Last updated 2026-06-12 ยท MovePlan Editorial Team
Outer Banks charm, mild seasons, and a beach town for every budget.
1. Wilmington: Best overall
2. Wrightsville Beach: Best classic beach town
3. Carolina Beach: Best value near Wilmington
4. Beaufort: Best historic harbor town
5. Morehead City: Best Crystal Coast value
6. Nags Head: Best Outer Banks pick
7. Southport: Best quiet coastal town
8. Emerald Isle: Best family beach pick
North Carolina coast spans the wild barrier islands of the Outer Banks down to the historic river-and-beach city of Wilmington. These towns balance sand, cost, and year-round community for movers who want to actually live by the water. Here are the 8 best beach towns in North Carolina, ranked.