The final town on North Carolina’s coastal stretch, Calabash is a quintessential fishing village. The abundance of seafood here — along with its Calabash-style cuisine — has earned it the moniker of “Seafood Capital of the World.”
With less than 2,000 residents, this community provides a peaceful and laid-back vibe that attracts many retirees. Yet its proximity to thriving cities like Myrtle Beach also entices young families who want to live in a more affordable area.
There’s so much to know and love about this neighborhood, so we created this guide just for you.
CALABASH REAL ESTATE
Why live in Calabash?
For a small fishing village, Calabash sure has a big personality. When you move here, you can enjoy the best that coastal living has to offer.
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Signature culinary style — Seafood figures prominently in coastal cuisines, but few places can boast of its own culinary style. Residents of this locale are proud of its Calabash-style cuisine, in which fresh seafood is dipped in a light batter and deep-fried until golden. Paired with a basket of hot hush puppies (deep-fried cornmeal dough), this delicacy is an absolute must-try!
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Leisure options abound — Fishing is a huge pastime in Calabash and many locals go deep-sea fishing to catch marlin, amberjack, sailfish, and tuna. More into golfing? Just five minutes away from the downtown main street is a plethora of golf courses, including Oyster Bay, Crow Creek, and Sea Trail. The town’s proximity to Myrtle Beach also means visiting popular attractions like the SkyWheel, Ripley’s Aquarium, and Barefoot Landing is a cinch.
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Low cost of living — Living in Calabash means getting more bang out of every hard-earned buck. Indeed, data from BestPlaces.net shows that the cost of living in this village is about 13% lower than the national average. Houses, for one, are about 42% cheaper, but other essentials such as groceries, utilities, and transportation are below the nationwide benchmark, too. Who knew that leisurely waterfront living could be this affordable?
Popular attractions in Calabash
Calabash’s strategic location means there’s a world of amazing attractions and activities to enjoy both in and around town. Some can’t-miss experiences include:
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Callahan’s of Calabash — Those looking for souvenirs will do well to visit this iconic store. Sprawling an impressive 35,000 square feet, Callahan‘s carries a variety of collectibles, home decor, jewelry, and even confections.
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Museum of Coastal Carolina — Interested in natural history? Then the Museum of Coastal Carolina in nearby Ocean Isle Beach is the perfect destination. This attraction features an aquarium, ocean reef diorama, and exhibits on maritime ecosystems.
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Silver Coast Winery — Also in Ocean Isle Beach, Silver Coast Winery is the first-ever vineyard in Brunswick County. Since 2002, it has been producing much-lauded vintage, including its chardonnay, cabernet, and merlot. The winery also offers wine tastings and a tour of its fascinating facilities.
Enjoy the good life in Calabash
This waterfront town is quickly becoming a real estate hotspot. If you’d like to know more about available properties here, just call Cooper Southern Properties at 828.217.5812 or send an email to marissabcooper(at)yahoo(dotted)com.
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