What It's Like In Oak Island, NC | Visiting Oak Island | Oak Island, NC |

[@TS-ef2gv]

This video brought back a lot of memories. My wife's side of the family used to rent the same house on W Beach Drive for two weeks every summer in the '90s. We went down there for one of those weeks each year from '92-'98. We liked how Oak Island felt very family oriented, quiet, and relaxed. In the summer of 2000, while passing through the area on I-95, we went out of our way to see Oak Island for the first time since '98. Hurricane Floyd the previous September ('99) had really done a number on it. Unlike many Beach Drive houses, our former beachfront rental survived (and as of 2023 still stands) but everything under and around it, porches, deck, carports, etc, was wiped clean by Floyd. That drive-thru in 2000 was the last time I've been to Oak Island in person. Every once in a while I do a Street View virtual drive through to see how much it's changed. Answer: in some ways quite a bit. In other ways, not much at all other than lots of new construction to replace houses that one storm or another washed away, and the more recent construction tends to be much bigger and fancier. There aren't nearly as many of the older, more modest Beach Drive houses left standing.

[@JoeCarteretofficial]

Thank you for watching and sharing your story. I love hearing memories like this. Such a special place for so many and I’m glad we could bring up these for you by watching. Shoot me a text, I’d love to chat some time. 704-840-7613

[@Lobsterman5481]

Just getting back from Oak Island, love it love it love it can't wait to go back.

[@JoeCarteretofficial]

Hey, that’s great to hear! Shoot me a text, I’m working on some new stuff and I’ll keep you updated 704-459-1623

[@KellerBi3r]

Great marketing. My wife and I have been considering 1031 our Salt Lake City home for a place in Oak Island. We’ve been loving how quiet it is there. And extremely inviting to those with children.

[@JoeCarteretofficial]

Really?! Agreed - When you’re in Oak Island, you’re always home. Shoot me your info via text - Anything I can pass your way I’m happy to do so 704-840-7613

[@justinholdrenstudios]

Awesome video! Love Oak Island!

[@JoeCarteretofficial]

Thank you so much!! Do you live in the area?

[@ConneshoeurKicks910]

Real chill, laid back and good places to eat. I hope to visit oak island real soon.

[@JoeCarteretofficial]

Def! Let me know when you go

[@bobby-ov9qn]

Thanks for the video. We moved to Southport coming up on 4 years ago, and never looked back. And yes, Oak Island is a one of a kind area.

[@JoeCarteretofficial]

I always come home! Thanks for watching, I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Let us know what you think of the others!

[@christadawnwheeler2696]

Be there tomorrow!!! Can't wait!

[@JoeCarteretofficial]

How was your trip?

[@christadawnwheeler2696]

@@JoeCarteretofficial it was fantastic as expected. The weather didn't cooperate but there was plenty to enjoy anyway. Already making plans for a return trip. 😁

[@christadawnwheeler2696]

@@JoeCarteretofficial my sisters and I are actually considering buying a vacation home there in a few years. It feels like our home away from home.

[@Brett.1984]

Lived here while going to UNCW. Meet some great people, if you love the beach it's a pretty good place but is changing fast.

[@JoeCarteretofficial]

Seahawks! Yes, it certainly has changed over the years. How long did you live on the island? What years?

[@Brett.1984]

@@JoeCarteretofficial I lived on 60th st. Close to the waterway. The years I was at UNCW was 03 to 2007. While in school I worked in the oi area and south port building docks for a company under the bridge. So yeah. The prime real estate is on the west end. Absolutely beautiful. We've been coming to our since I was a kid every year we would come to the beach house for a couple weeks. So yeah I basically am eligible to be a local. Thank you for asking.

[@JoeCarteretofficial]

@@Brett.1984 Awesome - Shoot me your info. Next time you’re down, let’s connect up 704-840-7613

[@britanysargent1776]

Oak Island has been where I spend my summers since I was 6 I'm 30 now. My family and I absolutely adore the lay back atmosphere and small town feel 😁😁😁

[@JoeCarteretofficial]

I love hearing this! As a kid, one thing I truly enjoyed was being able to meet so many people from all over the world that would visit, many every year like yourself. Let me know when you decide to just find a place of your own there 🙏

[@susan2610]

Absolutely LOVE Oak Island Joe...!❤❤ We've been to other beaches but the best is Oak Island by far. We went to Oak Island many years and stayed at Ocean Crest motel until part of it sadly burnt down. There is still part of it that folks stay at but we really miss the larger rooms that were at the ends of the motel that were very roomy and had several floors for a family stay. Plus Ocean Crest was right on the beach where we could just walk out on to the beach from our room. We loved going into the fishing shop at the beginning of the pier, where they have all kinds of fishing equipment. We also love going to the souvenir shops that were close by... Plenty of great restaurants and the seafood food was soooo delicious. If we could find a place with plenty of living room on the beach to rent, we would be back in a heartbeat... Any suggestions Joe you can point us to? Thanks...! Awesome video. You should do more with more of those awesome drone shots...!👍👍😍😍

[@JoeCarteretofficial]

Wow, love hearing stories of memories created on the island. We can certainly help you. Please send me a text to my direct line: 704-459-1623

[@skylarsartnphotography3450]

I remember that because, I was actually booked for a room and the night or so before, we were going to head out, my friend sent me a text and an immediate call, showing me Ocean Crest and what happened! So sad :( I want to get back to Oak Island soon

[@1966marmar]

I’m a Realtor in Winston Salem and this video is perfection! When I sell enough homes to buy a home on Oak Island you’re going to be my first call ! 😂👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@JoeCarteretofficial]

Thank you so much, very kind of you. We’ve expanded in the triad - We should grab coffee or a drink sometime!

