Sunset Beach | Neighborhood Guide | The McKinney Group X SERHANT.

Living in Sunset Beach, North Carolina

Sunset Beach is where timeless coastal beauty meets effortless Southern charm. Located at the southeastern tip of North Carolina’s shoreline, this peaceful barrier island offers one of the most tranquil beach experiences on the East Coast—far removed from high-rises and crowds, yet close enough to enjoy the best of the Carolinas.

With its wide, uncrowded beaches, iconic fishing pier, and legendary sunsets over Bird Island, Sunset Beach has become a haven for those seeking quiet luxury and natural serenity. It's the kind of place where morning walks on the sand, bike rides through maritime forests, and evenings on the porch are simply part of daily life.

Real estate in Sunset Beach ranges from oceanfront homes with panoramic views to tucked-away cottages and golf course communities just over the bridge. Whether you’re searching for a second home, vacation rental investment, or a full-time coastal retreat, the area offers a wide array of options that feel both elevated and grounded.

The community is tight-knit, with a deep appreciation for preservation, simplicity, and Southern hospitality. Just minutes from the shops and restaurants of Calabash and the fairways of Sea Trail and Ocean Ridge, Sunset Beach strikes a rare balance between peaceful seclusion and modern convenience. Plus, with Myrtle Beach International Airport under an hour away, it’s an accessible escape for buyers from all over the Southeast and beyond.

At The McKinney Group, we specialize in showcasing the unique lifestyle and value Sunset Beach offers. Whether buying or selling, we provide a tailored, strategic approach that matches the luxury and authenticity this coastal gem is known for.

Overview for Sunset Beach, North Carolina, NC

4,729 people live in Sunset Beach, North Carolina, where the median age is 62.8 and the average individual income is $45,460. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

4,729

Total Population

62.8 years

Median Age

Low

Population Density Population Density
This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$45,460

Average individual Income

Around Sunset Beach, North Carolina, NC

There's plenty to do around Sunset Beach, North Carolina, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

25

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including SweetcakesTbc, Sunset Slush of Sunset Beach, and Island Seafood Company.

Name	Category	Distance	Reviews	Ratings by Yelp
Visit the SweetcakesTbc page on Yelp Search 7026 Beach Dr on Google Maps	Dining	2.67 miles	31 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Sunset Slush of Sunset Beach page on Yelp Search 426 Sunset Blvd S on Google Maps	Dining · $	2.49 miles	14 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Island Seafood Company page on Yelp Search 6778 Beach Dr on Google Maps	Dining · $$	3.46 miles	44 reviews	4.9/5 stars
Visit the Calabash Garden Tea Room page on Yelp Search 10152 Beach Dr on Google Maps	Dining · $$	3.14 miles	32 reviews	4.9/5 stars
Visit the Blondiez Donuts page on Yelp Search 1159 River Rd on Google Maps	Dining	2.75 miles	7 reviews	4.9/5 stars
Visit the Island Hoppers Bicycle Products page on Yelp Search 570 Meadow Summit Dr on Google Maps	Active	2.2 miles	14 reviews	4.9/5 stars
Visit the Hi-Lites Salon page on Yelp Search 925 Seaside Rd on Google Maps	Beauty	2.11 miles	9 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Oceans Massage & Skin Care page on Yelp Search 7199 Beach Dr SW on Google Maps	Beauty	2.31 miles	8 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Jamie Hendricks, LMT page on Yelp Search 6810 Beach Dr Sw on Google Maps	Beauty	3.39 miles	10 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the SeaSide MedSpa page on Yelp Search 1557 Seaside Rd SW on Google Maps	Beauty	1.96 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Styles by the Sea page on Yelp Search 1293 Thomasboro Rd SW on Google Maps	Beauty	2.06 miles	10 reviews	4.9/5 stars
Visit the Buzzed And Clipped Barbershop page on Yelp Search 6600 Beach Dr SW on Google Maps	Beauty	3.83 miles	9 reviews	4.9/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Sunset Beach, North Carolina, NC

Population Households Employment

Sunset Beach, North Carolina has 2,407 households, with an average household size of 1.96. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Sunset Beach, North Carolina do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 4,729 people call Sunset Beach, North Carolina home. The population density is 247.46 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

4,729

Total Population

Low

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

62.8

Median Age

46.86 / 53.14%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

Less Than 9th Grade
High School Degree
Associate Degree
Bachelor Degree
Graduate Degree

2,407

Total Households

1.96

Average Household Size

$45,460

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married

Single

Divorced

Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes

15 to 29 Minutes

30 to 59 Minutes

60+ Minutes

Current Listings & Past Transactions

Portfolio

For Sale
$2,400,000

1042 New River Inlet Road, North Topsail Beach, NC 28460
- 7 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 3,950 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$1,500,000

1610 Midland Road, Southern Pines, NC 28387
- 5 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 4,100 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$998,000

3960 Island Drive, North Topsail Beach, NC 28460
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 1,859 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$730,000

2003 W Yacht Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,361 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$720,000

97 NE 19th Street, Oak Island, NC 28465
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,489 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$691,783

569 Crown Pointe Drive, Hampstead, NC 28443
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2,884 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$682,064

114 Summer Winds Place, Surf City, NC 28445
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 1,973 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$665,000

144 NE 4th Street, Oak Island, NC 28465
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,474 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$644,820

4025 Watersail Drive, 128, Wilmington, NC 28409
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2,636 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$572,500

790 New River Inlet Road, Unit 206a, North Topsail Beach, NC 28460
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,237 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$550,000

1405 S Madison Street, Whiteville, NC 28472
- 5,070 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$425,000

4173 Englishtown Road, Wallace, NC 28466
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2,310 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$366,500

126 S 13th Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 1,529 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$349,707

919 Rosie Drive, Lot 23, Sneads Ferry, NC 28460
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,783 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$315,000

227 NE 37th Street, Oak Island, NC 28465
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2,520 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$312,500

2403 Bloomsbury Court, Wilmington, NC 28411
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,126 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$275,000

242 Currituck Drive, Holly Ridge, NC 28445
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 1,650 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$267,000

302 Frisco Way Way, Holly Ridge, NC 28445
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 1,577 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$235,000

209 Cathay Road, Wilmington, NC 28412
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,080 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$150,000

5415 Park Avenue, Wilmington, NC 28403
- 3 Beds
- 1 Bath
- 730 Sq.Ft.
Leased
$1,249,000/mo

Private Address
- 4,620 Sq.Ft.
Leased

$352,000/mo

1003 Love Joy Road, Troy, NC 27371