Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Waves, NC
Thinking of moving to Waves, NC? This small coastal community of about 220 people offers relaxed seaside living with a median home price of $372,000 and average rents around $1,350. With low violent crime, a short 17.5-minute average commute, and mild, sunny weather, Waves is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful lifestyle. While local schools are limited, nearby Cape Hatteras Secondary serves the area, and residents enjoy access to The Outer Banks Hospital and scenic Atlantic beaches.
Demographics - Waves, NC
Waves, NC is a small community with a population of just 220, characterized by a predominantly White demographic and a median age of 52.3, reflecting a mature, close-knit atmosphere. The gender ratio is nearly balanced, and the area has a low percentage of non-English speakers, fostering a welcoming and familiar environment.
Population:
220
Density:
120 per sq mi
Median Age:
52.3
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
92.0%
Black:
2.0%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
5.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Waves, NC?
The cost of living in Waves is moderately above the national average, with a median home value of $372,000 and typical rents around $1,350 per month. Utility and grocery costs also trend slightly higher, making it important for newcomers to budget for coastal living expenses.
Median House Value:
$372,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$150
Auto Insurance:
$1,080
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$550
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
108.0
Grocery:
104.0
Housing:
120.0
Utilities:
115.0
Transportation:
102.0
Health Care:
107.0
Miscellaneous:
100.0
Crime
Is Waves, NC a safe place to live?
Waves experiences a low violent crime rate, with only 182 incidents per 100,000 residents, and a moderate property crime rate, offering a generally safe setting for families and retirees. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 550, contributing to the town's peaceful reputation.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
182
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,490
Crime Index:
1,672
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 550
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 67
Weather
What is the weather like in Waves, NC year-round?
Residents enjoy mild coastal weather, with summer highs averaging 86°F and winter lows seldom dropping below 38°F. The area receives generous rainfall and about 60% sunny days, making it perfect for those who appreciate outdoor activities and a temperate climate.
Winter
Min:
38°F
Max:
55°F
Spring
Min:
53°F
Max:
72°F
Summer
Min:
71°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
58°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
57.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
With a median household income of $63,000 and a poverty rate of 11.5%, Waves offers a stable economic environment. Most residents have at least a high school education, commutes are short at 17.5 minutes, and public transportation usage is minimal, reflecting the town's relaxed, rural character.
Median Income:
$34,000
Household Income:
$63,000
Family Income:
$74,000
Per Capita Income:
$31,200
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$31,000
Poverty Rate:
11.5%
Non English Speakers:
4.5%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
6.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
17.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.3%
Bachelors or More:
22.7%
Education
How are the schools in Waves, NC?
Local education is anchored by Cape Hatteras Secondary School, located nearby in Buxton and offering small class sizes with a 9.7 student-to-teacher ratio. While Waves does not have private schools, higher education is accessible at the College of The Albemarle in Manteo, about 48 miles away.
Public Schools
Name:
Cape Hatteras Secondary School
Street:
48576 NC-12, Buxton, NC 27920
Phone:
252-995-5730
Students:
415
Student Teacher Ratio:
9.7
Colleges
Name:
College of The Albemarle
City:
Manteo
State:
NC
Distance:
48 miles
Students:
2,800
Healthcare
Waves has access to quality healthcare, with The Outer Banks Hospital located nearby and a high rate of health insurance coverage at 89.4%. The availability of 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents ensures that basic medical needs are met for this small community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
The Outer Banks Hospital
Address:
4800 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC 27959
Phone:
(252) 449-4500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.4%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Waves, NC?
The housing market in Waves is active, with a median home price of $372,000 and moderate home appreciation at 6.9% over the past year. Owner-occupied homes make up 55% of the market, and a rental vacancy rate of 10.2% offers flexibility for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$372,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
55.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.9%
New Construction Rate:
2.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents of Waves handle vehicle registrations and licensing through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, headquartered in Raleigh and accessible online. The DMV provides comprehensive services for driver’s licenses, vehicle titles, and registrations.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1100 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27697
Phone:
1-919-715-7000
Website:
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.