With the population booming in the 1990s, it is no surprise that the cost of real estate has escalated considerably. Since the entire region from Topsail Island to Sunset Beach hugs the shore, land is limited to an approximately 180-degree angle. Naturally, the closer a property is to the water, the higher the price. Local real estate company representatives report that as of 1997 it was very hard to find a desirable half-acre piece of land in any location for less than $60,000. Prime lots can go for as little as $150,000 and as high as $2 million in some sites on or near the water.

Prospective home or land buyers who thought the problems caused by two hurricanes in 1996 would drive down prices will discover this is not the case at all. In fact, the opposite is true. The damage has been repaired and, frankly, the upgrades have only made the beach communities more appealing.

Housing is still remarkably affordable throughout the Cape Fear region compared to some more affluent parts of the country. There is also tremendous diversity in terms of neighborhoods, housing styles, scenery and price. There are smaller, new homes for as low as $80,000; there are truly vintage homes in need of repair for even less. At the top end, one may spend well into the millions for a fine new home in an upscale neighborhood, but $175,000 to $200,000 will buy a nice home in a number of fine neighborhoods.