Topsail Beach offers a little slice of island paradise; while at the same time is more than just beaches filled with tourists. In fact, the area is historically known and named for the pirates who used to lurk in the surrounding waters and channel two to three hundred years ago. Even as recently as the 1940s, Topsail Island was accessible only by boat. Luckily, the government constructed an infrastructure there during World War II with the intention of using the island as part of the rocket construction process. These rockets might have been intended for the space program, or ultimately, missiles, and many interesting remnants of this military endeavor still stand and are visible on various parts of the island.
Today, Topsail Beach is home to a few hundred residents, and during peak times of the year, that population skyrockets as tourists travel in to enjoy the beauty and isolation of the island. The local government has zoning laws that help maintain the beauty and the traditional look of the island; for example, high rise hotels and structures are not permitted to be erected in the township. This keeps the views of the coastal landscape clean and free of man-made clutter. In fact, most of Topsail beach is covered in beachfront homes and condos. On the western side of the island, facing the channel, nearly every single property has a dock for your boat, as one of the biggest draws of the island is its accessibility to the ocean. Topsail Beach condos are often used strictly as a seasonal getaway, but there are plenty advantages to living there year round. North Carolina has mild winters, especially when compared to Northern states, and the location on the water can have a moderating effect on air temperature.
The island is isolated, and since the roadways do not service through traffic, should offer light traffic and a quiet, peaceful life when tourism is out of season. Should you need access to the mainland, it is only a short drive to cross the bridge and have all the shops and services of the area at your immediate disposal. If the life that Topsail Beach offers sounds appealing, several real estate agents operate in the Topsail area. They would love to assist you with locating any manner of housing, whether you intend to rent, lease or purchase. If you visit for just a few weeks or choose to stay year round, Topsail Beach offers a unique, relaxed living experience.