Southern Shores is unique for a town in that it started out, and still is, one big subdivision. There are a couple of areas inside Southern Shores with different names, like Chicahauk, but they were all a part of the master subdivision plan. Originally, when they started selling lots they were a lot smaller but the buyers started buying 2 lots side by side so the developers ended up doubling up the size of the lots for sale. Now the average size lot in Southern Shores is 20,000 or larger with some reaching 40,000 sq. ft.
The oceanfront is separated from the soundfront by a large dune ridge than runs the entire length of the town. On the oceanside of the ridge there are rolling sand dunes with the beach wind swept vegetation. The sound side of the ridge is protected from the salty ocean wind offering protection for a maritime forest of hickory, dogwood, holly and other hardwood trees.
You can drive through rolling, wooded hills reminiscent of the mountains to suddenly find yourself at the beach as you cross over the top of ridge.
Because of this diversity and the oversized lots, Southern shores real estate values have consistently outpaced most of the Outer Banks. In fact, in 2006, the year the bubble was supposed to have burst, the prices for Southern Shores real estate have gone up almost 10%. The Town of Southern Shores official website.
Information from the Outer Banks Association of REALTORS MLS
Southern Shores Real Estate Sold Statistics (Westside)
- 2007 (Jan1-Oct1) saw 51 residential properties sell for a median price of $487,000 and an average price of $534,657
- 2006 saw 45 residential properties sell for a median price of $535,000 and an average price of $604,596
- 2005 saw 78 residential properties sell for a median price of $447,450 and an average price of $485,399
- 2004 saw 101 residential properties sell for a median price of $420,000 and an average price of $468,064
- 2003 saw 68 residential properties sell for a median price of $314,750 and an average price of $371,010
Southern Shores Real Estate Sold Statistics (Ocean Side)
- 2007 (Jan1-Oct1) saw 13 residential properties sell for a median price of $625,000 and an average price of $949,235
- 2006 saw 7 residential properties sell for a median price of $670,000 and an average price of $734,143
- 2005 saw 32 residential properties sell for a median price of $694,875 and an average price of $958,745
- 2004 saw 25 residential properties sell for a median price of $749,000 and an average price of $816,860
- 2003 saw 22 residential properties sell for a median price of $539,250 and an average price of $631,914
