bath coastal vacation home in Whalehead offering 1,758 sqft on a large X Flood Zone lot, with a new roof and LP Smart siding, private pool and hot tub. A rooftop deck captures ocean views and stands out as a prime feature for enjoying this coastal setting.
The reverse floor plan places the family room, dining, and kitchen on the upper level, creating a comfortable central gathering space. Cathedral beamed ceilings add volume, while a distinctive angled design defines the space and draws in natural light. An expansive sun deck extends off this level, offering an easy transition outdoors, while an EZ Lift dumbwaiter adds convenience for transporting groceries and luggage from the car. The upper-level bedroom, with access to a full bath, adds flexibility for guests or convenient single-level use.
The mid-level offers three additional bedrooms, including an en suite with private bath, along with a hall bath serving the remaining two. A covered deck wraps around much of this level and connects upward, providing shaded outdoor space and easy access between levels. At ground level, the private 11' x 27' pool, hot tub, and outdoor shower create a well-rounded setup for enjoying time at home after the beach.
Convenient access to the ocean is available via the Bonito Street community beach access, making it easy to enjoy Corolla’s wide beaches. Located near shops, dining, and local attractions, and just minutes from the 4x4 beaches of Carova, this well-maintained property offers a flexible multi-level layout, an ocean-view rooftop deck, and a coastal setting well suited for rental use or a vacation getaway.
MORE Call Agent 800-647-1868
3 bd
2 ba
1084 sq ft
Located at 1106 Indian Drive in Kill Devil Hills, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath single-family home offers a prime opportunity for investors or renovators seeking a value-add project in the Outer Banks. Situated on a corner lot and within walking distance, one block away, to Bay Drive. The location supports a strong future resale and rental demand.
The home is being sold AS IS and features several major upgrades already completed, including a new heat pump, new water heater, septic is rated for 4 bedroom/ 8 people, new windows, and approximately two-thirds new siding—allowing investors to focus renovation dollars where they matter most. This property is well-positioned for a fix-and-flip, long-term rental, or vacation rental renovation.
Bring your vision and capitalize on this opportunity
MORE Call Agent 800-647-1868
$849,000
4 bd
2 ba
Welcome to Laughing Gull, a classic oceanfront escape tucked away on Liberator Way in Hatteras Village. This 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath coastal home is all about the views, the breeze, and easy days by the water.
Step inside and you are greeted by beautiful wood floors and a bright, open living area filled with natural light. The sun pours through the windows and reflects off the Atlantic, creating that magical glow you only get from an oceanfront home. From the living room, step out onto the sun deck where the sound of the waves becomes the soundtrack to your day.
One of the most special spots in the house is the crow’s nest, offering truly unmatched panoramic ocean views. It is the perfect place for morning coffee, watching dolphins pass by, or catching the colors of a Hatteras Island sunrise.
After a day on the beach, rinse off in the outdoor shower and slip into the hot tub tucked beneath the home, where you can relax and listen to the surf roll in.
Located in the heart of Hatteras Village, you can hop on your golf cart and cruise down to Teach’s Lair Marina to see what the charter boats brought in for the day, grab dinner at one of the village’s waterfront restaurants, or browse the shops at The Landing. Feeling adventurous? The Hatteras Ferry Dock is just minutes away for an easy day trip to explore charming Ocracoke Island.
For those looking for an investment opportunity, Laughing Gull is already a strong short term rental with 15 weeks booked for the season, giving the next owner a great head start on rental income.
Oceanfront homes in Hatteras Village with views like this do not come along often. Do not let this one get away. Come claim your own slice of oceanfront paradise.
MORE Call Agent 800-647-1868
3 bd
3 ba
218 W Archdale St is a beautifully custom built home, offering 2,099 SqFt of living space with 3 beds, 3.5 baths, 2 BONUS rooms with a private entry IN-LAW SUITE.
The ground level features the in-law suite (Queen bed, linens, & TV convey) with a full bath. The main entrance opens up to an entry foyer with a closet storage, and an additional bonus room, currently used for guests. The second level features a large primary suite with a walk-in closet and full bath. Across the hall, there are two comfortably sized bedrooms connected by a full bath. The third level welcomes an open kitchen-to-living room floor plan with abundant natural lighting, high vaulted ceilings, a cozy gas fireplace, half bath, and oversized covered decks – ideal for indoor-outdoor enjoyment.
Exterior features include an outdoor shower, irrigated landscaping, palm trees, fenced yard, paver patio with hammock space, and a custom shed built on slab with a dual stainless-steel sink. There is ample parking for cars or a boat with the dual carport and oversized triple-paved driveway, even RV parking with a 240V/50-amp RV/EV charging outlet!
Enjoy your large covered decks, sunsets and rises from your rooftop Crow’s Nest, showcasing 360° views of the Outer Banks, with peak sound and ocean vistas.
Perfectly positioned in central KDH, ~500 ft to Hayman Park, ~0.3 miles to beach access with public parking, ~0.5 miles to the sound with multiple access points alongside Bay Drive's multi-use path for everyday biking, walking, sunsets at the gazebo, and easy access to the boat launch with onsite parking. This property was custom-built in 2005 by the original owners, lightly used as a second home, and never rented. Now, thoughtfully maintained and updated by the current (second) owners as a primary residence.
Upgrades include a NEW Fortified Roof with GAF Gold Pledge Warranty and a NEW 2-ton Trane coastal-rated HVAC (heat pump system). Multiple functional upgrades such as; updated interior fixtures and faucets, replaced exterior spigots and outdoor shower faucet with an added winterization release valve. Three new bidet toilets (septic-friendly). Additional prior upgrades include; reinforced deck steps, new stove (2023), and two short-boy water heater replacements (2021 & 2022).
The OBX Plaza is right down the street with a great Mexican restaurant (OBX Tortilleria), salon, and winery.
X Flood Zone. No HOA. High rental potential. Thoughtful upgrades. 218 W Archdale St is move-in ready for YOU this summer!
MORE Call Agent 800-647-1868