An aerial view of a marina with several boats and yachts docked, and a small boat sailing in the water. Beyond the marina is a small town with numerous buildings, trees, and streets. In the background, there is a river, open land, and a clear sky at sunset.

Beaufort NC

ABOUT THE TOWN

We found a treasure on the North Carolina coast.

This vibrant coastal town steeped in over 300 years of history. blends maritime charm with a thriving community of just over 4,400 residents. Of course it does swell a bit in the summer months. Located along Beaufort Inlet and surrounded by waterways, it offers a rich tapestry of historic sites, fresh seafood, and breathtaking waterfront views. From the Rachel Carson Reserve to its renowned maritime museum, Beaufort is a haven for adventurers, history buffs, and those seeking coastal serenity.

Top photo source: Dylan Ray Photography for Visitbeaufortnc.com

This town is best for:

Coastal Living

Remote Work

Outdoors

Street view of a row of small businesses, including a restaurant named Clawson's, with parked cars in front and a clear blue sky overhead. Beaufort NC

Pop. 4,400

Swells in summer

Low 38° - High 86°

Exceptional

IS THIS YOUR MOXIETOWN?

Does this town check your boxes?

  • This town is delightful weekend getaway or even a place to settle in for a summer stretch with its rich history, stunning waterfront, and vibrant community. Stay at charming inns like the Pecan Tree Inn or Beaufort Hotel, where you can immerse yourself in Victorian elegance or modern luxury. Explore the historic downtown, indulge in fresh seafood, and enjoy activities like pirate tours, wild horse expeditions, and serene beach days at Fort Macon.

  • For its size we see this as a solid match for entrepreneurs seeking a nurturing environment for their ventures. With a stable yet cautiously optimistic business climate, Beaufort County's economic indicators suggest a supportive environment for both new and existing businesses. The town's downtown, with its historic charm and waterfront appeal, not only attracts tourists but also provides a picturesque setting for businesses to thrive.

    Beaufort, NC, is an ideal destination for remote workers and digital nomads seeking a blend of coastal charm and modern connectivity. With internet providers like Brightspeed offering fiber internet speeds up to 940 Mbps, the town ensures a robust and reliable connection for work. The Vault Coworking, located in the heart of the historic downtown, provides a creative and flexible workspace, fostering a community of like-minded professionals. While fairly new, it is bustling! This combination of high-speed internet and coworking facilities makes Beaufort a perfect spot for those looking to work remotely in a picturesque setting.

  • This town is a match for families seeking a nurturing environment. With its safe, tight-knit community, excellent schools, and numerous family-friendly activities, it offers a balanced, if laid-back, lifestyle. From fishing and kayaking to exploring local history, there's something for every age. The town's commitment to education, community events, and its natural beauty make it an ideal place for children to grow up, fostering a sense of belonging.

    Beaufort is an interesting match for singles who are interested in the outdoors, or a serene coastal enclave as it is a very friendly town. Neighboring towns that seem to be edge to edge expands the population to connect with. The bigger town of New Bern is only a bit over an hour away. We loved the bustling tables full of friends at the local cafes when we visited.

    Beaufort is an interesting match for singles who are interested in the outdoors, or a serene coastal enclave as it is a very friendly town. Neighboring towns that seem to be edge to edge expands the population to connect with. The bigger town of New Bern is only a bit over an hour away. We loved the bustling tables full of friends at the local cafes when we visited.

A suburban street lined with trees with green and orange leaves, white houses with front porches, and American and Greek flags hanging from the front of the houses. Beaufort NC

THE UNIQUE MAGIC INGREDIENTS

SPARKS & Vibes

Sign with the words "The Beaufort Vibe" on a white background, featuring a black top border and a gold pushpin at the upper right corner. The main text "Southern Coastal" is written in red cursive.

The way we see it, SPARKS are the places, events, activities that you remember about a MoxieTown, the ones that set them apart, the ones they are known for, & make a lasting impression.

Vibes , on the other hand, are that all-over feeling you get from a place, its unique ambiance.

Here is where southern hospitality meets waterfront adventure, creating a relaxed yet vibrant community that feels both timeless and inviting. It feels so authentically real. We think that the vibe here is Southen Coastal

Active port

Active port

Co-working on the waterfront

Co-working on the waterfront

Destination boutiques

Destination boutiques

North Carolina Maritime Museum Beaufort | closed for renovation

North Carolina Maritime Museum Beaufort | closed for renovation

Rachel Carson Coastal Estuarine Reserve

Rachel Carson Coastal Estuarine Reserve

Main street in a small town with parked cars, storefronts decorated with holiday wreaths, trees, and flower beds under a clear blue sky.

Main street in a small town with parked cars, storefronts decorated with holiday wreaths, trees, and flower beds under a clear blue sky.

The Downtown Scene 

Front Street, the heart of Downtown Beaufort, is a picturesque blend of history and charm. Lined with historic homes and buildings, this main artery showcases a mix of Federal, Greek Revival, and Queen Anne architecture, each adorned with plaques from the Beaufort Historical Association. The street's scale is intimate, with a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere that invites exploration. Darling boutiques and specialty stores are a draw for strolling. Restaurants and cafes, such as the historic General Store, provide a taste of local cuisine.

BLOGS ABOUT THIS MOXIETOWN

Stories, Tales, & Secrets

 
READ MORE ABOUT BEAUFORT
 

 Found Around Town

Take a look at our Stories to find more about these treasures in and around town.


