The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 28428 sells for about $1,400,000, or $484 per square foot.
Homes take about 22 days to sell, which is fast. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,705 a month.
ZIP 28428 — Carolina Beach
The market in 28428 is characterized by high-value coastal properties with significant seasonal vacancy rates. Current data shows a median sale price of $1.4 million as of June 2026, though many metrics such as active inventory and rent are not determinable at the ZIP level. The area remains a niche market driven by its proximity to the beach.
This ZIP is well-suited for vacation home buyers, retirees, and those seeking a coastal lifestyle, given the high concentration of seasonal housing and proximity to the beach.
Median prices moved sideways 0.0% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 22 days on market with 0.0 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
0% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 0% of asking — demand is holding steady.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) — a stable, low-distress profile.
ZCTA 28428, New Hanover County, NC
ACS 2024 5-year estimates. Aggregate published statistics for this ZIP — never individual records, and never an attribute of any individual property or resident.
Public schools serving the area include Carolina Beach Elementary and Ashley High School, both part of the New Hanover County school system.
The area is a coastal environment subject to hurricane and flood risks, necessitating specific property insurance considerations.
Development is primarily driven by coastal residential and tourism-related infrastructure in the Carolina Beach area.
Composed from the ARED governance burden registry — tier-native tax structure (state + county + city + special districts), never averaged. State (North Carolina) — Tax Lien Attachment: A tax lien attaches to all real property, taking priority over all other liens and encumbrances regardless of when they were created. State (North Carolina) — Ad Valorem Property Tax: Tax is calculated by multiplying the assessed value of the property by the combined state and local tax rate. The formula is: Tax = (Assessed Value / 100) * Tax Rate.
The area is primarily a coastal residential community with commute patterns directed toward Wilmington and surrounding New Hanover County employment hubs.
The ZIP features immediate access to Carolina Beach, local parks, and coastal recreational amenities.
The area experiences high seasonal vacancy rates typical of coastal vacation markets, with significant short-term rental activity.
The local economy is heavily influenced by tourism, hospitality, and services related to the coastal location.
Parcels are served by the New Hanover County school district and local municipal utility services.
Coastal hazard exposure significantly influences property insurance premiums and availability in this ZIP.
Data retrieved from U.S. Census Bureau ZCTA-level tables.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
- Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park4.412.5 mi
- Flip N Fly4.615.4 mi
- Sky Zone Trampoline Park4.416.1 mi
- Green Light Escape Room, LLC514.2 mi
- Crossfire Wilmington: Indoor Paintball, Axe Throwing, Gellyball, and Foam Dart Battles4.815.9 mi
- North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher4.64.9 mi
- Indochine Restaurant4.514.3 mi
- Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park4.412.5 mi
- Live Oak Bank Pavilion4.215.1 mi
- Wilmington Convention Center4.514.7 mi
- North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher4.64.9 mi
- Carolina Beach Boardwalk4.51.4 mi
- Carolina Beach State Park4.70.9 mi
- Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park4.412.5 mi
- The Pointe 144.610.2 mi
- North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher4.64.9 mi
- Battleship North Carolina4.814.3 mi
- Fort Fisher State Historic Site4.84.2 mi
- Oak Island Lighthouse4.611.8 mi
- The Cotton Exchange4.514.4 mi
- Fort Fisher State Recreation Area4.84.7 mi
- Carolina Beach State Park4.70.9 mi
- Fort Fisher State Historic Site4.84.2 mi
- Freeman Park Beach4.62.8 mi
- Long Leaf Park4.712.3 mi
- Deep Point Marina & Yacht Club4.58.4 mi
- Morningstar Marinas Southport4.710.1 mi
- St James Properties4.110.9 mi
- Carolina Yacht Club4.513.4 mi
- Port City Marina4.514.9 mi
- Beau Rivage Golf & Resort4.45.7 mi
- Cape Fear Country Club4.613 mi
- Wilmington Municipal Golf Course4.112.3 mi
- Olde Fort Golf Course4.17.5 mi
- St James Properties4.110.9 mi
- Independence Mall4.112.5 mi
- Publix Super Market Commons at Federal Point4.61.5 mi
- Publix Super Market at Pine Valley4.610.3 mi
- Harris Teeter4.612.8 mi
- Harris Teeter4.79.7 mi
- Wilmington International Airport4.316.2 mi
Theme parks, venues, golf, airports, museums, water and shopping across the area from Google Maps, ranked by popularity within the radius shown.
Primary coastal attraction serving the local community and tourists.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.