North Carolina / County

Moving to Surf City, NC

Thinking of making a move to Surf City, NC? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Surf City, NC

Considering a move to Surf City, NC? This welcoming community of 3,110 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $526,000 and average rents near $1,750. Commute times average 25 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (66% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Surf City's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Surf City, NC

Surf City has a population of 3,110 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 52 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 94% White, 2% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 4% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
3,110
Density
1,260 per sq mi
Median Age
52.1
Gender Ratio
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
4.1%

Ethnic Composition

White
94.2%
Black
1.6%
Asian
0.7%
Others
3.5%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Surf City, NC?

The cost of living in Surf City is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 109.7. Median home values are around $526,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,750. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$526,000
Gross Rent
$1,750
Monthly Electricity Charges
$141
Auto Insurance
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,220
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$725
State Taxes
Low: 5.25%| High: 5.25%
Cost Of Living Index
109.7
Grocery
104.1
Housing
122.0
Utilities
108.6
Transportation
104.8
Health Care
106.7
Miscellaneous
101.5

Crime

Is Surf City, NC a safe place to live?

Surf City is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 152 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 94. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in North Carolina.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
152
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,067
Crime Index
1,219
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 658
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 94

Weather

What is the weather like in Surf City, NC year-round?

Surf City experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 88°F and cold winters dipping to 36°F. The area receives about 57 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 66% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
36°F
Max
58°F

Summer

Min
72°F
Max
88°F

Spring

Min
54°F
Max
75°F

Fall

Min
55°F
Max
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches
56.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
66%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $79,900 and a low poverty rate of 7.3%. Over 94% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 40% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 25 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$41,800
Household Income
$79,900
Family Income
$90,200
Per Capita Income
$45,100
Income Male
$52,800
Income Female
$40,700
Poverty Rate
7.3%
Non English Speakers
5.1%
Rent
$1,750
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
Public Transport Usage
0.7%
Commute Time
25.2 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
93.8%
Bachelors or More
40.1%

Education

How are the schools in Surf City, NC?

Surf City offers quality education options, with public schools like Topsail Elementary School and Topsail Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Cape Fear Community College and University of North Carolina Wilmington. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Topsail Elementary School
Street
17385 US Hwy 17 N
Phone
910-270-1977
Students
850
Student Teacher Ratio
15.1
Name
Topsail Middle School
Street
17445 US Hwy 17 N
Phone
910-270-2612
Students
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio
16.4

Private Schools

Name
Faith Harbor Preschool
Street
14201 NC-50
Phone
910-328-4422
Students
60

Colleges

Name
Cape Fear Community College
City
Wilmington
State
NC
Distance
29 miles
Students
23,000
Name
University of North Carolina Wilmington
City
Wilmington
State
NC
Distance
32 miles
Students
17,500

Healthcare

Surf City residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Novant Health Pender Medical Center and Onslow Memorial Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.9 per 1,000 people and 89.7% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Novant Health Pender Medical Center
Address
507 E Fremont St, Burgaw, NC 28425
Phone
(910) 259-5451
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Onslow Memorial Hospital
Address
317 Western Blvd, Jacksonville, NC 28546
Phone
(910) 577-2345
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage
89.7%
Health Care Index
78.3

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Surf City, NC?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $526,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 75%. The market has seen a 6.5% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 10.2%. Surf City offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$526,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,750
Owner Occupied Rate
75.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
10.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
6.5%
New Construction Rate
2.7%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Surf City handle vehicle services through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Raleigh. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
North Carolina
Department
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address
1100 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27697
Phone
919-715-7000

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Surf City, NC

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Surf City, review the core fields on this page: population 3,110, median home value $526,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,750, commute time 25.2 minutes, and sunny days percentage 66%.

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