About Southport
Southport is a historic waterfront town at the mouth of the Cape Fear River. Its tree-lined streets, historic homes, and waterfront parks have made it a popular filming location and a beloved place to live.
The town hosts the North Carolina 4th of July Festival, and ferries connect Southport to Fort Fisher and Bald Head Island. Oak Island's beaches are just minutes away.
Why People Love Southport
Historic downtown
Shops, galleries, and restaurants in a walkable historic district.
NC 4th of July Festival
The state's official Independence Day celebration.
Ferries
Ferries connect to Fort Fisher and Bald Head Island.
Waterfront views
Watch ships pass on the Cape Fear River from the waterfront park.
Homes & Real Estate in Southport
Southport offers historic homes downtown, waterfront properties, and newer neighborhoods nearby. Gated golf communities such as St. James are close by.
Its charm and limited inventory keep demand high.
Golf & New Construction Near Southport
Neighborhoods near Southport worth a look, from golf course communities to new homes from local and national builders.
Golf Course Communities
St. James Plantation
Custom homes & lotsOne of the largest gated golf communities on the North Carolina coast, between Southport and Oak Island along the Intracoastal Waterway. Single-family, attached and condo homes, with custom new construction still underway.
Four courses: The Reserve Club (Jack Nicklaus), The Founders Club (P.B. Dye), The Members Club (Hale Irwin) and The Players Club (Tim Cate)
- 24-hour gated entrance
- Full-service marina
- Beach club on Oak Island
- Pools & fitness
- Tennis & pickleball
- Golf membership optional
Winding River Plantation
Custom homes & lotsGated golf and river community on the Lockwood Folly River with its own day marina and a beach club on Holden Beach. Custom builders continue to build on remaining lots.
Carolina National Golf Club: 27 holes designed by Fred Couples (membership optional)
- Gated entrance
- River House & day marina
- Boat launch with ICW access
- Holden Beach oceanfront beach club
- Clubhouse, pool & fitness
- Tennis & bocce
New Home Communities
Middle Creek Village
Builders selling nowSingle-family homes plus coastal cottages and villas from Ryan Homes, among the more affordable new construction in the county.
Builders: Ryan Homes
- Single-family homes
- Coastal cottages & villas
River Tide Farms
Builders selling nowNew single-family community from Mungo Homes with a planned pool and cabana.
Builders: Mungo Homes
- Planned pool & cabana
Bella Point
Builders selling nowD.R. Horton new home community in Bolivia, central to Southport, Oak Island and Holden Beach.
Builders: D.R. Horton
- Single-family homes
Planned & Recently Approved
Midway Landing
Planned / approvedLarge planned coastal-themed community projected at roughly 3,600 homes. Timelines for large projects can shift, so check current status.
- Master-planned community (planned)
Cherry Tree
Planned / approvedAbout 1,000 homes approved by the county in March 2026. Sewer capacity limits in parts of the county may affect when building starts.
- Approved development
Mirasol
Planned / approvedAbout 340 homes approved by the county in March 2026 near St. James. Sewer capacity limits may affect timing.
- Approved development
Updated October 2026. Builders, phases, amenities and availability change often. Contact us for current pricing and inventory, and bring your own agent to your first builder visit.
Before You Buy in Southport
Historic district rules
Homes in the historic district may need approval for exterior changes.
Flood zones
Waterfront areas may be in flood zones. Check before buying.
Southport: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southport a good place to retire?
Many retirees love Southport for its small-town charm, historic setting, and nearby golf and beaches.
How do I get to Bald Head Island from Southport?
The Bald Head Island ferry departs from Deep Point Marina in Southport.
How far is Southport from Wilmington?
About 45 minutes by car, or you can take the Fort Fisher ferry.