Figure Eight Island

When only the best will satisfy at your Wilmington NC retirement, Figure Eight Island is one of the secluded and private beach communities in North Carolina numerous celebrities, politicians, and notable residents/former residents have grown to love. Celebrities like Dustin Hoffman, Kim Basinger, Robert Downey, Jr., Jennifer Aniston, and former Vice President Al Gore among others have learned why the residents here say: "Cross the bridge, drive along the causeway, and the rest of the world melts away.” The lovely 1,300-acre private island, completely encircled by the Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean, can only be accessed by boat or by crossing a guard-operated swing drawbridge, which is the only privately-owned bridge anywhere up and down the entire the Intracoastal Waterway.

One of few affluent North Carolina coastal communities, Figure Eight Island sits just north of Wrightsville Beach and is close enough to Wilmington to enjoy all the big city amenities. Owned and managed by the Figure Eight Homeowners’ Association, the private island got its name from the crooked paths Rich's Inlet Creek takes through the marshland prevalent on the undeveloped portions of the island. The homeowners association is active in wild life conservation and commissioned a survey of endangered plants and animals here, including piping plovers and sea turtles. Sea turtles are monitored on a daily basis and their nests are marked for their continued protection.  

FIGURE EIGHT ISLAND AMENITIES

• Gated Community 
• Five Miles of Private Beach
• Deepwater Protected Marina 
• Boat Ramp
• Tennis Courts
• Yacht Club - Membership Optional

The inviting tidal flats along the beach are tailor-made for boating & kayaking, as well as surfing & windsurfing, swimming, fishing and shell-collecting, not to mention bird-watching and just enjoying the serenity of nature: schools of dolphins can often be seen from the shore. The only things that have been allowed on this five mile long island other than wildlife and million-dollar beach homes are a boat ramp, a historic boathouse, marina and tennis courts, as well as the private Figure Eight Yacht Club. The exclusive club is open for dining and formal events - but only to homeowners, guests, and those renting homes on the island. Approximately 475 beach homes are on the island. The average property value of homes on Figure Eight Island is over $2 million making it one of the impressive beach communities in North Carolina. If you’re looking for a private beachfront home close to Wilmington, you'll want to take a look here.

The oceanfront residences have been designed by award-winning architects, and no two are remotely alike. It's truly paradise, whether you prefer the wide-open beachfront, the convenience of boating on the sound, or the tranquility of a marsh setting in North Carolina coastal communities. Oceanfront homes with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean range in price from $1.9 to $6 million, while those situated on the sound go for around $2 to $4 million. Properties here are often in-demand for rent by TV and movie production crews. For example, Figure Eight Island was used as a film location for TV’sDawson's Creek, and also in the 1991 film, Sleeping with the Enemy starring Julia Roberts.  

For those seeking to live here year-round, for Wilmington NC retirement or to raise a family on Figure Eight Island, the closest and best schools are Ogden and Murrayville Elementary schools, as well as the Gateway Academy.