Wondering where the town got this eerie name? Well, one of the stories states once upon a time (Colonial times) a cargo ship transporting rum wrecked upon the shores of the Kill Devil Hills beach. Scavengers scooped up any barrels they could salvage and hid them in the hills. The rum, at least the second-rate type that was being run at the time, was known as "Kill Devil" to the English, thus the area became the Kill Devil Hills.
Despite the demonic name, Kill Devil Hills, NC, is a wonderfully tranquil place filled with arresting sights, seasonal tourists and easy-going locals. Located on the eastern strip of land on the edge of North Carolina, Kill Devil Hills is one of 14 beaches located on the Outer Banks. Popular in summertime with vacationers, it's also inhabited year round by about 6,600 people. As restful as KDH seems, it's not just for folks hoping to spend a lifetime splayed out on the sand. There's plenty to do here, from enjoying high-end eateries and local fast food joints, exploring the Wright Brothers' monument to the first flight and engaging in recreational activities both indoors and out, you can be as active or inactive as the mood dictates. Getting in and out of town is easy too, whether it's to head to a different environment or just show up for work on time. Other enticing aspects include a low crime rate, moderate cost of living and mild seasons. Tired of shoveling snow out of the driveway twice a day every winter? Head to the Outer Banks and try a change of scenery.
Head to the Hills
No one has yet invented a way to make moving a completely stress-free experience, but doing your due diligence and researching all the essentials before packing up the caravan and heading east can make a world of difference. Busy? Tired? Lazy? Don't worry; here are many of the fundamental facts about Kill Devil Hills you need to know before showing up on its doorstep with a grin and a suitcase. Follow this advice, and reduce stress by at least 25 percent, guaranteed (not actually guaranteed).
Give the Devil His Due
Start by gathering all the important papers you'll need to convince someone to rent you a home or apartment. Such papers should include a photo ID -- your driver license will do fine -- some recent pay stubs boasting your appeal as a stable, rent-paying individual with the means to afford your chosen abode and a cashier's check. The last one ensures you can put down the deposit the moment you make your decision. Chances are, most housing for rent in Kill Devil Hills won't take kindly to personal checks.
Besides these bits and pieces, make sure you go over your credit report. Your future landlord will definitely order up a copy if he or she is legit, and you don't want any suspicious activity (especially if it's suspicious activity that's not your fault) to cloud your chances of living in paradise. Clear up any inconsistencies or directly account for any problems upfront.
Hunting For Houses
Far more entertaining than filing papers is eyeballing the available properties you could possibly inhabit. First off, here's hoping you like single-family homes. Detached rental homes in Kill Devil Hills are the most common option here, especially with it being such a hot area for holidays. This makes finding a place to rent in the summer especially difficult. Try and move in the off-season for the best selection, will ya? It's not all houses, though, if you want other options. Small apartment buildings and larger complexes are both common, and they have floor plans from small, studio apartments to spacious three-bedroom apartments. And, joy of joys, a fair number of these places comes with paid utilities.
There is another overriding theme to the rental market: established to newer homes. All beach shanties have a classic weathered look, but most of these bungalows are only a decade or two old. Character comes with salty sea breezes, but if you desire something shiny, metal and modern, you're looking in the wrong location.
Neighborhoods
Because Kill Devil Hills is such a charming small town, it doesn't have individualized neighborhoods as such. But there are some differences that may make one area more attractive to you than another. Here's a quick overview to steer you right.
Towards the Bay: The inland, as it were, area of Kill Devil Hills is actually set next to the Kitty Hawk Bay. The good thing about living on this side is there is more open space and fewer tourists, even in the high season. Also, many of the homes on the bay feature personal boat docks. This side is less walkable; you won't be able to flip-flop over to the local burger joint. But every decision has a compromise or two. Check out Pirate's Moor Townhomes for a pretty, private spot on the bay side, right next to The Colington Cafe.
Towards the Ocean: Take a stroll along the sandy shore every evening and listen to the waves as you fall asleep each night. The eastern ocean-side of KDH is gorgeous, but it can get incredibly crowded in the summer, especially near any hotels. There are several nearby eateries, like The Bonzer Shack or Port O'Call, and shops, even a movie theater, depending on where you plant your roots. Check out Windswept Properties for rental homes and Golden Strand Condo Rentals for, well, condos.
Living in the Kill Devil Hills
It doesn't matter if you love to run on the sand, surf the waves, enjoy fine seafood, explore an aviation museum or shop until you drop; whatever you want to do you can do here, and the whole time you do it, you'll feel like you're on vacation. Living in a holiday spot means enjoying every second of life, and that's how locals live. They're happy; they're active, and they want to be your friend. Other tips to help you get along include owning a vehicle for any off-Outer Banks visits, owning several sets of swimsuits and investing in sunblock. Keep your eyes peeled for hurricanes, but beyond that, enjoy your new home. It may be named after the devil, but it feels like heaven.