Our Quick Takes & Not-To-Miss Highlights.

Whether you’re staying or just stopping by, you don’t want to miss these. There are many adventures to be had and much local flair to experience!

  • For such a small town, there is a vibrant foodie scene with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. 34° North Restaurant offers a delightful waterfront breakfast, while Beaufort Café is renowned for its hearty breakfast platters. Blue Moon Bistro provides a sophisticated French dining experience, and Blackbeard's Grill & Steam Bar is a must-visit for seafood lovers. That is for starterrs.

  • This town offers a plethora of outdoor activities for all ages. Enjoy biking along the Spanish Moss Trail, kayaking through the ACE Basin, or fishing in the fish-abundant waters. For families, Shevans Park, known as the "Sea of Dreams," provides an engaging playground with slides, swings, and rope obstacles.

  • A weekend in Beaufort, NC, promises a blend of history, nature, and relaxation. Stay at the charming Pecan Tree Inn or the waterfront Beaufort Hotel, indulge in fresh seafood at 34° North Restaurant, explore the maritime museum, and enjoy a sunset cruise. With its small-town charm, you'll leave with lasting memories. Romantic? Yes.

  • A robust broadband environment with providers like Brightspeed and Spectrum delivering high-speed internet, up to 2 Gbps and 1 Gbps respectively. The town supports small businesses through initiatives like the Pamlico Business Resource Center, providing comprehensive support for business development, marketing, and fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Did we mention how much we love the new co-working location, The Vault?

  • The town hosts the Beaufort Music Festival, showcasing diverse music at Gallants Channel. The Turnage Theatre offers a range of performances, while local galleries like Carolina Creations and Blu Sail Gallery display regional art. Festivals like Mardi Gras on Middle Lane add to the cultural richness.

  • This town offers a diverse range of living options from historic homes to modern waterfront developments, with a median home price of $385,000 in November 2024. The cost of living is “relatively” affordable, with a living index of 95, making it an attractive choice for those seeking coastal charm without the highest price tags, however - this is coastal so expect some premiums.

 
 
 

Uncover the treasures around town

Because, sometimes you just need to know how close it is

  • Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia MSA - 321 mi

    Raleigh-Durham MSA - 156 mi

  • Charlotte Douglas International Airport: 321 mi

    Raleigh Durhsm International Airport: 156 mi

  • Carteret Community College - 5.9 mi

    University of North Carolina Wilmington - 105 mi

  • Carteret Health Care - 5.4 mi

  • Bank of America Stadium - 323 mi

  • Taylor’s Creek - in town

    Radio Island Beach - 2.9 mi

    Newport River - 1.8 mi

  • Independence Mall (Wilmington) 105 mi

SIT BACK AND SCROLL THROUGH THESE SMALL TOWN INSPIRATIONS

Follow along for some MoxieTown magic.

Tech does not have to mean glass towers, parking decks, and badge access. In a small town, it can mean a founder with a laptop, a mentor around the corner, a class at night, and a community that knows their name. Beaufort, South Carolina is one exa

A sweet slice of life in Beaufort

Line of white houses with porches, some with rocking chairs, on a sunny day with a clear blue sky. A black car is parked in front of one house, with green bushes and shrubs along the street.

Line of white houses with porches, some with rocking chairs, on a sunny day with a clear blue sky. A black car is parked in front of one house, with green bushes and shrubs along the street.

Colorful kayaks and canoes turned upside down on a metal rack near a lake, with trees and water in the background under a clear blue sky.

Colorful kayaks and canoes turned upside down on a metal rack near a lake, with trees and water in the background under a clear blue sky.

A white house with black shutters and a front porch, surrounded by a white picket fence, with a tree in front and holiday decorations on the door.

A white house with black shutters and a front porch, surrounded by a white picket fence, with a tree in front and holiday decorations on the door.

A street view of a storefront with a decorated balcony and porch with green garlands and a bench, during daytime.

A street view of a storefront with a decorated balcony and porch with green garlands and a bench, during daytime.

Interior view of a home decor store with furniture, lamps, paintings, and decorative items displayed.

Interior view of a home decor store with furniture, lamps, paintings, and decorative items displayed.

Find Your Tribe

Location is everything when you’re moving somewhere new, but so are the people! While of course, these stats can’t begin to represent these unique individuals and their social dynamics, they can provide you with a snapshot of the remarkable tapestry of personalities.

Education

This is a great place to get an overview of the educational offerings of a community. We know each family is unique and each child has their own perfect fit - so check out the many options in this town here.

How we look at demographics, other than education choices

We are looking at small towns everywhere and, so that our fellow small-town fans can really compare “apples to apples” as closely as possible, we use a 3-mile radius for most all of our demographics, 1 mile if we are talking specifically about what is within walking distance to the heart of town. Because when you are talking about who lives in a town - you don’t really care about who provides their water or where they pay their taxes.

Household Income & Median Home Value

$55,440
2024 Median Household Income
70
2024 USA Index


$427,889
2024 Median Home Value
120
2024 USA Index

Indexes

An index is a way to measure and compare different values using a common standard. Think of it as a scale or a ruler that helps you understand how different things measure up against a standard or average of what is found in the US.

Median Age - 136
Wealth - 63
Diversity - 35
Total Crime - 107