Southern Shore | Community Guide

Welcome to Southern Shores

Known for its unique layout and mature trees, Southern Shores is one of the most sought-after year-round communities on the Outer Banks. It offers a rare combination of privacy, natural beauty, and central convenience.

A Distinctive, Tree-Lined Setting

Southern Shores stands apart for its maritime forests and winding residential streets. Many homes are surrounded by mature live oaks and pines, creating shaded neighborhoods that feel tucked away from the busier vacation corridors.

Some areas feature charming pedestrian pathways that weave through the trees and lead directly to the beach — adding to the town’s quiet, established character.

East Side and West Side Living

Southern Shores offers two distinct lifestyles:

East of Duck Road (Oceanside):
Homes are located within a couple of blocks of the Atlantic Ocean, making this side especially attractive for vacation rental investment opportunities and second homes.
West Side (Soundside and Canalfront):
This area has a strong year-round residential population. Residents enjoy easy access to canals, marinas, and boat launches — making it a favorite for boaters and water enthusiasts.

The blend of full-time residents and carefully managed vacation properties gives Southern Shores a balanced and stable community feel.

Duck Woods Country Club

Southern Shores is home to the highly regarded Duck Woods Country Club, a private club featuring a beautifully maintained golf course, an active tennis center, and a welcoming clubhouse.

The club is especially popular among the local population and year-round residents, offering golf, tennis, swimming, dining, and social events throughout the year. For many homeowners, Duck Woods adds a strong community and recreational element to Southern Shores living.

Boating and Water Access

Southern Shores offers excellent sound and canal access, with many canal-front homes providing private docks and direct boating opportunities.

Community marinas and boat launches allow residents easy access to the Currituck Sound for:

Boating
Kayaking
Paddleboarding
Fishing
Sunset cruising

For those who enjoy life on the water, Southern Shores delivers both convenience and scenic beauty.

Close to Everything

While Southern Shores feels private and residential, it’s incredibly well located.

You’re just minutes from grocery stores, restaurants, and shopping in Kitty Hawk — and just south of the Village of Duck for boutique shopping, waterfront dining, and seasonal events.

The multi-use path connects the town north toward Duck and south through Kitty Hawk, making travel along the northern beaches seamless.

Real Estate in Southern Shores

Southern Shores real estate includes:

Oceanside vacation homes near the beach
Primary residences nestled among mature trees
Canal-front properties with private docks
Golf course-adjacent homes near Duck Woods Country Club

Because of its central location, wooded character, recreational amenities, and strong year-round presence, Southern Shores remains one of the most desirable places to live full-time on the Outer Banks.

Property Listings

Price

Living Area

For Sale

MLS® 131374

Overview for Southern Shores, NC

3,119 people live in Southern Shores, where the median age is 57.4 and the average individual income is $58,891. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

3,119

Total Population

57.4 years

Median Age

High

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

$58,891

Average individual Income

Around Southern Shores, NC

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

32

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Sweet Ness OBX, Sophisticated Charcuterie, and Outer Banks Boil Company.

Name	Category	Distance	Reviews	Ratings by Yelp
Visit the Sweet Ness OBX page on Yelp Search 106 Scarborough Ln on Google Maps	Dining	3.06 miles	9 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Sophisticated Charcuterie page on Yelp Search 4712 N Croatan Hwy on Google Maps	Dining	2.69 miles	7 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Outer Banks Boil Company page on Yelp Search 3701 N Croatan Hwy on Google Maps	Dining	4.78 miles	76 reviews	4.9/5 stars
Visit the Even Tide page on Yelp Search 1190 Duck Rd on Google Maps	Dining	3.19 miles	33 reviews	4.9/5 stars
Visit the Lady Victorian page on Yelp Search 1216 Duck Rd on Google Maps	Shopping	3.5 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Sandy Run Park page on Yelp Search 4351 The Woods Rd on Google Maps	Active	3.35 miles	7 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Jawfly Charters page on Yelp Search 4200 Bob Perry Rd on Google Maps	Active	4.58 miles	21 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Outer Banks Yoga page on Yelp Search 5230 N Virginia Dare Trl on Google Maps	Active	1.81 miles	20 reviews	4.9/5 stars
Visit the Duck Boardwalk & Ampitheater page on Yelp Search 1200 Duck Rd on Google Maps	Nightlife	3.31 miles	9 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Growlers To Go - Duck, NC page on Yelp Search 1187 Duck Rd on Google Maps	Nightlife	3.24 miles	26 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Advanced Skincare & Waxing Studio page on Yelp Search 12 Juniper Trl on Google Maps	Beauty	1.47 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Tranquil Touch Massage & Skincare page on Yelp Search 3901 N Croatan Hwy on Google Maps	Beauty	4.29 miles	19 reviews	4.9/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Southern Shores, NC

Population Households Employment

Southern Shores has 1,262 households, with an average household size of 2.47. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Southern Shores do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 3,119 people call Southern Shores home. The population density is 790.15 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

3,119

Total Population

High

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

57.4

Median Age

50.5 / 49.5%

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

1,262

Total Households

2.47

Average Household Size

$58,891

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 Southern Shores, NC

All ()

Primary Schools ()

Middle Schools ()

High Schools ()

Mixed Schools ()

The following schools are within or nearby Southern Shores. 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