Exact cost-of-living figures are hard to come by, but our research shows that the overall Swansboro cost-of-living is just below or equal to the national average, thanks primarily to the fact that tourists and developers have not yet discovered this peaceful hamlet.   Golf courses and trendy shops are limited; instead, an authentic coastal, hometown feeling and a simple lifestyle greet newcomers.  This area is known as the Crystal Coast (on North Carolina's Southern Outer Banks) and is comprised of several beach towns; most people who come to Swansboro are actually on their way to Emerald Isle, farther east, for a beach getaway and miss all that laid-back Swansboro has to offer.  For those seeking a low-key retirement, this is not a bad thing.

The median home price here looks to be somewhere between $205,000 and $225,000, and there seems to be a good selection from which to choose (at least for a town this size).  Many retirees will be glad to know that newer, ranch-style, single-family residences start for sale in the mid- to high $100,000s.   Prices, though, as in most towns, depend on location, and homes closer to the water tend to cost more; most homes less than $300,000 do not have direct water access (but may have a "peek-a-boo" view or a community boat dock).   A very comfortable 2004 single family home with three bedrooms, two baths, 1,300 sq. ft., a country kitchen, fenced-in yard, vinyl siding and a third of an acre can be had for $185,000 to $199,000.  

More modest but still comfortable homes are available for less, in the $165,000 to $175,000 range.  On the higher end, $350,000 will fetch a beautiful Cape Cod with wide-open water-views, lush landscaping, hardwood floors, 9 ft. ceilings, large screened-in porch, three bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1,700 sq. ft. and an attached garage. Most upscale neighborhoods and subdivisions have private community boat slips as well.   And while Swansboro has its share of $500,000+ homes, inventory appears to be most plentiful in the $195,000 to $250,000 range.

 This is an interactive map.  Click on the arrows in the upper left hand corner to move the map to the East, West, North or South, and click on the +/- signs to zoom in and out.

Town homes are not in great supply, and neither are apartments for lease.  There is, though, a new 55+, low maintenance retirement community named The Villages at Swansboro.   Call 910-326-7435 for more information.

Property tax rates for the city and county are .313 and .503, respectively, for a combined rate of .816 per $100 of a home's assessed value.   There is a homestead exemption under which those 65 or better, those disabled and those with an annual disposable income below $20,500 have excluded from the assessment the greater of $20,000 or 50% of a home's appraised value.  Social Security and retired military are exempt from state income tax.  Many residences are located within a flood plain and require flood insurance which adds to the cost of owning a home.

Swansboro, North Carolina, Continued...