Colington

Welcome to Colington

With a mix of canal-front, soundfront, and marshfront homes, Colington is a hidden gem where buyers often find more attainable price points compared to the other beachside markets. For many, it’s the perfect balance of affordability, water access, and year-round livability.

A Boater’s and Water Lover’s Paradise

Life in Colington revolves around the water.

Protected canals provide easy boat access, while soundfront properties offer expansive sunset views across the Albemarle Sound. Residents enjoy:

Boating and sailing
Fishing and crabbing
Kayaking and paddleboarding
Waterfront sunsets nearly every evening

Whether you keep your boat behind your home or launch nearby, Colington offers the kind of coastal lifestyle that feels relaxed and authentic.

Abundant Wildlife and Natural Beauty

One of Colington’s most special qualities is its natural surroundings. Marshes, sound waters, and protected areas create an environment rich with wildlife.

It’s common to see herons, egrets, osprey, pelicans, and migratory birds throughout the year, making this area especially appealing for birdwatchers. Dolphins are frequently spotted in the sound, and the quiet residential setting allows nature to feel front and center.

With minimal light and noise pollution, Colington is also one of the best places on the Outer Banks to step outside at night and enjoy a sky full of stars.

Notable Neighborhoods in Colington

Colington is made up of several fantastic neighborhoods, each offering its own character and waterfront advantages. Some to watch for include:

Sunrise Crossing
Colington Point
Carlyle on the Sound
Swanview Shores
Watersedge

In addition, Colington Harbor features numerous canal-front homes with direct boating access and added community amenities including:

Soundfront park and beach access
Community pool
Marina with boat ramp

These amenities, combined with protected canals and easy sound access, make Colington Harbor especially attractive for boaters and year-round residents.

Peaceful Living — Close to Everything

While Colington feels tucked away from the summer rental traffic and seasonal crowds, it’s just minutes from the central beaches of Kill Devil Hills.

Families appreciate close proximity to First Flight Elementary School, First Flight Middle School, and First Flight High School — making it a practical and popular choice for year-round residents.

You’re also a short drive to grocery stores, restaurants, medical facilities, and all the everyday conveniences of central Outer Banks living.

A True Year-Round Community

Unlike many parts of the OBX that are heavily driven by seasonal rentals, Colington has a strong year-round residential presence. The atmosphere is neighborly, relaxed, and refreshingly quiet.

Homes range from cozy primary residences to spacious waterfront properties with private docks. Buyers often find:

Canal-front homes with direct boating access
Soundfront properties with wide sunset views
Marshfront homes offering privacy and natural beauty
More accessible price points compared to oceanfront markets

For those seeking a peaceful waterfront lifestyle, abundant wildlife, community amenities, and close proximity to everything the Outer Banks offers, Colington truly is a special place.

Property Listings

Price

Living Area

For Sale

MLS® 132107

Overview for Colington, NC

12,628 people live in Colington, where the median age is 47.9 and the average individual income is $43,502. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

12,628

Total Population

47.9 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$43,502

Average individual Income

Around Colington, NC

There's plenty to do around Colington, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

21

Car-Dependent

Walking Score

31

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Endurance Seafood, Beach Road Bottle Shop, and Sophisticated Charcuterie.

Name	Category	Distance	Reviews	Ratings by Yelp
Visit the Endurance Seafood page on Yelp Search 1497 Colington Rd on Google Maps	Dining · $$	0.33 miles	21 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Beach Road Bottle Shop page on Yelp Search 1006 S Virginia Dare Trl on Google Maps	Dining	2.2 miles	6 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Sophisticated Charcuterie page on Yelp Search 4712 N Croatan Hwy on Google Maps	Dining	4.9 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Sarah Letchford, LMBT page on Yelp Search 2420 S Croatan Hwy on Google Maps	Active	3.36 miles	22 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Beach Massage and Yoga page on Yelp	Active	0.61 miles	11 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Kind Yoga page on Yelp Search 3105 N Croatan Hwy on Google Maps	Active	2.32 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Sandy Run Park page on Yelp Search 4351 The Woods Rd on Google Maps	Active	4.14 miles	7 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Farmdog Beach Services page on Yelp Search 2403 S Wrightsville Ave on Google Maps	Active	3.85 miles	64 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Jawfly Charters page on Yelp Search 4200 Bob Perry Rd on Google Maps	Active	3.05 miles	21 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Obx Hot Yoga page on Yelp Search 2420 S Croatan Hwy on Google Maps	Active	3.36 miles	19 reviews	4.9/5 stars
Visit the OBX Party Bus page on Yelp	Nightlife	1.25 miles	13 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Sun Shack Tanning Salon page on Yelp Search 3105 N Croatan Hwy on Google Maps	Beauty	2.35 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Windswept Spa page on Yelp Search 2603 N Croatan Hwy on Google Maps	Beauty	2.07 miles	23 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Tranquil Touch Massage & Skincare page on Yelp Search 3901 N Croatan Hwy on Google Maps	Beauty	3.42 miles	20 reviews	5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Colington, NC

Population Households Employment

Colington has 5,482 households, with an average household size of 2.3. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Colington do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 12,628 people call Colington home. The population density is 1,364.22 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

12,628

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

47.9

Median Age

47.55 / 52.45%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

Less Than 9th Grade
High School Degree
Associate Degree
Bachelor Degree
Graduate Degree

5,482

Total Households

2.3

Average Household Size

$43,502

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married

Single

Divorced

Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes

15 to 29 Minutes

30 to 59 Minutes

60+ Minutes

Schools in Colington, NC

All ()

Primary Schools ()

Middle Schools ()

High Schools ()

Mixed Schools ()

The following schools are within or nearby Colington. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Type

Name