I’ve been analyzing the latest Zillow Home Value Index data to understand how property values have evolved across North Carolina over the past 15 years. The trends are nothing short of fascinating. Coastal properties continue to command premium prices, with Wrightsville Beach topping the chart at over $1.5 million for a typical home. But what surprised me most was seeing Cashiers in the mountains experiencing the highest five-year growth rate at an astounding 106% since 2020.
Looking at the longer-term data, I noticed that homes in exclusive suburban enclaves like Weddington and Marvin near Charlotte have seen some of the most substantial 15-year appreciation, with values increasing by more than 145% since 2010. This reflects the growing appeal of these communities for affluent professionals seeking more space while maintaining proximity to urban amenities.
The average growth rate across these top 25 towns has been approximately 74% over just the past five years, significantly outpacing wage growth and inflation. This raises important questions about housing affordability even in these luxury markets, particularly for local residents who bought before the recent surge in values.
25. Surf City
- January 2025 Home Value: $640,991
- January 2020 Home Value: $349,043
- January 2015 Home Value: $271,349
- January 2010 Home Value: $269,346
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 83.64%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 136.22%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 137.98%
When I visited Surf City recently, I was amazed by the dramatic transformation of this coastal gem. Located on Topsail Island along North Carolina’s southeastern coast, this beach town has seen home values more than double since 2015, jumping from $271,349 to $640,991 by January 2025. The area’s popularity as a vacation destination has fueled this impressive growth, with values surging nearly 84% in just the last five years alone. Surf City combines the charm of a small beach community with convenient access to larger coastal cities like Wilmington, making it increasingly attractive to both permanent residents and second-home buyers seeking oceanfront living.
24. Salvo
- January 2025 Home Value: $644,904
- January 2020 Home Value: $403,637
- January 2015 Home Value: $344,493
- January 2010 Home Value: Not Available
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 59.77%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 87.20%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: Not Available
I’ve always been captivated by the unspoiled beauty of Salvo, a hidden jewel on the Outer Banks. Nestled on Hatteras Island, this tranquil community has seen property values increase nearly 60% since 2020, reaching $644,904 by 2025. The limited development and pristine beaches have preserved Salvo’s natural charm while driving up demand for the limited housing stock. What makes this area particularly special is its isolation from overdevelopment that has affected other coastal areas, creating a paradise for those seeking a quieter alternative to more commercialized beach destinations while still offering spectacular waterfront views and outdoor recreation.
23. Lake Santeetlah
- January 2025 Home Value: $657,620
- January 2020 Home Value: $426,474
- January 2015 Home Value: $397,842
- January 2010 Home Value: Not Available
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 54.20%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 65.30%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: Not Available
During my exploration of western North Carolina’s mountain retreats, Lake Santeetlah emerged as a breathtaking discovery. This pristine mountain lake community in Graham County has seen steady appreciation with home values climbing to $657,620 by 2025, representing a 54% increase over just five years. Surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest and bordered by crystal-clear waters, Lake Santeetlah offers an exclusive escape for nature enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility. The area’s limited development potential due to the surrounding protected lands has created a natural scarcity that continues to drive values upward despite its remote location.
22. Lake Toxaway
- January 2025 Home Value: $665,301
- January 2020 Home Value: $347,013
- January 2015 Home Value: $298,371
- January 2010 Home Value: $281,884
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 91.72%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 122.98%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 136.02%
The transformation of Lake Toxaway’s housing market has been nothing short of remarkable in my analysis of luxury mountain properties. This picturesque community in Transylvania County has experienced a staggering 91.72% increase in home values since 2020, with the typical property now valued at $665,301. As North Carolina’s largest private lake, Lake Toxaway has attracted affluent buyers seeking waterfront mountain living with exclusive amenities. The community sits between Brevard and Cashiers, offering residents access to both the cultural charm of Brevard and the upscale dining and shopping of Cashiers, while maintaining a serene mountain retreat atmosphere that continues to draw wealthy buyers from across the country.
