Nags Head

Welcome to Nags Head

Where Outer Banks History Began

Nags Head is home to the Historic Cottage Row — a collection of early 1900s oceanfront cottages often referred to as the “Unpainted Aristocracy.” These weathered cedar-shake homes represent the beginnings of life on the Outer Banks, when families would travel here by boat to spend summers along the shore.

Today, Historic Cottage Row remains one of the most iconic stretches of property on the barrier island, offering a glimpse into the early days of coastal living while sitting just steps from the Atlantic Ocean.

Iconic Outer Banks Landscape

One of Nags Head’s most recognizable landmarks is Jockey's Ridge State Park — home to the tallest natural sand dune system on the East Coast. From the dune tops, you can see both the Atlantic Ocean and Roanoke Sound, giving Nags Head that signature “water on both sides” coastal feel.

Locals and visitors alike gather here for sunset views, hang gliding, walking trails, and some of the most breathtaking panoramic scenery on the Outer Banks.

Everyday Convenience in a Coastal Setting

While Nags Head is known for its natural beauty, it also offers everyday convenience that makes full-time living easy. The The Outer Banks Hospital is located right in town, providing local access to healthcare for residents and visitors alike.

Shopping is also close at hand with the Tanger Outlets Nags Head, offering national retailers just minutes from the beach. Grocery stores, local restaurants, and service businesses round out the town’s practical side, making it comfortable for both year-round residents and second-home owners.

The Village at Nags Head

One of the area’s most sought-after communities is Village at Nags Head, a completed ocean-to-sound neighborhood built around the beautiful Nags Head Golf Links.

This community offers a true resort-style lifestyle, featuring an oceanfront beach club, golf course views, soundside sunsets, and a variety of home styles ranging from primary residences to second homes and investment properties.

South Nags Head: Quiet, Coastal, and Unspoiled

The southernmost section of town, South Nags Head, offers a very different feel — a peaceful five-mile stretch of beach homes with minimal commercial development. Here, the focus is on wide beaches, ocean views, and a quieter pace of life.

South Nags Head is home to the renowned Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, which boasts one of the top charter boat fishing fleets in the country. Anglers travel from across the U.S. for Gulf Stream fishing excursions departing from this marina.

This area is also where you’ll find access to drive on the beach near Oregon Inlet, as well as the beginning of the protected shoreline of Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, offering miles of preserved coastline, wildlife habitat, and natural beauty.

For buyers seeking fewer crowds, strong oceanfront presence, and a more secluded coastal experience, South Nags Head delivers something truly special.

A Blend of Classic and Luxury Homes

Real estate in Nags Head ranges from charming beach cottages in established neighborhoods to preserved historic homes along Cottage Row and newly built luxury estates with private pools, elevators, and sweeping ocean views.

Home prices typically range from the mid-$500,000s to upwards of $4,000,000 for premier oceanfront properties, making it a destination for both primary homeowners and high-end second-home buyers.

Oceanfront properties here are some of the most sought-after on the Outer Banks, while soundside communities offer beautiful sunset views and established neighborhoods.

Nags Head attracts:

Second-home owners seeking beachfront investments
Luxury buyers looking for expansive oceanfront estates
Primary residents who love an active, outdoor lifestyle
Retirees wanting space, views, and a relaxed coastal pace

With its natural beauty, rich history, established communities, strong amenities, and diverse real estate offerings, Nags Head continues to be one of the most desirable and enduring markets on the Outer Banks.

Property Listings

Price

Living Area

For Sale

MLS® 132187

Overview for Nags Head, NC

3,172 people live in Nags Head, where the median age is 59 and the average individual income is $56,544. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

3,172

Total Population

59 years

Median Age

Low

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

$56,544

Average individual Income

Around Nags Head, NC

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

25

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Old Toms, Fork'et Me Not, and Cookie Shack Obx.

Name	Category	Distance	Reviews	Ratings by Yelp
Visit the Old Toms page on Yelp Search 107 Budleigh St on Google Maps	Dining	3.88 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Fork'et Me Not page on Yelp Search 4104 S Virginia Dare Tr on Google Maps	Dining	4.4 miles	7 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Cookie Shack Obx page on Yelp Search 7531 S Virginia Dare Trl on Google Maps	Dining	0.74 miles	15 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Cookies & Cream page on Yelp Search 106 E Finch St on Google Maps	Dining	2.05 miles	44 reviews	4.9/5 stars
Visit the Outer Banks Distilling page on Yelp Search 510 Budleigh St on Google Maps	Dining · $$	4.08 miles	110 reviews	4.9/5 stars
Visit the Coastal Creamery page on Yelp Search 7531 S Virginia Dare Trl on Google Maps	Dining	0.73 miles	12 reviews	4.9/5 stars
Visit the Shaddai Chicken page on Yelp Search 112 Hwy 64 And 264 on Google Maps	Dining · $$	3.95 miles	125 reviews	4.8/5 stars
Visit the Banks Surf Supply page on Yelp Search 7128 S Virginia Dare Trl on Google Maps	Active	1.41 miles	6 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the OBX Crabbing & Shrimping Charters page on Yelp Search 4457 Mill Landing Rd on Google Maps	Active	3.57 miles	15 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Rock On Charters page on Yelp	Active	1.84 miles	16 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Roanoke Island Fitness Lab page on Yelp Search 823 N Hwy 64 on Google Maps	Active	4.32 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Duck Hunter page on Yelp	Active	4.13 miles	7 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the The Downeast Rover page on Yelp Search 207 Queen Elizabeth Ave on Google Maps	Active	3.8 miles	48 reviews	4.9/5 stars
Visit the Outer Banks Fishing Charters page on Yelp Search 219 Thicket Lump Dr on Google Maps	Active	4 miles	7 reviews	4.9/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Nags Head, NC

Population Households Employment

Nags Head has 1,626 households, with an average household size of 1.9. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Nags Head do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 3,172 people call Nags Head home. The population density is 215.95 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

3,172

Total Population

Low

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

59

Median Age

53.4 / 46.6%

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

1,626

Total Households

1.9

Average Household Size

$56,544

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 Nags Head, NC

All ()

Primary Schools ()

Middle Schools ()

High Schools ()

Mixed Schools ()

The following schools are within or nearby Nags Head. 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