Overview of the Carova Real Estate Market Outer Banks NC Homes
If you’re thinking of heading to Carova to kickstart your 2016 getaways, keep in mind that there aren’t any hotels or motels for you and your family to stay in. As one of the last unspoiled lands in the country with miles long stretch of beaches, what you have are Outer Banks NC homes for sale which you can buy or rent for your stay. Choose from a wide array of properties such as contemporary vacation rental homes on the beaches of the Currituck Outer Banks or tranquil soundside cottages located near the National Wildlife Refuge. Whatever property you choose, you’re sure to enjoy the much-needed peaceful and private vacation away from the loud and busy city.
Carova Real Estate Market
With house prices starting from the $170K range, properties in Carova are some of the most affordable OBX NC homes for sale. On the Northern beaches, you can buy 2 to 3 bedroom soundside cottages built during the 80’s and 90’s. The location of these homes make it easy for homeowners or renters to walk or take a short drive to get to the oceanfront.
Meanwhile, on the other side of Carova, buyers looking for spacious oceanfront properties with 8 to 10 bedrooms will enjoy searching through all the available listings. Spread out along Sandfiddler Road, these properties go for sale around $900K and above. As investments, these properties are a good choice because they are more profitable as vacation rental homes compared to the smaller cottages along the Northern beaches.
However, if you’re looking for a lot for sale, there are some soundside lots with prices that begin from $20K. These are the most affordable lots typically around 0.33 acres in size and located in the 4WD communities that are a short walk or drive away from the beach. On the other hand, oceanfront lots go for $300K+ with sizes of around a full acre and more.
Tips for Buying Carova Beach Outer Banks NC Homes
If you think you’re ready to invest in a property at Carova Beach, then here are some Realtor® tips to keep in mind:
- Start your search for Carova beach properties online. There are a lot of local property management services with websites that offer a comprehensive Outer Banks MLS (Multiple Listing Service) search engine or you can just go to http://CarovaMLS.com.
- There are usually no association fees or dues for properties in the 4-wheel-drive area or in the residential communities of Seagull, North Swan Beach, Carova Beach, Swan Beach, Penny’s Hill, and Wild Horse Estates.
- If possible, get in touch with an experienced local REALTOR® to help you with the home search. He or she can give you a comprehensive market analysis which can let you know what the right price offer for the home is. Best real estate agents on the Outer Banks NC will also help connect you with home inspectors, mortgage companies, appraisers, and more services you need to purchase a property in Carova.
Whether you and your family are looking for a home, a vacation rental, or a lot for sale, Carova offers you the best in contemporary living while surrounded by the beauty of Mother Nature. Bask in the quiet privacy of your own home and head over to Carova Beach community and find your dream home. Visit http://OBXLifestyles.com today!
Affordable unspoiled land with picturesque ocean views - there are not many areas in the country where you can bask in the quiet privacy a beach property in Carova brings. Schedule a viewing of an awesome beach house today by calling me, Jean-Paul Peron, at 252-564-9390.
12 Must-Read Rules and Regulations for Carova on the Outer Banks NC
Endless list of activities abound if you’re headed off to Carova, ready to rent or buy your very own Outer Banks NC home for sale. However, much like any scenic destination, both residents and visitors to the area are guided by the different rules and regulations that help preserve the beauty of Carova’s Beaches. Read them below:
ATVs - Permits for ATVs traversing along 4WD beaches are available only to Currituck County property owners. These permits can be acquired from the Currituck County satellite government office in Corolla, located at 1123 Ocean Trail.
Alcohol - As per North Carolina state law, alcohol in open containers is illegal in a vehicle’s passenger areas however, alcohol is permitted on the beaches at Carova.
Beach Weddings - Because of the picturesque beauty of the place, Carova is a popular beach wedding destination. Check with your local vacation rental company for the rules and regulations of a specific property regarding holding beach weddings and parties.
Beach-Goer Regulations - Set chairs, umbrellas, volleyball nets, and other beach equipment well below the sandy tracks and just above the low tide line. 50ft off the duneline & 50 ft off the shoreline is reserved for vehicle traffic. The sandy tracks are part of the NC State Road and beachgoers are strictly forbidden from setting their beach equipment in that area.