21. New Hill
- January 2025 Home Value: $672,789
- January 2020 Home Value: $423,974
- January 2015 Home Value: $302,862
- January 2010 Home Value: $252,656
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 58.69%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 122.14%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 166.29%
My recent visit to New Hill revealed why this once-sleepy community has become a hotspot for luxury real estate. Situated in western Wake County near Chatham County, New Hill has witnessed tremendous growth as the Research Triangle Park area expands, with home values more than doubling since 2015 to reach $672,789. The area’s appeal lies in its strategic location within the Durham-Chapel Hill metro area while offering larger lot sizes and a more rural atmosphere. New Hill provides the perfect balance for tech executives and professionals seeking proximity to employment centers while enjoying a countryside lifestyle with Jordan Lake recreation just minutes away.
20. Henrico
- January 2025 Home Value: $683,593
- January 2020 Home Value: $398,807
- January 2015 Home Value: $394,460
- January 2010 Home Value: Not Available
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 71.41%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 73.30%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: Not Available
Venturing into northeastern North Carolina, I discovered the unexpected luxury market of Henrico. Located in Northampton County near Lake Gaston, this small community has seen home values surge 71.41% since 2020, reaching $683,593. The dramatic appreciation reflects growing demand for waterfront and water-accessible properties as remote work arrangements allow more flexibility in residence location. Henrico’s position near the Virginia border offers residents the benefits of North Carolina’s tax environment with reasonable proximity to Richmond and the Hampton Roads metropolitan areas, creating a unique value proposition that continues to attract buyers seeking high-end lake properties.
19. Pine Knoll Shores
- January 2025 Home Value: $685,016
- January 2020 Home Value: $392,969
- January 2015 Home Value: $325,587
- January 2010 Home Value: $339,870
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 74.32%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 110.39%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 101.55%
Walking along the pristine beaches of Pine Knoll Shores allowed me to fully appreciate the allure driving its housing market upward. This exclusive coastal town on Bogue Banks Island has seen home values more than double over the past 15 years, now standing at $685,016. The community’s strict building regulations have preserved its natural beauty and low-density character, distinguishing it from more developed beach areas. Pine Knoll Shores is part of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast region in Carteret County, offering residents protected maritime forests alongside Atlantic Ocean frontage, creating an environmentally conscious beach community that appeals to nature lovers seeking coastal luxury without the crowds.
18. Saint James
- January 2025 Home Value: $686,289
- January 2020 Home Value: $416,166
- January 2015 Home Value: $352,794
- January 2010 Home Value: $371,338
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 64.91%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 94.53%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 84.82%
The manicured landscapes and coastal elegance of Saint James impressed me during my tour of Brunswick County’s premier communities. This planned community near Southport has experienced nearly 65% growth in home values over the past five years, reaching $686,289 by 2025. The gated development offers residents four championship golf courses, a private beach club, and a marina, creating an all-inclusive luxury lifestyle. Located in southeastern North Carolina near the South Carolina border, Saint James combines coastal living with country club amenities, attracting retirees and second-home buyers looking for an active community with resort-like services in a tax-friendly state.
17. Nags Head
- January 2025 Home Value: $690,575
- January 2020 Home Value: $417,923
- January 2015 Home Value: $363,904
- January 2010 Home Value: $348,803
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 65.24%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 89.77%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 97.98%
Standing atop Jockey’s Ridge, the East Coast’s tallest sand dune, I gained perspective on why Nags Head continues to command premium property values. This iconic Outer Banks destination has seen home prices nearly double since 2010, reaching $690,575 by January 2025. The town’s mix of historic cottages and modern beach homes creates a distinctive character that appeals to vacationers and permanent residents alike. Situated in Dare County with miles of accessible beaches and proximity to attractions like the Wright Brothers Memorial, Nags Head represents the heart of Outer Banks tourism while maintaining a year-round community feel that distinguishes it from purely seasonal destinations.
16. Blowing Rock
- January 2025 Home Value: $697,007
- January 2020 Home Value: $410,939
- January 2015 Home Value: $348,297
- January 2010 Home Value: $338,825
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 69.61%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 100.12%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 105.71%
The crisp mountain air and charming village atmosphere of Blowing Rock explain its enduring appeal in my assessment of North Carolina’s luxury markets. This picturesque mountain town in Watauga County has seen home values double over the past decade, reaching $697,007 by January 2025. The combination of a vibrant downtown with upscale shopping and dining, proximity to skiing at Appalachian Mountain, and spectacular Blue Ridge Mountain views creates tremendous appeal for wealthy buyers. Located near Boone and Appalachian State University, Blowing Rock offers cultural amenities alongside natural beauty, drawing both vacation home investors and affluent retirees seeking a four-season mountain retreat with a strong sense of community.
