If you have ever watched a Nicholas Sparks movie and thought, "I want to live there," you were probably looking at Southport, North Carolina.

Known as the "Hollywood of the East," this small harbor town has hosted over 40 productions, including Safe Haven, A Walk to Remember, Under the Dome, and Dawson’s Creek. For film fans, walking down Moore Street feels like stepping onto a set.

But for homebuyers in late 2025, buying a home in Historic Southport is more than just acquiring a piece of cinema history; it is a strategic investment in a market with very specific preservation rules and rental restrictions.

Here is your guide to buying a piece of Hollywood in the South without getting caught in the drama.

1. The "Film Premium": Real Estate on Famous Streets

In Southport, not all streets are created equal. The locations chosen by location scouts for their "Southern Charm" now command the highest prices in the zip code.

The "Safe Haven" Corridor (Moore Street & Bay Street):
The Vibe: This is the heart of the film district. The "General Store" from Safe Haven (actually a private residence/prop) and the "Ivan’s" fish shack scene (Old American Fish Co.) define this area.
The Market: While the median home price in Southport is hovering around $505,000 in late 2025, homes on these waterfront-adjacent streets often trade for $1.2M – $2.5M. You are paying for the view, the history, and the pedestrian envy.

The "Old Yacht Basin" (Short Street & Brunswick Street):
The Vibe: This was the backdrop for I Know What You Did Last Summer and the home of Alex (Josh Duhamel) in Safe Haven. It is gritty, authentic, and incredibly desirable.
The Market: Inventory here is nearly non-existent. When a historic cottage hits the market, it often sells off-market or sees multiple offers from buyers wanting that specific "movie magic" view of the shrimp boats.

2. The 2025 Rental Reality: The "Grandfather" Clause

If your plan is to buy a historic cottage and turn it into an Airbnb goldmine, stop and read this.

Southport has some of the strictest Short-Term Rental (STR) regulations on the coast.

The Rule: As of the current Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), new short-term rentals are PROHIBITED in most residential districts (R-10, R-20).
The Loophole: Properties that were operating as vacation rentals prior to July 2021 are often "Grandfathered In" as non-conforming uses—but this status effectively "runs with the land" only if the permit is kept active.
Buyer Beware: Do not assume a "Homestay" permit (renting a room while you live there) is the same as a "Whole House" rental. If you buy a non-grandfathered home, you likely cannot rent it out for less than 30 days. Always verify the specific rental status with the City Planner during Due Diligence.

3. The "COA" Process: Living in a Museum

Owning a home in the Historic District means you are a steward of history. You cannot just replace the windows or paint the door "Barbie Pink."

The Certificate of Appropriateness (COA): Any exterior change—from fencing to roof shingles—requires approval from the Historic Preservation Commission.
2025 Update: The city has recently updated its Historic District Design Standards to be more explicit about "modern" materials. While they are often reasonable about maintenance, they are strict about preserving the "streetscape."
The Tax Credit: The upside? If you renovate a "contributing structure" according to the Secretary of the Interior’s standards, you may be eligible for State and Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits, which can offset up to 15-20% of your renovation costs.

4. The Lifestyle: Why It’s Worth It

Despite the rules and the price tag, the demand for Southport remains bulletproof. Why?

Walkability: You can walk to Moore Street Market for coffee (just like Julianne Hough), grab dinner at Provision Company, and watch the ships navigate the Cape Fear River without ever getting in a car.

Community: Unlike a transient beach town, Southport has a deep year-round community. The "Porch Culture" here is real. Residents sit out at sunset, wave to the golf carts, and host neighborhood oyster roasts.

The Bottom Line

Buying in Historic Southport is buying into a protected asset class. The strict rules that might annoy you during a renovation are the exact same rules that keep property values high and prevent a high-rise condo from blocking your view.

At Aspyre Realty Group, we specialize in the "Historic & Unique." We can tell you which homes have the "Grandfathered" rental status and which ones are eligible for tax credits.