[@MarkCartret]

Excellent representation of Long Beach…ugh, Oak Island.

[@JoeCarteretofficial]

Thank you so much. Ugh, I know. It will always be LB to the natives

[@TeddyCavachon]

On of the things which makes this section of the Atlantic coastline different is how it runs East -West instead of North - South which produces spectacular sunrises and sunsets in the Fall and Winter when the sun rises and sets to the south. This is similar to Pensacola Beach in Florida where spent vacations as a kid and one of the reasons I retired to St. James across from Oak Island and built a house along the ICW. The wildlife here is amazing and so are the boats of live-aboard sailor who migrate south (west on our stretch of the ICW) in the Fall and north (east) at the start of the summer hurricane season season in the Caribbean. I enjoy capturing and sharing photos and videos on my channel.

[@JoeCarteretofficial]

Hey, Teddy! Thanks so much for taking time to check out the video and sharing your perspective. Just subscribed to your channel- Looking forward to your videos and work. Love to connect some time: [e-mail] 704-459-1623

[@robynvarga6827]

We are coming there on Monday! Looks great!

[@JoeCarteretofficial]

Fantastic! Shoot me a text if you need any suggestions, etc. 704-840-7613 Joe

[@kewlness41]

I'm going here for the 4th of July I can not wait it looks beautiful!!

[@JoeCarteretofficial]

The largest celebration in the state. You’ll have a blast. Shoot me a text if there is anything we can do to support an enjoyable experience. 704-459-1623

[@bigchevs1]

Taking my family there for the last week in June '23, can't wait! Only drove through it once, normally we go to Carolina Beach but that is getting to crowded. You video is a great overview and we enjoyed watching it!

[@JoeCarteretofficial]

So glad you enjoyed it! Shoot me a text and I’ll send you a few recommendations and thoughts. 704-840-7613

[@smokingtarheel3003]

I'll be there in August and cannot wait! Caswell is amazing. As a child of the 70's, we went to Long Beach quite often.

[@JoeCarteretofficial]

That is awesome! I’m sure you’ll have a blast. Let me know when you’re going

[@smokingtarheel3003]

@@JoeCarteretofficial Week of August 6th.

[@JoeCarteretofficial]

@@smokingtarheel3003 Fantastic! Text me your contact info, I’ve got something to send you for your trip. 704-840-7613

[@CreightonDevers]

We lived there for 3 months closer to the north bridge than the south. It was great… until May. As soon as tourist season began it was unlivable. The prices of everything went up and the traffic was impossible to work. We had to move off the island to not have a multi hour commute everyday.

[@JoeCarteretofficial]

Thanks for watching and engaging with the video. I hate to hear this. Where did you end up moving to?

[@lesleyv31]

Love that Oak Island isn't commercialized! Love the local restaurants. Love Shuckers and another one you didn't mention, you HAVE to vis't Kai Joes!

[@JoeCarteretofficial]

@@lesleyv31 I agree! It will always be home and part of the charm is the small town feel. All great suggestions 💥

[@rambo2348]

I lived there b4 it was idk island, I still remember it as long beach where I lived, a few houses down from Middleton convenience store

[@JoeCarteretofficial]

Yes! I remember it very well also. I would get slushies there in between beach time or working with my dad in the summer.

[@banjowoodsman7675]

Beach Pantry

[@JanesBlonde-007]

I remember you when you were very young at Southport Elementary.

[@JoeCarteretofficial]

@@JanesBlonde-007 Loved that school and enjoy catching up with retired teachers from there. I have a great colleague that thought there and she is now in real estate

[@JanesBlonde-007]

My God, I just looked up my house. I bought it in 1982 for $39,900 and wtf it sold last year for $389,900 Mr. Evans was a lucky man! Wow

[@JanesBlonde-007]

I believe you are a II too and went to the Apostolic daycare with my sons on Long Beach Road if I remember correctly.

[@JanesBlonde-007]

Lived there for over 20 years.

[@JoeCarteretofficial]

@@JanesBlonde-007 It’s hard to leave!

[@plaguedr8831]

My family and I stay in caswell dunes for a few weeks every summer. Living outside of Boston this time of year makes me wish I was back checking on the turtles.

[@JoeCarteretofficial]

Oh I’m sure! Escape the weather and come visit us. Although I do love Boston during the warmer months, North End and Back Bay are my favorite areas.