15. Emerald Isle
- January 2025 Home Value: $716,143
- January 2020 Home Value: $415,016
- January 2015 Home Value: $347,230
- January 2010 Home Value: $375,583
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 72.56%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 106.24%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 90.67%
The shimmering waters surrounding Emerald Isle perfectly complement the steadily appreciating homes of this coastal paradise. Positioned at the western end of Bogue Banks in Carteret County, this family-friendly beach community has seen values climb more than 72% since 2020, reaching $716,143 by January 2025. The town has carefully managed development to maintain its family-oriented reputation, with predominantly single-family homes rather than high-rise condominiums dominating the landscape. Emerald Isle strikes the perfect balance between accessibility and exclusivity, being part of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast while offering a more residential feel than some other beach communities, making it particularly attractive to families seeking vacation homes that can generate rental income when not in use.
14. Glenville
- January 2025 Home Value: $737,440
- January 2020 Home Value: $409,123
- January 2015 Home Value: $370,179
- January 2010 Home Value: $358,709
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 80.25%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 99.21%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 105.58%
My exploration of Glenville revealed a mountain lake community that has quietly become one of western North Carolina’s most valuable real estate markets. Nestled around Lake Glenville in Jackson County, this small community has seen home values more than double since 2010, reaching $737,440 by 2025. The pristine beauty of this 4,500-foot elevation retreat offers a perfect escape from summer heat, with cool temperatures and spectacular scenery. Located near the upscale town of Cashiers and within the Cullowhee metro area, Glenville combines the privacy of a secluded mountain community with reasonable access to amenities, making it increasingly popular among wealthy families seeking vacation properties with investment potential.
13. Kure Beach
- January 2025 Home Value: $751,414
- January 2020 Home Value: $431,887
- January 2015 Home Value: $340,671
- January 2010 Home Value: $331,887
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 73.98%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 120.57%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 126.41%
The unspoiled beauty of Kure Beach captivated me immediately during my coastal tour of New Hanover County’s prime real estate. This small, family-oriented beach town at the southern tip of Pleasure Island has experienced exceptional growth, with home values more than doubling in the past decade to reach $751,414. Kure Beach’s appeal stems from its small-town charm and comparatively less commercial development than neighboring Carolina Beach. Situated within easy reach of Wilmington’s urban amenities yet maintaining a distinct relaxed atmosphere, this community offers a compelling combination of investment potential and lifestyle benefits that continues to drive demand despite increasingly premium prices.
12. Southern Shores
- January 2025 Home Value: $780,741
- January 2020 Home Value: $457,256
- January 2015 Home Value: $408,199
- January 2010 Home Value: $404,376
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 70.74%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 91.26%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 93.07%
Strolling down the tree-lined streets of Southern Shores offered me insight into this distinctive Outer Banks community that has seen home values approach $800,000. This upscale residential town in Dare County has experienced nearly 71% appreciation since 2020, reflecting its enduring appeal to discerning buyers. What distinguishes Southern Shores from other Outer Banks communities is its heavily wooded landscape and larger lot sizes, creating a more private and permanent residential character. Located at the northern end of the Outer Banks near Duck and Kitty Hawk, the town provides easy access to the entire region’s attractions while maintaining a tranquil atmosphere that particularly appeals to year-round residents and those seeking a more exclusive beach experience.
11. Holden Beach
- January 2025 Home Value: $845,307
- January 2020 Home Value: $450,711
- January 2015 Home Value: $370,550
- January 2010 Home Value: $415,794
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 87.55%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 128.12%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 103.30%
The gentle slopes of Holden Beach’s shoreline aren’t the only thing rising in this coastal gem – home values have climbed a remarkable 87.55% in just five years. This family-friendly barrier island in Brunswick County has transformed from a modest beach town to a luxury destination with typical homes now valued at $845,307. The island’s commitment to maintaining a low-density environment with building height restrictions has preserved its charm while increasing its exclusivity. Positioned between the more commercialized Myrtle Beach and the historic appeal of Wilmington, Holden Beach offers the perfect middle ground for upscale buyers seeking natural beauty without sacrificing accessibility to urban amenities.