Camping - While there are a number of campgrounds in mainland Currituck County (on the western side of the Currituck Sound), camping is strictly not allowed on any spot along the 11-mile stretch of the Carova shoreline.
Fires - Bonfires are strictly prohibited along the 4WD area beaches or the Carova dune line. However, grills or any other type of “contained” fire is allowed.
Fishing - An activity enjoyed by locals living in OBX NC homes for sale, fishing is allowed all throughout the ocean-facing beaches on the Currituck Outer Banks as well as in the Currituck Sound. However, fishing in the Currituck Sound requires you to obtain a freshwater license. Meanwhile, for anglers over the age of 16, a saltwater fishing license is required. Check with a local tackle shop in Corolla for more details on how to get the right license.
Fireworks - Exploding fireworks, spinning fireworks, and self-propelled fireworks are illegal in North Carolina. This law is strictly enforced because of the dry beach grass in the area as well as the wild horse population which can easily be spooked.
Glass Bottles - These are allowed on the Carova shoreline but much like all properties, visitors are requested to dispose all of their trash properly. There are no public trash cans along the 4-wheel drive beaches, so be prepared to bring your trash back with you.
Lifeguards - There are no beaches with lifeguard stations in Carova but there are beaches in neighboring Corolla with lifeguard stations. Currituck County does have “ocean rescue” patrolling the beaches on ATVs during the summer months.
Surfing - Because there aren’t any lifeguard stations and the red flags that signal dangerous surf conditions are spaced about a ½ mile apart, surfers are asked to be careful when choosing to ride a wave. Surfing is allowed in any area and surfers can freely navigate the 11-mile stretch of beach to find the best break.
Wild Horses - Most of the best real estate agents on the Outer Banks NC consider the famed Corolla Wild Horses as one of the best parts of living in Carova. These horses freely roam the sandy dunes and both visitors and locals are advised to follow certain rules and guidelines: (1) Do not feed or leave food out for the wild horses, (2) Respect the 50 feet boundary set by Currituck County for anyone who wants to admire and take photos of the wild horses, and (3) If a violation of these is spotted, immediately contact the Currituck Sheriff's Office at (252) 453-8204.
Affordable unspoiled land with picturesque ocean views - there are not many areas in the country where you can bask in the quiet privacy a beach property in Carova brings. Schedule a viewing of an awesome beach house today by calling me, Jean-Paul Peron, at 252-564-9390.
What to Do and Where to Stay When Visiting Carova in Outer Banks NC
If you’re planning to escape the busy streets and glaring city lights and going on a fun adventurous trip with your loved ones, here are some helpful tips you need to keep in mind to make your Carova Beach trip memorable.
What to Do in Carova Beach
Partly due to the limited development in the Carova Beach communities, residents of the Outer Banks as well as tourists and visitors are offered a unique chance to explore the great outdoors and enjoy the scenic sights these communities have to offer. From swimming to kayaking to hiking and more, make the most out of your visit by enjoying any or all of the following activities with family and friends.
1. Hike the wild terrain of Currituck National Wildlife Refuge.
2. Enjoy the view of the Currituck Sound by biking the sandy path through the Currituck Banks National Estuarine Preserve.
3. Head to the elevated boardwalk within the Currituck Banks National Estuarine Preserve and watch as thousand of birds migrate to the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge.
4. Book a 4 wheel drive tour from local organizations and businesses so you can spot the famed Corolla Wild Horses grazing around the dunes.
5. Visit the Corolla Wild Horse Fund Museum or the Whalehead Club in Corolla or the small museum surrounding the famous Currituck Beach Lighthouse for an art, history, and culture tour.
6. Enjoy watersports such as windsurfing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, surfing, and fishing on any of the gorgeous beaches in the area.
7. Play a round of golf at any of the nearby golf courses which are an hour or less away such as the Sea Scape Golf Links in Kitty Hawk or the Holly Ridge Golf Course or the Point Golf Club, and more.
8. Go fishing at any of the Carova beaches. Just make sure to get a fishing license at a local store in the area. For more information on license fees and requirements, simply visit the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s website - http://www.ncwildlife.org.
