Edenton

Step back in time and discover why Forbes named the coastal town of Edenton North Carolina as one of America's Prettiest Small Towns, just west of Elizabeth City. Edenton Bay is the focal piece of the historic downtown lined with impressive Georgian homes overlooking the wide open bay. Strolling along the sidewalk will send nostalgic sensations through your soul and maybe the desire to search for treasures in the antique stores on Main Street. The town could be a postcard scene from a Norman Rockwell painting as the North Carolina waterfront on the Albemarle Sound takes you back to a time, to the simplicity and the friendliness found in rural America. Without big city lights, a star-studded night time sky might take your breath away. 

Edenton is still a boat building town and home to sailing regattas on the protected Albemarle Sound. The Albemarle Sound separates the Inner Banks from the Outer Banks and is the largest freshwater sound in the country, stretching 55 miles long and 5 to 15 miles wide. Edenton is located about 2 hours east of Interstate 95, off Highway 158. Elizabeth City is a larger city to the east and has a population of 20,000. Elizabeth City nicknamed itself 'The Harbor of Hospitality' as the downtown Inner Banks marina overlooks the Pasquotank River. Mariner's Wharf and Edenton Harbor are located off the Albemarle Sound and cater to the North Carolina boating community and Albemarle Plantation. Elizabeth City is the gateway to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The expanded Highway 17 Bypass in Elizabeth City provides quick access to the north such as the Tidewater area of Norfolk Virginia or Greenville North Carolina to the south.

If you’re searching for North Carolina waterfront real estate, here are reasons to consider Edenton:

ARTS AND CULTURE

The Chowan Art Council is located in downtown Edenton NC. The council coordinates Art in the Park and Gardens on the Green, Edenton’s most popular art events. The Edenton Lake and Harbor Clubhouse overlooking the bay is the social hub during events such as Derby Day, the Music and Water Festival. The Rocky Hock Playhouse is the community’s local Christian performing theatre hosting concerts, musical and drama productions. In Elizabeth City just east of Edenton, Arts of the Albermarle is an impressive integrated performing arts center and school of the arts. The Maguire Theatre seats 250 attendees and each month during First Friday, new art exhibits are featured displaying local creative talent. The Photography Club meets at the Arts of the Albemarle sharing photography tips and their best photos.

CLIMATE

At elevation of 12 feet, Edenton’s average temperature is in the 40’s December through February. The average annual snowfall is about 3 inches. May through September, the average temperature ranges from the high 60k’s to high 70’s. Edenton NC offers a mild winter season and warm summer months.

LIFELONG LEARNING CENTERS

The Edenton-Chowan campus of the College of the Albemarle offers continuing education classes to students of all ages including classes in culinary technology, sustainable energy, computers, photography, language and even fly fishing. The Arts of the Albemarle offers courses in painting, dance and photography. The Serenity Studio Arts in Elizabeth City offers courses in stained glass, pottery, jewelry design and painting. You will find there are plenty of opportunities in the Albemarle Sound area and at Albemarle Plantation to meet new friends and share common interests.

MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE:

The Vidant Medical Center is a 57 bed facility and has been serving Edenton NC for more than 60 years. The Vidant Medical Center is part of the Vidant Health System and is its flagship hospital, the 861 bed teaching hospital in conjunction with the Brody School of Medicine. Specialties include pediatrics, cancer care, diagnostics, heart care, orthopedics and senior care. The 182 bed Albemarle Hospital in Elizabeth City is northeastern North Carolina’s largest health and wellness facility, important to coastal retirement communities nearby.

RECREATIONAL SPORTS

Water skiing, kayaking, fishing and crabbing are popular water sports on the Albemarle Sound. Sailing regattas and races are a common sight off on the horizon. The Elizabeth City State University’s Vikings college sports teams compete in both men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, football, tennis, golf and more. During the summer months, the collegiate baseball team the Edenton Steamers battle at the Historic Hicks Field for a chance at another division title.

SHOPPING AND DINING

Along Main Street in Edenton is where you’ll find charming restaurants, art galleries and antique stores. The big box stores and chain restaurants are located on the west side of Elizabeth City. Southgate Mall is home to JC Penney’s, Belk and Burkes Outlet. The Taste of Albemarle is one of several festivals in the Edenton Elizabeth City region. More than 20 restaurants attend the event introducing their tasty menu choices. Both Edenton and Elizabeth City have open air Farmer's Markets providing fresh produce, flowers and arts & crafts to the community.

HOME AFFORDABILITY AND TAXES

Edenton NC homes for sale average $100k in Chowan County. North Carolina waterfront homes are much higher. The 2014 estimated real estate tax millage rates range from .00685 per $100. Visit our library to find help and to learn how to calculate property taxes in North Carolina. The closest international airports to Edenton NC are Raleigh-Durham, Greenville NC or Norfolk VA. There are a number of master planned communities like Albemarle Plantation we've find of interest.