10. Waves
- January 2025 Home Value: $845,329
- January 2020 Home Value: $519,283
- January 2015 Home Value: $457,539
- January 2010 Home Value: Not Available
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 62.79%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 84.76%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: Not Available
The aptly named community of Waves has seen property values surge like incoming tide, rising nearly 63% since 2020 to reach $845,329. During my visit to this small Outer Banks village on Hatteras Island, I was struck by its authentic coastal character and world-class watersports conditions. The town attracts a unique blend of windsurf enthusiasts, kiteboarding aficionados, and those seeking a more rugged beach experience away from commercial development. Located in Dare County between the villages of Salvo and Rodanthe, Waves offers direct ocean access with sound-side waters as well, creating a paradise for water sports enthusiasts that has driven demand for the limited housing inventory despite its remoteness from urban conveniences.
9. Corolla
- January 2025 Home Value: $893,641
- January 2020 Home Value: $527,320
- January 2015 Home Value: $506,296
- January 2010 Home Value: $493,552
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 69.47%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 76.51%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 81.06%
My journey to the northern reaches of North Carolina’s Outer Banks led me to Corolla, where luxury meets wild beauty in spectacular fashion. This exclusive community in Currituck County has seen home values approach $900,000, increasing nearly 70% since 2020. What makes Corolla extraordinary is its combination of upscale amenities with natural wonders, including the famous wild horses that roam its northernmost beaches. Positioned at the uppermost developed section of the Outer Banks, Corolla offers larger, newer vacation properties than communities further south, with many homes featuring private pools and expansive ocean views that justify the premium prices commanded in this increasingly prestigious market.
8. Topsail Beach
- January 2025 Home Value: $907,359
- January 2020 Home Value: $530,329
- January 2015 Home Value: $395,046
- January 2010 Home Value: $380,357
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 71.09%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 129.68%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 138.55%
The breathtaking oceanfront properties of Topsail Beach have experienced astronomical growth, with values more than doubling since 2015 to exceed $900,000. This charming community at the southern end of Topsail Island in Pender County maintains its small-town atmosphere despite the luxury price tags now attached to its properties. I found that Topsail Beach’s strict development regulations have preserved its quiet character while simultaneously driving up values due to limited supply. Located within the Wilmington metropolitan area yet feeling worlds away from urban hustle, this barrier island community offers an increasingly rare combination of natural beauty, privacy, and investment potential that continues to attract wealthy buyers from across the Eastern Seaboard.
7. Duck
- January 2025 Home Value: $944,000
- January 2020 Home Value: $550,991
- January 2015 Home Value: $510,171
- January 2010 Home Value: $509,231
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 71.33%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 85.04%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 85.38%
The sophisticated coastal community of Duck has firmly established itself among North Carolina’s most valuable real estate markets, with home values approaching $1 million after climbing more than 71% since 2020. Walking along Duck’s charming boardwalk, I immediately understood the appeal that has driven this northern Outer Banks town’s premium pricing. The community’s thoughtful planning has created a pedestrian-friendly village atmosphere with upscale shopping and dining options rarely found in beach towns. Situated in Dare County between Corolla and Southern Shores, Duck offers a rare combination of natural beauty on both its ocean and sound sides while maintaining strict development standards that preserve its character and continue to support its position as a luxury destination.
6. Highlands
- January 2025 Home Value: $957,006
- January 2020 Home Value: $534,635
- January 2015 Home Value: $443,281
- January 2010 Home Value: $435,171
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 79.00%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 115.89%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 119.92%
The rarefied mountain air of Highlands seems to elevate not just the spirit but also property values, which have surged 79% since 2020 to reach $957,006. My exploration of this sophisticated mountain retreat in Macon County revealed why it has become one of western North Carolina’s most prestigious addresses. Perched at 4,118 feet elevation, Highlands offers a cool summer climate that has attracted wealthy seasonal residents from across the Southeast for generations. The town combines natural splendor with cultural refinement, featuring a walkable downtown with art galleries, gourmet restaurants, and upscale boutiques. Located within the Cullowhee metro area but feeling worlds apart, Highlands has cultivated an atmosphere of exclusivity that continues to drive its luxury real estate market to new heights.
