Wrightsville Beach Real Estate
The History at Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach, NC is a quaint 5 mile beach nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the city of Wilmington. Wrightsville Beach, NC was incorporated in 1899 as a beach resort community. Until 1935 the only land access to Wrightsville Beach was via the trolley system from downtown Wilmington. Tidewater Power Company was invested in the beach as a tourist attraction further by the development of the Hotel Tarrymore established in 1905. This was the first large upscale hotel on the beach and had 125 rooms. The hotel was later sold and named the Oceanic Hotel however unfortunately this wonderful historical site burned down in 1934. Lumina Pavilion was also built to attract visitors to the beach. This pavilion was located where the Oceanic Restaurant at the south end of the island currently is. Wrightsville Beach extends from Masons Inlet on the North and to Masonboro Inlet to the south. Shell Island was a separate island north of Wrightsville until 1965. Boaters will find Wrightsville Beach is just minutes from Masonboro Island and Figure Eight Island via the Intracoastal Water Way. Nowadays most visit the beach via the drawbridge on to the Island. Automobiles were not allowed on Wrightsville Beach until 1935. However, lucky for us locals Wrightsville Beach has remained less commercialized than many other coastal communities. Wrightsville is primarily a residential community and many families that live in Wilmington also own property at Wrightsville Beach. Of course during the spring and summer months Wrightsville Beach is flooded with tourists and vacationers wanting to experience the beautiful North Carolina Coast.
The Activities at Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach offer loads of activities for sun worshipers, shell seekers and locals. Wrightsville Beach is home to many local surfers, boaters and fisherman. Many locals can be found pumping the pavements at “The Loop” at Wrightsville Beach. The John Nesbitt Loop is 2.45 miles long and is perfect for exercising and enjoying the wonderful weather along the NC coastline. The loop trail crosses over two bridges and takes runners right through the heart of Wrightsville Beach. Many loop goers take their dogs for a nice jog or walk along with them while enjoying their exercise. The loop surrounds Wrightsville Beach Park which includes tennis, volleyball & basketball courts along with softball and soccer fields. There is also Wrightsville Beach Park playground for children with monkey bars and the like.
The Water at Wrightsville Beach
For the anglers, Wrightsville Beach offers Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier as well as great surf fishing during parts of the year. Charter boats can be found leaving from Wrightsville Beach for anyone wanting to fish on the fly or for the thrill of the hunt for Billfish. Sailboats are welcome at Wrightsville Beach with many areas accommodating for anchoring along the harbor or in a boat slip. Directly under the first bridge onto Wrightsville Beach from the mainland visitors and locals and enjoy the use of the free boat ramp. Wrightsville Beach is also home to the Carolina Yacht Club. The club was the first large structure on the island, built in 1856 and is the 2nd oldest in the country just behind New York Yacht Club. In 1954, Hurricane Hazel devastated Wrightsville Beach along with many other parts of North Carolina. The channel that once was in between Shell Island (North End of Wrightsville Beach) once was a separate Island from what we now know as Wrightsville Beach.
The Atmosphere at Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach has a cool vibe. You can find locals wearing flip-flops all year long if they choose. Stroll down to Roberts Grocery Store to grab any essentials you may have forgotten as a local or vacationer. Enjoy the basking in the sun or water sports available at Wrightsville & walking distance to the world famous Trolley Stop Hot Dog Shop. Only 4-5 miles from UNCW depending on the route Wrightsville Beach naturally has students living the life of luxury at Wrightsville year round while attending college. Whether fishing off the pier or enjoying the beach nightlife Wrightsville Beach really truly has something to offer everyone. Wrightsville Beach has an “all inclusive feel” and really satisfies the soul to live within walking distance to sea.
The Real Estate at Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach has maintained its beauty through the changes over the years. And increasingly has been a real estate investors dream. The property values at the beach have skyrocketed over the years and due to the unique nature of the Island real estate on the water is available at a premium. However anyone who spends any significant amount of time at Wrightsville understands the reason why the land and area in general is so desirable.