Brunswick County

Brunswick County, North Carolina features several serene communities in scenic beach and island settings.  Residents and visitors experience a mild, subtropical climate, with ideal weather year-round.  The high temperature in Brunswick County averages 73 degrees and the lows average 51 degrees Fahrenheit. 

The towns and villages in the area offer an outstanding quality of life, with a low rate of crime, a healthy economy and fine educational institutions such as Brunswick Community College.  According to the 2000 Census, Brunswick County residents numbered more than 73,000; however, the most recent population estimates, in 2005, indicate the total as closer to 89,000 residents.  Bolivia, the seat of Brunswick County, accounts for just 148 of the population, while the cities of Boiling Spring Lakes and Southport are among the area’s larger cities. 

Several beach and island resort communities also contribute to Brunswick County’s population.  These include Bald Head Island, Caswell Beach, Holden Beach, Oak Island, Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach. Accessible only via a private ferry departing from Southport, Bald Head Island features a natural habitat home to such beautiful creatures as the loggerhead turtles.  Islanders and visitors travel the fourteen miles of pristine coastland by bicycle, foot and golf cart.  This remote community, population 143, is also home to “Old Baldy”, the state’s oldest standing lighthouse. 

Caswell Beach, located at the mouth of the majestic Cape Fear River, is home to Oak Island Lighthouse, the nation’s brightest lighthouse.  Named for Fort Caswell, this lovely village affords visitor access to a four-mile stretch of warm sandy beaches.  Caswell’s year round population is 370.  Holden Beach, population 787, holds true to its rustic fishing village roots of the 1920’s.  Today, Holden Beach maintains a reputation as a popular tourist destination, with community celebrations, unique shops and an eleven-mile stretch of beaches to keep residents and visitors occupied.  Oak Island, called home by 6,571 citizens, remains the most heavily populated town of the Brunswick Islands.  Like the neighboring islands, this family-friendly community abounds with recreational activities and sites to see.

Ocean Isle Beach has a year round population of 425 and a seasonal population of 25,000 individuals.  This coastal barrier island claims seven miles of NC’s southern coastline.  Recreational choices include boating, deep-sea fishing, golfing and shopping.  The Museum of Coastal Carolina draws its own share of visitors, while opportunities unique to the area, such as watching the sun rise and set over the water at certain times of year, remains a local favorite pastime. 

Sunset Beach, population 1,824, is the smallest of the Brunswick Islands in area.  This aptly named village community features vibrant sunsets that exemplify the natural beauty of the white sand beaches.  Access to Sunset Beach is via the last remaining pontoon bridge on the Atlantic Coast.

Brunswick County, North Carolina teems with recreational opportunities that range from tranquil walks through beautiful parks to exciting nighttime scenes at a tropical beach resort.  The delightful towns and beach communities that comprise Brunswick County embody the spirit of the renowned Brunswick Islands.