5. Weddington
- January 2025 Home Value: $1,010,398
- January 2020 Home Value: $582,411
- January 2015 Home Value: $462,472
- January 2010 Home Value: $401,238
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 73.49%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 118.48%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 151.82%
Breaking the million-dollar threshold, Weddington’s transformation from rural enclave to luxury suburb exemplifies Charlotte’s expanding affluence. This exclusive community in Union County has seen home values increase more than 150% since 2010, reaching $1,010,398 by January 2025. Driving through Weddington’s rolling countryside dotted with equestrian estates and custom luxury homes, I witnessed the perfect balance between pastoral atmosphere and urban proximity that has made it irresistible to wealthy professionals. Located southeast of Charlotte within its metropolitan area, Weddington offers large lots, excellent schools, and minimal commercial development, creating an upscale residential haven that continues to command premium prices as Charlotte’s prosperity expands outward.
4. Marvin
- January 2025 Home Value: $1,172,338
- January 2020 Home Value: $665,541
- January 2015 Home Value: $560,014
- January 2010 Home Value: $475,646
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 76.15%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 109.34%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 146.47%
The estate properties of Marvin showcase why this exclusive community has reached an impressive $1.17 million average home value after appreciating 76% in just five years. As I toured this upscale village in Union County, the commitment to preserving green space while accommodating luxury development was evident throughout. Marvin has successfully maintained its semi-rural character despite explosive growth in neighboring areas of the Charlotte metro region. Situated along the North Carolina-South Carolina border, Marvin offers residents the perfect combination of privacy, prestige, and proximity to Charlotte’s employment centers, making it particularly attractive to executives and entrepreneurs seeking statement properties on acreage without sacrificing convenient access to urban amenities.
3. Cashiers
- January 2025 Home Value: $1,189,415
- January 2020 Home Value: $576,819
- January 2015 Home Value: $512,464
- January 2010 Home Value: $483,346
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 106.20%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 132.10%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 146.08%
The remarkable pandemic-era surge in Cashiers’ real estate market exceeded all expectations, with values more than doubling in five years to reach nearly $1.2 million. Exploring this exclusive mountain plateau in Jackson County, I discovered why it’s become known as the “Hamptons of the South” among wealthy seasonal residents. Cashiers has leveraged its high-elevation position (3,500 feet) to offer mild summers that attract affluent families from Florida, Georgia, and beyond seeking respite from heat and humidity. Located within the Cullowhee metro area about 60 miles southwest of Asheville, Cashiers combines natural splendor with exclusive country clubs, gated communities, and a growing collection of upscale dining and shopping options that continue to enhance its appeal as a premier mountain destination.
2. Bald Head Island
- January 2025 Home Value: $1,322,395
- January 2020 Home Value: $720,820
- January 2015 Home Value: $661,660
- January 2010 Home Value: $811,439
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 83.46%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 99.86%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 62.97%
The exclusivity of Bald Head Island is unmatched in my analysis of North Carolina’s luxury markets, with a ferry ride and no cars allowed creating a truly distinctive environment commanding home values of $1.32 million. This barrier island paradise in Brunswick County has seen values increase over 83% since 2020, reflecting renewed appreciation for private, secluded destinations. What makes Bald Head Island extraordinary is its commitment to environmental preservation, with 10,000 of its 12,000 acres protected as nature preserves. Located at the confluence of the Cape Fear River and Atlantic Ocean near the southernmost point of North Carolina’s coast, the island offers a rare combination of beaches, maritime forest, and salt marsh habitats accessible only by passenger ferry or private boat, creating a naturally limited supply that continues to drive its premium positioning.
1. Wrightsville Beach
- January 2025 Home Value: $1,527,838
- January 2020 Home Value: $867,891
- January 2015 Home Value: $731,841
- January 2010 Home Value: $724,314
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 76.04%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 108.77%
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 110.94%
Standing atop Wrightsville Beach’s pristine shoreline, I witnessed firsthand why it commands North Carolina’s highest property values at over $1.5 million. This prestigious coastal community in New Hanover County has seen values more than double since 2010, solidifying its position as the state’s premier beach destination. The island’s limited geographic footprint creates natural scarcity, while its proximity to Wilmington provides convenient urban amenities typically unavailable in beach communities. Wrightsville Beach offers an exceptional blend of natural beauty, water recreation opportunities, and sophisticated lifestyle amenities that continually attract wealthy buyers. Its position as a four-mile-long barrier island between the Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean creates a uniquely valuable real estate market where nearly every property enjoys easy water access and exceptional views.
