On the mainland side of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) is the planned community of Landfall. This gated community offers a pristine environment of immaculate lawns, beautiful homes, three clubhouses, two private golf courses (27 holes designed by Jack Nicklaus and 18 holes designed by Pete Dye), a tennis facility designed by tennis legend Cliff Drysdale, an eight-lane Olympic-size swimming pool and more. Single-family homes range from $400,000 to more than $4 million; home sites range from $200,000 to more than $1 million. Landfall currently has 1,300 homes. The Landfall Clubhouse, a large banquet/dining/special occasions facility of 31,000 square feet, is also on the premises.

See Landfall Real Estate

Just off the Intercoastal Waterway just north of Landfall in Hampstead is a world class Harbour Village. The Harbour at Summerset raises the bar from mere home ownership to a sanctuary for fine coastal living. This is Hampstead's crown jewel! With its complimentary southern plantation and traditional brick estate homes from the areas finest home builders features a coastal dream of boat slips at Harbour Village Marina.

See The Harbour at Summerset Real Estate

Figure Eight Island is a private island of upscale homes and homesites ranging from $475,000 to over $1 million; single-family home prices range from the $800,000s to nearly $4 million. There is a yacht club and private harbor for members. This lovely island has no commercial development; shopping is available in nearby Ogden and Hampstead.

See Figure Eight Island Real Estate

Among Pleasure Island's notable residential developments is Harbour Point, a traditional waterfront neighborhood and yacht club located on the Intracoastal Waterway at the juncture of Snow's Cut in Carolina Beach. Its 90 townhomes feature tin roofs, white picket fences, pastel exteriors, romantic porches and classic styling. It's a Charleston-like community with a relaxed ambiance and quiet sophistication. This neighborhood is a truly unique blend of Southern architecture that combines functionality and spaciousness with just plain charm. A 98-slip marina that can accommodate boats up to 100 feet, a waterfront pool and a clubhouse make this picture complete.

See Harbour Point Real Estate

It takes 20 minutes to cross from the ferry landing at Indigo Plantation to Bald Head Island, a beautiful bit of land where there are no high-rises, no shopping malls, no crowds and no cars. Everyone travels by electric golf cart or bicycle. You'll find a clubhouse with a pool, a George Cobb–designed golf course, tennis courts, a marina and limited shopping. Opportunities for fine and casual dining range from the elegant Bald Head Island Club to the deli at the Maritime Market. There is a resort atmosphere and, to be sure, the year-round residential population count is quite low, about 220. It is largely a vacation spot where most of the homes are available for weekly rental.

See Figure Bald Head Island Real Estate