Craving a private stretch of sand and a dock out back, with town close enough for everyday needs? If you are weighing coastal options in New Hanover County, Figure Eight Island offers a rare blend of privacy, boating access, and low‑density living that is hard to match. You want a clear picture of daily life, amenities, and the practical steps it takes to buy here. This guide walks you through lifestyle highlights, marine access, services, and buyer checklists so you can decide with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Island setting and access
Figure Eight Island sits along the Intracoastal Waterway just north of Wrightsville Beach and east of Wilmington. A single gated bridge controls all vehicle access to the island. That entrance, combined with private community governance, creates a quiet environment with limited through-traffic.
Beaches on the island are reserved for residents and their guests, which keeps the shoreline calm and uncrowded. Homes are primarily single-family coastal residences on larger lots compared with denser municipal beach towns. The result is a low-density neighborhood pattern that values space and privacy.
Privacy and governance
The island operates under a Property Owners Association that manages security, deed restrictions, and architectural standards. You can expect guest registration procedures and rules that govern vehicle access. These measures support privacy and help preserve a consistent look and feel across the island.
Design review, building setbacks, and covenants are common. If you plan to build or renovate, your project will go through community review and comply with coastal rules and permitting. For luxury buyers, these controls contribute to long-term property value and a cohesive streetscape.
Beach life and club amenities
Beach time is a central part of daily life. Managed access points and dune protections help maintain the shoreline. Typical activities include swimming, surf fishing, long walks, and relaxed time in the sand without the bustle of a public beachfront.
Many private islands offer a residents’ club or island club as a social hub. Amenities often include a clubhouse for events, a swimming pool, tennis and pickleball, and fitness options or classes. A seasonal social calendar is common. Membership is typically structured for property owners or available with dues, and outside use is limited.
Social life tends to center around resident gatherings rather than public nightlife. If you prefer quiet evenings with neighbors or low-key events, the island rhythm fits well.
Boating and marine access
Boating is part of the lifestyle on Figure Eight Island. With the Intracoastal at your back door and inlets to the Atlantic nearby, you can day-cruise to Wrightsville Beach, fish inshore waters, or run offshore when conditions allow. Paddleboarding and kayaking are popular on calm days.
Many properties feature private docks or lifts, subject to permitting and community approval. Where community marinas exist, there may be waitlists and rules for guest use and transient slips. If a specific lot lacks dock potential or has riparian limits, you can leverage marinas on the nearby mainland.
Permitting and environmental stewardship are key. Dock and bulkhead work requires county and state approvals, and in some cases federal review. Shoreline conditions, dredging history, tides, and shoaling patterns all affect navigation and maintenance planning.
Boating buyer checklist
- Confirm dock ownership or rights, existing permits, and lift capacity.
- Review navigational access for your boat size, including tidal depth and inlet conditions.
- Ask for any dredging or shoreline maintenance history relevant to your lot or channel.
- Understand community policies on boat size, guest access, and transient docking.
- Consult local captains or marina operators as you evaluate routes and conditions.
Everyday conveniences
Most day-to-day services are on the mainland in Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach. You can reach groceries, dining, professional services, and boutiques with a short drive across the bridge. Some owners arrange grocery delivery, private chef support, or concierge services to simplify logistics.
Utilities vary by property. Confirm water and sewer hookups versus private septic, and ask about electric and telecom infrastructure. Many owners choose high-speed residential internet solutions and may add a backup option for resilience during storms.
Healthcare needs are served by providers in Wilmington, including regional hospitals and specialty care. Public school enrollment runs through New Hanover County Schools, and some buyers opt for private education based on personal preferences and commute plans.
Wilmington International Airport provides regional flight access. When hosting, coordinate guest lists for the gate and confirm parking rules so arrivals go smoothly.
Risk, storms, and insurance
Barrier island ownership requires a clear plan for storms. New Hanover County manages evacuation orders during hurricanes and major weather events, and the island’s single access point means timing matters. Review your household’s plan for leaving early and securing the property.
Flood risk is part of coastal living. Many properties fall within FEMA flood zones, which makes elevation certificates and flood insurance central to your due diligence. Expect dedicated wind or windstorm coverage as well. These policies can carry higher premiums compared with inland homes, so factor them into your ongoing costs.