[@nascarmadman]

Since this is really a psa vid for visitors (that I imagine you're hoping will contact you re rentals and such) you might want to point out that one cannot just go onto the beach just anywhere ie over the dunes. There are specific access points. Thanks.

[@JoeCarteretofficial]

Thanks for watching and your comment. Good idea to remind folks to care for the beach! We don’t do rentals, but certainly will tap into our team and make sure we keep this top of mind when engaging future visitors and property owners. Hope you enjoyed the video.

[@johnnyrobertson4952]

The only problem is overcrowding infrastructure is not able to catch up with the influx of people and locals income margin can’t even afford homes. The only people that can really afford homes here or northern implants. Such a sad state Greed and developers are ruining the area

[@JoeCarteretofficial]

Thanks for engaging. I’m always open to learning more about solutions to change things and contribute to positive change.

[@cray1185]

I must sadly agree with you. My family always vacationed at oak island starting when I was very young and went with my parents & grandparents. We continued to go every year even as several family members “passed on” and new family members came along over the decades. But something happened right around the COVID breakout or just before. It seemed that suddenly, the pricing on vacation rental homes (especially on the oceanfront) tripled if not more. And it hasn’t changed over the past 3 - 4 years. So now we are forced to vacation in N. Myrtle Beach the past few years. Still expensive in NMB, but nowhere near as expensive as Oak Island is now. We miss Oak Island greatly, but it just seems “out of reach” if you prefer staying oceanfront or across the street,…at least for the average income consumer.

[@ChurchillMelissa-v3d]

Witting Loop

[@Bryce-ur4sb]

Hay Mrs.Joe 😂

[@JoeCarteretofficial]

Hey, buddy! Thanks for my call and subscribing to my channel. Hope you like the videos.

[@bk2_sadie368]

Bbq house is nice too

[@JoeCarteretofficial]

You live in the island or just when you visit?

[@bk2_sadie368]

@@JoeCarteretofficial I work there. Just remodeled the inside. Different look for the new year. Come grab some BBQ🔥 11-8 M-Saturday

[@JoeCarteretofficial]

@@bk2_sadie368 Oh nice! I’ll have to soon

[@jessical9293]

Where is the Best place to rent jet skis?

[@JoeCarteretofficial]

So much fun!

[@ElenaNew-h9p]

Tremayne Field

[@LenaJill-l8p]

Arno Ramp

[@cadenkelley981]

My grandma was the mayor of oak island for 6 years

[@JoeCarteretofficial]

Ah, yes! Assuming you're referring to Dorthy Kelley? So cool! Do you get to Oak Island often?

[@cadenkelley981]

@@JoeCarteretofficial My Grandma was Betty Wallace and we go to Oak Island every year

[@rambo2348]

Oak

[@Braveheartfield]

Shark city in the ocean guys! Rated in top 10 most dangerous beaches in country in last couple years! Bull, hammerheads AND great whites guys! No kidding. Lots of drownings because rip currents bad and shark attacks especially by pier because people are baiting and actually shark fishing…yes crazy! Also lots of man-o-war jellyfish wash up on beach at certain times, more after big rainfalls. I live in Holden Beach, 30 minutes away and go there to meet friends to walk on beach….we usually go barefoot but we literally have to keep looking down the whole time not to step on one every 3 feet or so. There’s no denying it’s an awesome island and with dreamy Southport right there…you should visit Southport for sure and go over bridge to oak island but be careful because the sharks come up in 2-3 feet of water. Great video though

[@JoeCarteretofficial]

Thanks for watching and engaging!

[@CarolynDubois-s4f]

Donnelly Rue

[@sdollar1399]

this was my favorite beach until i got covid from an outbreak that happened while we were there and getting stung by jellyfish because surfers were pushing everyone towards the pier

[@JoeCarteretofficial]

Oh no! 😩 So sorry to hear. Give it another try, hopefully this time will be filled with joyful memories. Let us know when you’re down

[@Discisoutofbounds]

Lived here my whole life, Oak Island isn’t what it used to be even 5-10 years ago. All the developers and Yankee transplants have overtaken this area and continue to build these rental McMansions that sit empty half the year. Our “off-season” isn’t much of one anymore with the influx of transplants moving in and the infrastructure can not keep up with the rapid rate of growth. Unfortunately it’s only going to continue to get worse for the locals as the COL sky rockets and the ones I’ve known from back in the day have ultimately had to leave. Which is all being done by design to remove the “Long Beach” locals who evidently give the town a bad reputation. The Yankees who work remotely move down here to take advantage of lower COL and cheaper taxes, then complain about the culture here and how back home in New York/Jersey is so much better. Then why move here to begin with? You can thank our local and county officials for selling themselves out to developers who are lining up their pockets with $$$ to build cheap cookie-cutter BS, when we have another Hurricane Florence/Hugo it’s going to be a lot worse next time around. They’re trying their damn best to turn Oak Island into the next Carolina Beach, sooner then later all of HWY 17 will be commercialized just like North Myrtle/Myrtle Beach. Maybe if and when the political spectrum shifts after the election, some of these people will decide to go back home.

[@JoeCarteretofficial]

@@Discisoutofbounds Hi, What did you think of the video?