Relocating to Brunswick County: Why Everyone’s Talking About Coastal Carolina’s Hidden Gem

Welcome to Your Coastal Dream Come True

Brunswick County, NC, has flown under many radars — until now. With sweeping coastline, friendly towns, and room to grow, this region is becoming one of the most desirable relocation destinations on the East Coast. Whether someone’s chasing salt-air mornings, slower pace, or better value, Brunswick County is capturing hearts.

As a local Realtor who lives and breathes this life, Kim Cotton knows the ins and outs — the sunny highs and real tradeoffs. This post walks you through exactly why so many are choosing Brunswick County for their next chapter.

Coastal Lifestyle Without Overpaying

One of the biggest draws: you get beach access, water views, boating, and walkable small towns — without paying premium coastal premiums found in many parts of Florida, New England, or the Outer Banks.

• The cost of living here can beat many coastal markets. (You’ll want to compare your current city to counties like Brunswick for housing, taxes, insurance.)

• Unlike places inflated by decades of vacation-home demand, Brunswick still offers neighborhoods with room to grow.

Kim helps buyers balance “beach feel vs. budget” so you get what matters most (view, access, land size) without overextending.

Multiple Town “Vibes” in One County

Diversity of environments is a big selling point. You’re not boxed into one flavor. Brunswick County offers:

• Oak Island / Caswell Beach — true beachfront living with piers, golf, kayak canals, community beach access.

• Southport — historic charm, tree-lined streets, walkable downtown, waterfront views.

• Leland / Belville — newer development, shopping, young families, commuters working in Wilmington.

• Inland towns (Bolivia, Calabash, Shallotte) — more land, quieter pace, more affordability.

Kim’s job is to align your personality and priorities with the right place — not just toss you a “nice house.”

Strategic Location & Connectivity

Your travel and access game is strong here:

• Wilmington International Airport (ILM) makes flying in and out easier for people relocating from other states. You also have the option to use Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR), though it is a little further away.

• Interstate 140 and state highways link Brunswick to major corridors and markets.

• Even local: NC Highway 906 serves as a key connector / evacuation route off Oak Island and you also have Long Beach Road to exit Oak Island.

• The 133 connection is almost done too!!

All that means fewer “beaches at the end of nowhere” headaches — you stay connected without losing coastal peace.

Nature, Recreation & Community Culture

Brunswick isn’t just a place to live — it’s a place to live well:

• Miles of coastline, access to the Intracoastal Waterway, boat ramps, fishing, paddleboarding.

• Parks, nature preserves, trails, wildlife.

• Festivals, farmers’ markets, small-town events

• Golf courses, local shops, restaurants, oyster joints (Calabash style food), and brewery spots nearby.

You don’t move here just to live — you move here to live well.

Kayaking the Davis Canal, Oak Island

Realistic View of Coastal Risks & How to Mitigate Them

Nobody wants sugar-coated coastal dreams. There are tradeoffs — and that’s where your agent matters.

• Flood zones, storm surge, wind damage — you’ll need to understand insurance, mitigation, and house design.

• Foundation, drainage, salt-air corrosion, elevated structures — homes built for the coast cost more in some respects.

• HOA rules, community associations, building restrictions — some beachfront or canal communities have tight controls.

Kim’s advantage: she’s walked this ground. She knows which builders, which neighborhoods, which lots offer the best balance of views vs predictability. She shows clients what to anticipate — so there are no surprises later.

Brunswick County Map

Remote Buyers Are Welcome Here

Many of Kim’s clients don’t live in NC yet. But they buy anyway — thanks to:

• Virtual tours, drone footage, 3D walkthroughs

• Trusted local inspectors and contractors Kim recommends

• Local contacts on the ground she already trusts

• Phased moves (you get to visit, explore, finalize)

Because she’s local and has relationships, Kim transforms distance into confidence.

The Kim Cotton Edge — Why Work With Her?

You’ll find many agents who know Brunswick County. But few who are invested in it the way Kim is.

• She’s lived here, seen the patterns, and watched the changes.

• She’s transparent — no sugarcoating. She’ll tell you whether a view is worth the extra cost.

• She’s a neighborhood matchmaker — she doesn’t just sell houses, she matches people to places.

• She helps you move smart: tax implications, floor plans, builders, flood zones — the detail stuff buyers often miss.

Your Move Starts Here

If you’re tired of dreaming about it and ready to make Brunswick County your next home, let’s talk. Let Kim Cotton help you narrow down which town fits you, tour from your phone, and make your move with confidence — not guesswork. Contact Kim Cotton at 910.712.2171 or email kim@thererealkimcotton.com

The REAL Kim Cotton