Both the town and island bearing the name Oak Island have survived multiple hurricanes only to be rebuilt stronger than before. Hurricane Hazel in 1954 did the most damage, destroying all but five buildings on the island. Severe damage was also caused by hurricanes Diane in 1984, Bertha and Fran in 1996, and Floyd in 1999. But don't fret! It's been 15 years since the last one, so residents are happy and scrappy in Oak Island as ever.
There's more than one Oak Island off the coast of North Carolina near the South Carolina state line. There's the barrier island in Brunswick County, and then there's the quaint seaside community known as Oak Island, which is partially located on the island, and partially on the mainland. Confusing? Don't worry, any resident of one of the communities--Oak Island or Caswell Beach--on the island will be happy to explain it to you. Or give you directions. Or tell you the best place to get fresh seafood. Or tell you why living there is miles better than living in the"big cities" of Wilmington, North Carolina, or Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. You might not even have to ask. Locals are so friendly, they'll probably just start offering up information as soon as you sit down at the diner, coffee shop or while strolling on the beach. The town of Oak Island was formed by joining the two communities of Long Beach and Yaupon Beach in 1999. While the year-round population is a cozy 6,783 according to the 2010 census, the summer population typically balloons to about 50,000. Not bad for a stretch of beach 10 miles long and about a mile wide.
Moving to Oak Island
It's the largest beach community in North Carolina. Oak Island is considered part of the Myrtle Beach, SC metropolitan area, although you're still in North Carolina. From the mainland, there are only two ways to reach Oak Island via car. One bridge is located on the western side of the island in the center of the town of Oak Island, and one is on the eastern side of the island that will bring you in where the town borders Caswell Beach. When moving, especially if your move coincides with the tourist season--which is April through October, keep this in mind, as it could take a bit longer to cross either bridge if it's crowded with vacationers trying to reach the beach.
Apartment Communities
A true apartment complex doesn't really exist here. Instead, owners rent out their vacation condos or homes on a monthly or seasonal basis. Longer yearly leases can be found, but aren't nearly as common. The good thing about this system is that it makes finding furnished apartments in Oak Island relatively easy. Like elsewhere on the island, homes are built on stilts here and all homes, even older ones, have been built or retrofitted to withstand high winds and rain. Finding a home for rent should be easier.
Neighborhoods in Oak Island
At just 10 miles long, the community of Oak Island takes up most of the island and some of the mainland. Crossing the bridge at the northern end of the island, everything from the bridge south is considered the town of Oak Island (along with the developed area just before crossing this bridge). The town is usually divided up by the different terrain each area offers.
Mainland Oak Island: It shouldn't be surprising that the town is spread between the mainland and the island, since there wasn't even an island until the Intracoastal Waterway was created. The mainland part of the town was the first developed area with a marina, the Cape Fear Regional Jetport and Dosher Medical Plaza. Overlooking where Dutchman Creek and the waterway meet are two popular restaurants--Joseph's Italian Bistro, and the Dead End Saloon and Fish Factory. Dutchman Creek Park is a great place for a picnic, while Bill Smith Park has ball fields and a disc golf course.
Wooded Oak Island: Covering the town lengthwise from the ICW to Oak Island Drive, the wooded section of town does indeed have plenty of lush trees and scenic green areas throughout. In addition to rental homes in this area, the wooded section close to the bridge is home to the Oak Island Medical Center, Chaser's and Rumors bars, and Sunset Slush Italian Ice. The further you head west, the more residential the neighborhood becomes.
Beachside Oak Island: Covering the length of the town from Oak Island Dr. south to the beach is the beachside neighborhood. Plenty of public beach access will get you to the beach quickly, even if your rental isn't beachfront. Fish off of Ocean Crest Pier, eat at East Beach Diner, or shop at the Beach Pantry after your day at the beach. The Fish House Restaurant on the western tip of the island has great views of both the ocean and ICW.
Top Apartment Complexes
The Preserve: A rental condo complex on the mainland, which has one, two and three bedroom floor plans. The 2 bedroom apartment for rent comes with a separate office area, which is great for someone who works from home. While most of the residents at The Preserve own their condos, some do rent them out. You'll be close to the local airport, marina and medical plaza here on the mainland.
Dutchman Creek Villas: In the wooded Oak Island neighborhood are two bedroom apartments located along the Intracoastal Waterway. With water views, boat slips, two pools and a clubhouse, you might not mind the roughly 10-block walk to the beach.
Ocean Walk Condominiums: Closer to the beach, just south of Oak Island Drive these condos aren't oceanfront, but are within walking distance as their name suggests. Again, most of these are owned condos, but some can be rented out on a yearly basis.
Living in Oak Island
With two piers, 65 public beach accesses, two marinas, recreational trails and plenty of parks, Oak Island certainly doesn't lack recreational options! The Beach Cabana on 46th Street is a great public beach access, as it has restrooms and an outdoor shower. Seasoned surfers will be disappointed in the waves here, which tend to stay either nonexistent or hardly moving. Those who enjoy swimming in the ocean, and especially young children just getting acclimated to the open waters, will love how inviting and calm the warm Atlantic Ocean is. Jump in a canoe or kayak and explore Dutchman Creek, or head to the eastern point of the island to tour the Oak Island Lighthouse. Its distinctive black, gray and white striped tower can't be missed.
