Courthouse Square
Beaufort, NC  28516
252.728.8450
www.co.carteret.nc.us 

A Sense of Community

Carteret County encompasses many waterfront communities along the coast, each with its own unique characteristics and qualities, from the mainland to the barrier island of Bogue Banks. A vacation and relocation destination, Carteret County was formed in 1722 from Craven County. It was named in honor of Sir John Carteret, afterwards Earl of Granville, one of the Lords Proprietors. Details: contact the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce, 800-622-6278, nccoastchamber.com.

Atlantic Beach

Eldest of five communities that dot the 30-mile length of barrier island known as Bogue Banks, Atlantic Beach offers easy public access to its expanse of beautiful beaches while offering potential residents their choice of oceanfront, oceanview, soundside and soundview residences.  

Many make this seaside community their home for its easy-going ambiance while others find the local shopping, restaurants, nightlife, fishing and annual festivals such as the Carolina Kite Fest irresistible. For the Civil War buff, Historic Fort Macon State Park is a year-round treasure:  a restored five-sided Civil War fort on the edge of the island. Details: town of Atlantic Beach, P.O. Box 10, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512, 252-726-2121, atlanticbeach-nc.com.

Beaufort

Beaufort is North Carolina’s third-oldest town and serves as the seat of Carteret County. Founded in 1709, Beaufort-by-the-Sea was incorporated in 1722 and given its regal name in honor of Henry Somerset, Duke of Beaufort. Beaufort has a lively history, with a tradition of visiting pirates and patriots. It is believed that the wreckage of the Queen Anne’s Revenge, Blackbeard the pirate’s flagship, lies just offshore.

Historic homes grace the tree-lined streets, and Beaufort’s waterfront area provides spectacular views of international yachts as well as graceful wild ponies on nearby Carrot Island. Small shops, fine restaurants, tour and charter boats, and a wealth of fine artisans enhance Beaufort’s coastal charm. The town is also home to must-see attractions such as the Beaufort Historic Site and the NC Maritime Museum. Details: town of Beaufort, P.O. Box 390, Beaufort, NC 28516, 252-728-2141, beaufortnc.org.

Down East

Down East encompasses the communities of Atlantic, Bettie, Cedar
Island, Davis, Gloucester, Harkers Island, Lola, Marshallberg, Otway, Sea Level, Smyrna, Stacy, Straits and Williston. Those living in Down East communities enjoy a true coastal lifestyle that celebrates the area’s longstanding maritime traditions. For a good taste of this unique culture, visit the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center on Harkers Island, the community where private ferries take locals and visitors to Cape Lookout National Seashore for some of the best fishing and shelling around.

The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is one of North Carolina’s seven renowned lighthouses, with a distinctive black-and-white diamond pattern. This much-visited Down East attraction has been a navigational aid to seafarers since 1859. It is a towering figure in both height and local legend, and is a trademark of Eastern North Carolina’s Crystal Coast area. Details: theoriginaldowneast.com.

Emerald Isle

Noted for its family-oriented beaches, beautiful beach homes are available in the area, many with relaxing water views, Emerald Isle is the largest of the communities on Bogue Banks. Originally settled by nomadic Native Americans and whalers, the area known as Emerald Isle was largely uninhabited until the 1950s when it was purchased by a group of developers. The developers hired a consultant to fly over the area for a visual survey and upon viewing the expanse of undeveloped green forest, he suggested the area be named “Emerald Isle.”

Driving across the bridge from Emerald Isle to the mainland, you’ll also discover the communities of Cape Carteret and Cedar Point. These charming areas offer attractive soundside living and a treasure trove of fine antique shops, as well as major shopping venues. Details: town of Emerald Isle, 7500 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle, NC 28594, 252-354-3424, emeraldisle-nc.org.

Indian Beach/Salter Path

With a permanent population around 200, Indian Beach is a cozy community that attracts an annual swell of vacationers. Interestingly enough, this quaint beach town surrounds the community of Salter Path on both east and west. Salter Path and Indian Beach offer a variety of residential choices including homes along the water and condominiums that are perfect for playing on the beach, kayaking on the sound or just watching local shrimp boats come in. Details: town of Indian Beach, P.O. Box 306, Indian Beach, NC  28575, 252-247-3344, indianbeach.org.

Morehead City

From its downtown shops to its lively waterfront, Morehead City is fast growing with much to offer. With its famous boat-to-table seafood restaurants and a charter fishing fleet to boot, Morehead City is an example of coastal living at its best. Enjoy fresh North Carolina fare at area restaurants or purchase fresh seafood from local markets to prepare at home.

As the commercial hub of Carteret County, Morehead City has specialty shops to suit every whim and fancy, in addition to a plethora of art galleries for the connoisseur. Morehead City is also home to the county’s growing offering of medical services. From family practice to specialized medicine, dental and emergency care to the bounty of services offered through Carteret General Hospital, you’ll find it here in Morehead City.  

The community is also home to one of the state’s two deepwater ports where ships dock from all over the world. In Morehead City, you’ll find a delightful mixture of coastal cottages, waterfront homes, contemporary homes, townhouses, apartments and more, all just a short drive from the beach. Details: town of Morehead City, 706 Arendell St., Morehead City, NC 28557, 252-726-6848, townofmorehead.com.

Newport

Newport welcomes newcomers and military retirees alike with its hometown qualities and close proximity to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. Newport is a viable option for those who want to be close to base but not live on base or in a community with a majority of military residents. Everyone deserves a break from work now and then! Newport is the perfect little hamlet for a close-knit community with spectacular waterfront views. Details: town of Newport, P.O. Box 1869, Newport, NC 28570, 252-223-4749, townofnewport.com.

Pine Knoll Shores

Tucked away in the maritime forest between the oceanside dunes and shores of Bogue Sound is the little residential community of Pine Knoll Shores. It was developed by children of Theodore Roosevelt who were heirs of Alice Hoffman, who owned property on the island of Bogue Banks from Atlantic Beach to near Emerald Isle. The early owners’ priorities for minimal disturbance of the island dynamics in its development make Pine Knoll Shores one of the state’s most ecologically sensitive towns and a sanctuary for sea turtles and coastal birds.

Pine Knoll Shores is also home to the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, attracting visitors from across the nation. Details: town of Pine Knoll Shores, 100 Municipal Circle, Pine Knoll Shores, NC 28512, 252-247-4353, townofpks.com.

Education

Public Schools, K-12
Carteret County Public School System
107 Safrit Drive, Beaufort, NC 28516
252-728-4583  
www.carteretcountyschools.org

The Carteret County Public School System serves the students of Carteret County, located on the beautiful Crystal Coast of Eastern North Carolina. From Cedar Point to Cedar Island, there are 17 public schools that are committed to creating opportunities for all students to do their best and to succeed. The school system employs approximately 1,200 individuals and is the largest employer in the county. Information for all Carteret County schools is found on the school system’s website.

Higher Education

Carteret Community College
3505 Arendell Street
Morehead City, NC 28557
252-222-6000
www.carteret.cc.nc.us

Carteret Community College is located on the shores of beautiful Bogue Sound – part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. With more than 100 courses to choose from, students can pursue a certificate, diploma or associate degree. Courses of study are listed on the community college’s website.

The college transfer curriculum enables students to obtain an associate in arts or associate in science degree and transfer to a four-year institution. The college also offers general education opportunities for upgrading job skills, gaining certification and satisfying personal interests with a variety of corporate and community education courses. The student body consists of approximately 1,900 curriculum and 4,500 continuing education students, reflecting a rich diversity of age, income, ethnicity and educational background.