Brunswick County is known for its charming coastal towns, world-class golf communities, and upscale waterfront living. Anchored by historic Southport, the county attracts retirees, golf enthusiasts, and families seeking a blend of small-town hospitality with resort-quality amenities and beautiful beaches.
Fast-growing town across the river from Wilmington with master-planned golf communities and lots of new construction.
Historic port town at the mouth of the Cape Fear River with a charming downtown and riverfront dining.
Family-friendly beach town with a strong year-round community, piers, and waterfront living.
Quiet, family-oriented beach town with no high-rises and a relaxed, residential feel.
Family beach island with canal living, golf nearby, and easy access to Myrtle Beach.
Southernmost NC beach town with the Kindred Spirit mailbox, golf, and growing mainland neighborhoods.
Brunswick County is one of the fastest-growing counties in North Carolina, with master-planned golf communities, 55+ neighborhoods and new home builders from Leland to Calabash. Here are the communities buyers ask us about most.
One 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)
Gated 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)
Master-planned golf and beach community on the mainland side of Sunset Beach, minutes from the island. New construction homes, villas, condos and buildable lots alongside established neighborhoods.
Three 18-hole championship courses: Rees Jones, Dan Maples and Willard Byrd
Gated community off US 17 built around the "Big Cats" golf courses, with a private oceanfront beach club for residents on Sunset Beach.
The Big Cats: Tiger's Eye, Leopard's Chase, Lion's Paw and Panther's Run (four 18-hole courses)
Large gated golf community in Calabash with several neighborhoods and active new construction, a short drive to Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle and North Myrtle Beach.
27-hole championship golf course
Builders: Lennar, D.R. Horton (Rich Square)
Roughly 4,500-acre master-planned community in Leland, about 15 minutes from downtown Wilmington, with multiple builders and neighborhoods still under construction.
Cape Fear National: 18-hole championship course with a ~7,000 sq. ft. clubhouse
Builders: Multiple builders, including Stanley Martin (Trestle Ridge)
Gated, resort-style community in Leland known for its amenity center and lazy river, with a golf course built through the community.
The Pointe: 18-hole course designed by Rick Robbins (separate membership)
Established golf community in Leland close to shopping on US 17, popular with buyers who want golf and value without the newest-construction price tag.
27-hole golf course open to the public
Golf community anchored by the Crow Creek course, with new single-family homes and condos near Calabash and Sunset Beach.
Crow Creek Golf Club
Custom homes and homesites within the private Thistle Golf Club, a well-regarded course near the South Carolina line.
Thistle Golf Club (private)
Established town built around an 18-hole golf course and clubhouse, with single-family homes, patio homes and villas at approachable prices.
18-hole golf course & clubhouse
55+ active adult community from Del Webb on about 300 acres near River Road, planned for roughly 760 homes.
Builders: Del Webb
Active adult new home community in Leland from Ryan Homes.
Builders: Ryan Homes
Master-planned community in the heart of Leland by Logan Homes, a long-time coastal Carolina builder.
Builders: Logan Homes
Single-family homes plus coastal cottages and villas from Ryan Homes, among the more affordable new construction in the county.
Builders: Ryan Homes
New single-family community from Mungo Homes with a planned pool and cabana.
Builders: Mungo Homes
D.R. Horton new home community in Bolivia, central to Southport, Oak Island and Holden Beach.
Builders: D.R. Horton
Riverfront new home community along the Shallotte River, close to US 17 and the beaches, with amenities planned for a later phase.
Builders: Pulte Homes
Toll Brothers community a short drive from Ocean Isle Beach.
Builders: Toll Brothers
D.R. Horton new homes in Shallotte, among the lower entry prices for new construction near the Brunswick beaches.
Builders: D.R. Horton
A 66-home patio home neighborhood geared toward buyers 55 and older, with low-maintenance living near the beach.
Chesapeake Homes community with a resort-style amenity package and a design gallery for personalizing homes.
Builders: Chesapeake Homes
Lennar single-family community in Calabash, now selling its final phase.
Builders: Lennar
New townhomes from Dream Finders Homes, a lower-maintenance option near Calabash and Sunset Beach.
Builders: Dream Finders Homes
Large planned coastal-themed community projected at roughly 3,600 homes. Timelines for large projects can shift, so check current status.
About 1,000 homes approved by the county in March 2026. Sewer capacity limits in parts of the county may affect when building starts.
About 340 homes approved by the county in March 2026 near St. James. Sewer capacity limits may affect timing.
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.
Tell us which towns, neighborhoods and lifestyles you're considering in Brunswick County, and we'll follow up with homes and a plan that fit your goals.