Get to Know the Grand Strand: Southport, NC

With abundant natural beauty, a mild-year round climate, and one of the most affordable costs-of-living in the country, the Grand Strand is the perfect place to call home. It is no wonder then, that over the past eight years, over 104,000 people have relocated to the Myrtle Beach/Conway/North Myrtle Beach metropolitan area alone.

With so many people looking to relocate to the area from across the world, it’s only understandable that many are not entirely familiar with the different townships and communities that make up the Grand Strand. Fortunately, your real estate experts at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Elliott Coastal Living are here. With local insight into the history, attractions, and real estate offerings of the Grand Strand, prospective homebuyers can begin to feel a little bit more at home in their new community.

This week we will be looking at the charming coastal hamlet of Southport, NC—America’s Happiest Coastal Town.

History

Southport was founded in 1792. Originally known as Smithville, the town was named after Revolutionary War Hero and later North Carolina Governor—Benjamin Smith. Throughout its early history, Smithville grew as a fishing village and through supporting military activity. Throughout most of the 19^th century, Smithville served as the county seat of Brunswick County. In 1887, Smithville was renamed to Southport in an attempt to promote greater shipping.

While Southport never achieved its goal of becoming a major shipping port, the area’s small-town charm and abundant natural beauty transformed the area during the victorian era into a popular tourist destination.

Attractions

As you tour the various beaches and museums that call Southport home, you may find yourself struck with an inexplicable case of deja vu. Over the years, Southport has become a favorite filming destination for many movies and television series, including Dawson’s Creek, Matlock, I Know What You Did Last Summer, and Nights in Rodanthe. Several walking and vehicular tours can take visitors to the sites that made Southport famous.

With easy access to Intracoastal Waterway, Cape Fear River, and the Atlantic Ocean, Southport is a proverbial “Paradise on Earth” for any watersports aficionados. Fishing, kayaking, sailing, and surfing are all beloved past-times for Southport natives. For those looking for a fun day excursion, head down to docks and hop aboard the ferry to the beautiful Bald Head Island nature preserve.  

By far, one of the area’s largest draws is the annual North Carolina Fourth of July Festival. Every year, around 50,000 visitors descend upon this cozy coastal village for this week-long display of patriotic revelry.

Real Estate

Southport real estate offers prospective buyers the benefit of living close to major business centers—such as Myrtle Beach and Wilmington—without having to sacrifice the cozy comfort of small-town coastal living.

If you’re looking to buy or sell Southport real estate, turn to your friends at Better Homes and Garden Real Estate Elliott Coastal Living.  For over six decades, the friendly staff and real estate professionals at BHGRE Elliott Coastal Living have been helping people find their forever home in the Grand Strand. Visit our website or give us a call today to learn about the luxurious residential properties available in Southport, NC.