With rising temps and a steady stream of visitors rolling in, there’s no doubt that the Outer Banks is already buzzing with that signature summertime energy. First, a belated happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible moms out there—we hope you were celebrated and spoiled! As Memorial Day approaches, we pause to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. We are forever grateful for their courage and dedication. Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful holiday weekend. Here’s to sunny skies and smooth sailing this May!
If you needed proof that the Outer Banks remains as popular as ever, just ask anyone who tried driving through Duck over spring break. The town experienced record-breaking traffic this season, with some travelers reporting more than two-hour delays just to get north of Southern Shores. While the congestion may have tested some nerves, it sent a clear message: the OBX lifestyle continues to draw visitors in droves.
That momentum is reflected in broader travel trends as well. A new survey from AAA – The Auto Club Group – reveals that 61% of North and South Carolina residents are planning a summer getaway this year, up from 55% in 2024. Despite ongoing economic concerns, interest in travel is on the rise—and beaches are leading the way, with more than half of respondents indicating they’ll be heading to the coast.
Although the data focuses on North and South Carolina residents, it’s likely that similar trends are playing out across neighboring states, too. Either way, the outlook is bright for popular beach destinations like the Outer Banks, which stands to benefit from increased tourism in the coming months. Whether it’s the salty breeze, scenic beauty, or laid-back charm of our coastal communities, the appeal of the OBX continues to resonate with vacationers
In local real estate news, our OBAR stats for April show the following: overall inventory rose 29% year-over-year, driven primarily by a 54% increase in residential listings, while total sales declined 7% compared to April 2024. Sales were down across all categories—single-family homes, condos, and land—with residential sales dipping 6%. Median sale prices presented a mixed picture: residential values climbed 7% to $609,000, while land prices fell by 5%. Performance varied by area, with Corolla and Duck experiencing notable slowdowns, while Southern Shores and Nags Head saw encouraging gains. Days on market increased across most towns, reflecting a more cautious pace among buyers. While sales have softened, it’s important to note this occurred amid a highly volatile economic backdrop marked by tariff threats and broader market uncertainty. Although challenges remain, the recent pause in proposed tariffs with China and other nations offers a measure of optimism for improved real estate activity in the months ahead.
Let us know if you’ll be in Duck sometime soon as we’d love to see you! Heather and Mandi