Shoreline resilience also matters. Consider seawall or bulkhead condition, dune health, and the placement of mechanical systems above expected water levels. Proactive maintenance can support long-term performance.
Real estate essentials
Scarcity drives value on Figure Eight Island. Private, gated access, low-density land planning, and direct water access combine to create a premium market compared with non-private coastal neighborhoods.
Property-specific attributes influence pricing. Lot size, water orientation, elevation, proximity to club facilities, and the condition of marine structures are major variables. A home with a well-permitted dock and favorable depth can command a different market response than a similar home without those features.
Ownership typically includes POA or HOA dues that support gate security, road and common area maintenance, dune management, and island amenities. Ask for current fee schedules and reserve funding details. Property taxes are levied by New Hanover County, and special assessments can occur for infrastructure or storm-related repairs.
Legal and title reviews should confirm deeded access, shoreline rights, building setbacks, and any conservation easements. Community CC&Rs often address architectural review, rental rules, guest policies, and parking. If you plan to rent, verify any limits on short-term stays.
Lending for island properties may involve specialized underwriting due to coastal risk. Some portfolio lenders focus on this segment. Appraisals require local expertise because comparable sales are limited.
Comparing local options
- Figure Eight Island: Private island living with controlled access, resident-focused social life, and a strong boating culture.
- Wrightsville Beach: A public municipality with an active beachfront and commercial district, a mix of primary residences and rentals.
- Landfall: An inland gated golf community with waterfront homes along creeks and a lifestyle centered on golf and landscaped amenities rather than private oceanfront.
Your choice comes down to priorities. If private beaches, gate-controlled entry, and dock-centric living top your list, Figure Eight stands out. If you prefer walkable commercial areas or golf-first communities, Wrightsville Beach and Landfall offer different tradeoffs.
Touring and due diligence
Use a discreet, step-by-step process to get answers fast while respecting island protocols.
- Engage a local agent familiar with Figure Eight Island and POA rules.
- Request CC&Rs, POA financials, meeting minutes, amenity rules, and any pending assessments.
- Verify utilities for each property, including sewer versus septic and telecom options.
- Obtain recent surveys, elevation certificates, and FEMA flood zone determinations.
- Review dock permits, riparian rights, and seawall or bulkhead history.
- Gather insurance quotes for homeowners, flood, and wind coverage early in the process.
- Schedule comprehensive inspections, including marine structures, pilings, roofing, HVAC, and moisture.
- Confirm guest and parking rules if you plan to host frequently, and verify rental policies if applicable.
- For private showings, coordinate gate procedures and timing to support confidentiality.
Is Figure Eight right for you?
If you want a low-traffic island environment, resident-focused amenities, and the ability to step from your porch to your dock, Figure Eight Island delivers. Daily life feels calm and curated, with town close enough for convenience and the water always within reach. Choosing well comes down to clarity on marine access, insurance, and community rules for the specific property you are evaluating.
When you are ready to compare opportunities, schedule a private consultation with Austin Kenyon. You will get local insight, discreet coordination, and a clear plan to secure the right property on your terms.
FAQs
Are beaches on Figure Eight Island public or private?
- Beaches are generally reserved for residents and their guests, with access managed through the island’s gated entrance and community rules.
Can I build a new dock on my property?
- Docks are often allowed with community approval and permits, and they must meet coastal and environmental requirements specific to the site.
How does Figure Eight compare to Wrightsville Beach for lifestyle?
- Figure Eight emphasizes privacy, resident-focused amenities, and boating access, while Wrightsville Beach offers public beach access and a busier commercial district.
What insurance should I expect to carry on the island?
- Most owners carry homeowners coverage plus dedicated flood and wind or windstorm policies, with premiums that reflect coastal risk.
Are short-term rentals allowed on Figure Eight Island?
- Rental policies are governed by community CC&Rs, and short-term stays may be restricted, so you should verify rules for each property.
Is internet and cell service reliable for remote work?
- Service levels vary by carrier and location, and many owners install high-speed residential internet and consider a backup option for resilience.
