Nestled where the Cape Fear River meets the Atlantic Ocean, Southport, North Carolina (28461) is one of the state's most charming and sought-after coastal towns. Known for its rich maritime history, picturesque waterfront, and welcoming small-town atmosphere, Southport offers residents and visitors a unique blend of historic charm and modern coastal living.
Downtown Southport features tree-lined streets, locally owned boutiques, waterfront parks, art galleries, and an outstanding selection of seafood restaurants and cafés. The city's scenic riverfront provides spectacular views of Bald Head Island, Oak Island, and passing ships entering the Cape Fear River. Throughout the year, Southport hosts popular events such as the North Carolina Fourth of July Festival, art shows, farmers markets, and community celebrations that create a vibrant sense of community.
Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy boating, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing, while nearby beaches on Oak Island and Caswell Beach offer miles of beautiful shoreline for swimming, shelling, and relaxing. Golfers have access to numerous championship courses throughout Brunswick County, including those within the renowned St. James Plantation community.
Southport is also home to some of southeastern North Carolina's most desirable neighborhoods, including St. James Plantation, where residents enjoy world-class amenities such as championship golf, a full-service marina, tennis and pickleball courts, fitness centers, walking and biking trails, restaurants, and a private oceanfront beach club.
Conveniently located just 35 miles from Wilmington, Southport offers easy access to Wilmington International Airport (ILM), top-rated healthcare facilities, shopping, and entertainment while maintaining the peaceful pace of a coastal community. The area's mild climate, friendly atmosphere, and exceptional quality of life continue to attract retirees, second-home owners, and families from across the country.
Whether you're searching for a historic cottage, waterfront home, golf course property, luxury estate, or new construction, Southport, NC 28461 offers a wide variety of real estate options to fit every lifestyle. With its natural beauty, coastal recreation, and welcoming community, Southport remains one of North Carolina's premier destinations to live, work, retire, and invest.
23,186 people live in Southport NC, where the median age is 62.3 and the average individual income is $53,157. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
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There's plenty to do around Southport NC, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Southport Sourdough, Potter's Seafood, and Uncorked By the Sea Wine Shop & Gallery.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining | 2.89 miles | 13 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 3.38 miles | 8 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining · $$ | 2.97 miles | 9 reviews | 4.9/5 stars | |
| Dining · $$ | 2.23 miles | 30 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
| Dining | 3.42 miles | 11 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
| Active | 2.77 miles | 13 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.23 miles | 5 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
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Southport NC has 10,767 households, with an average household size of 2.14. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Southport NC do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 23,186 people call Southport NC home. The population density is 305 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
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0-9 Years
10-17 Years
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25-64 Years
65-74 Years
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Average individual Income
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