March 2026 Crystal Coast Market Report

If you’ve been watching the coast, you can feel it, the Crystal Coast is heating up in a big way this new year, and the energy is real. For the second month in a row, Beaufort is leading the charge with 115 active listings, giving buyers plenty to explore. Meanwhile, Emerald Isle is bringing the fresh inventory, topping the charts with 34 new listings and creating exciting new opportunities along the shoreline. Not to be outdone, Morehead City is once again proving buyer demand is strong, claiming the highest number of sold homes for the second consecutive month with 17 closings. And let’s talk luxury for a moment, Pine Knoll Shores stole the spotlight with a jaw-dropping average sales price of $1,757,500. Coastal living is not just a lifestyle here, it’s a thriving market full of momentum, opportunity, and serious value.

Adding to the coastal momentum, Atlantic Beach is making moves of its own with 69 active listings, 16 new properties hitting the market, and 7 homes sold. The average sales price came in at $480,000, a strong price point that keeps this beach town attractive for both full-time residents and second-home buyers looking to invest in coastal living.

Beaufort is clearly setting the pace, leading the way with 115 active listings and 31 new homes hitting the market. Even with that strong inventory flow, buyer demand remains steady with 13 homes sold. The average sales price came in at $662,108, a solid number that reflects both the charm and continued value of this historic coastal favorite.

Cape Carteret may be smaller in size, but it’s showing steady activity with 10 active listings, 5 new listings, and 5 homes sold, a strong balance between inventory and buyer demand. The average sales price came in at $614,300, highlighting continued value and interest in this desirable coastal community.

Emerald Isle was right behind Beaufort in active listings with an impressive 110 homes on the market, giving buyers plenty of coastal options to choose from. It also claimed the top spot for new listings with 34 properties hitting the market, while 9 homes successfully closed. The average sales price reached $976,944, a strong reflection of Emerald Isle’s continued appeal and the premium buyers are willing to pay for prime beachfront and sound side living.

​Indian Beach saw 29 active listings on the market, with 7 new homes added and 2 properties sold. The average sales price came in at $505,400, positioning this coastal gem as an attractive option for buyers looking to enjoy beachside living at a more approachable price point along the Crystal Coast.

Morehead City is holding steady with 65 active listings and an impressive 28 new homes hitting the market. It also led the way in closed activity, recording the highest number of sold listings at 17, a clear sign that buyers are actively moving. The average sales price came in at $820,529, reflecting strong demand and continued confidence in this vibrant waterfront community.

Pine Knoll Shores had 32 active listings, 12 new homes hit the market, and 2 properties sold, but here’s the headline: it led the entire area in average sales price with a remarkable $1,757,500. That number speaks volumes about the luxury appeal, exclusivity, and premium waterfront lifestyle that continues to define this standout coastal community.
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Swansboro showed steady activity, with 41 active listings, 13 new homes hitting the market, and 11 properties sold recently. The average sales price reached $431,409, reflecting consistent home values in the area. These numbers suggest that well-priced, move-in-ready homes are attracting buyers, making it a solid time for both sellers looking to list and buyers searching for their next home in this vibrant coastal community.

The Crystal Coast real estate market continues to demonstrate resilience and dynamism, characterized by sustained buyer interest, competitive sales activity, and robust home values, indicating a favorable environment for sellers to capitalize on demand while offering discerning buyers a diverse array of desirable properties.

Navigating the process of buying or selling a home can feel overwhelming, paperwork, inspections, and shifting market conditions often add stress. With Carl Johnson by your side, the journey becomes clear, manageable, and even enjoyable. Leveraging his extensive network of trusted professionals, from lenders to inspectors, Carl ensures every detail is handled so you can make confident, informed decisions.
Looking for your ideal home on the stunning Crystal Coast? Call 919-880-0904 and let Carl Johnson Real Estate guide you seamlessly every step of the way!

CLICK HERE to read this month's latest Greater Triangle Market Report.