This is definitely not a definitive list of things you can do while you live in any of the homes for sale on OBX NC or if you’re on vacation for a short period of time. However, it would be fun to try to experience any or all of these when you’re in the area.
Where to Stay
Renowned for miles upon miles of privacy, Carova does not offer tourists or guests with motels or hotels to book rooms by the night. Instead, vacation homes are offered by homeowners, rented on a weekly or monthly basis. There are also a few vacation rental management companies in Outer Banks which you can contact to book your preferred rental home.
Choose from a wide array of home types. There are some 2 or 3 bedroom cottages perfect for you if you’re looking for a cozier and more comfortable place to stay in. There are also luxury beach homes which come complete with its own private pool, large outdoor decks, game rooms, and state-of-the-art home entertainment rooms. Keep in mind though that while there are a lot of different types of vacation homes, there is actually a limited amount of rental properties you can book. So it’s best to book a vacation home at least a few months in advance to ensure you get the best property that suits you and your family’s needs.
Affordable unspoiled land with picturesque ocean views - there are not many areas in the country where you can bask in the quiet privacy a beach property in Carova brings. Schedule a viewing of an awesome beach house today by calling me, Jean-Paul Peron, at 252-564-9390.
Things to Keep in Mind When Visiting Carova in Outer Banks NC
Picturesque views of the ocean, easy access to the beach, amazing sights and sounds of the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge, roaming Corolla Wild Horses, clean white unpaved beaches offering miles and miles of privacy - these and more are what awaits you when you live at any of the spacious Carova Outer Banks NC homes for sale.
What to Know Before you Go
If you’re planning a vacation to any of the wonderful vacation spots this community has to offer, it helps to learn more about the landscape, the amenities, and the various things you can do while in Carova. Literally located off the beaten path, the town is composed of a few neighborhoods North of NC 12 in Corolla. Due to the absence of paved roads, the area is accessible only by 4x4 vehicles. When the NC Highway 12 ends, you’re greeted by the soft fluffy sand of the beach which runs parallel to the ocean. Most all of the communities - Carova Beach, Swan Beach, North Swan Beach, Seagull, Penny’s Hill - are within walking distance to the beach via sandy tracks which fit 4WD vehicles perfectly. There are no busy roads to cross nor a lot of people you would typically come across.
Before heading off to the area, it’s important to stock up on essentials such as enough food and drinks to last you during your entire stay. While you can find sodas & ice at the Carova Beach Fire Department, For everything else you will have to go to one of the two grocery stores in neighboring Corolla where you can fill up with food and beach supplies. The seclusion of Carova offers a lot of opportunities for busy city dwellers a chance to truly relax and unwind.
A Quick History of Carova
In the late 1660s, Currituck County and the communities of Duck, Corolla, and Carova was discovered and settled into by a small community of local settlers which are believed to be descendants of shipwrecks. For a couple of centuries, these settlers lived in solitude. As the population grew little by little, the people of Currituck and Virginia drew the North Carolina-Virginia state line which has remained the state border ever since 1728. The name “Carova” was even derived from a combination of Carolina and Virginia, as the coastal community is situated south of the state line. In 1875, the famed Currituck Beach Lighthouse was constructed to help assist the ships off the coastline of Carolina. The 60s and 70s era saw a boom in the tourism industry on the southern Outer Banks towns which in turn made people assume that the unspoiled Currituck County filled with beautiful beaches and amazing landscape would soon boom with population and development. However, in 1984, the time when the NC highway 12 was finally completed, the government and various private investors had already claimed the land and developed it into parks, reserves, and refuges, making it impossible to create a paved road in the area. Nowadays, there’s an approximate of 700 beach homes available for renting or buying, as a few more developers continue to build beach houses in the area.
The best real estate agents on the Outer Banks NC refer to Carova as “Outer Bank’s last frontier,” renowned for its private stretches of uncrowded beaches, star-filled nights, and cool ocean breezes. If you’re looking to learn more about homes or lots for sale in the area, visit http://OBXLifestyles.com.
Affordable unspoiled land with picturesque ocean views - there are not many areas in the country where you can bask in the quiet privacy a beach property in Carova brings. Schedule a viewing of an awesome beach house today by calling me, Jean-Paul Peron, at 252-564-9390.
