For years, Boiling Spring Lakes (BSL) has been the quiet, unassuming neighbor to the bustling towns of Southport and Leland. But in 2026, the secret is officially out.

As prices in Southport climb north of $500,000 and Leland continues to surge with luxury master-planned communities, Boiling Spring Lakes remains the undisputed champion of affordability in Brunswick County. With a median home price hovering near $315,000, this municipality offers something increasingly rare on the coast: a chance to own a single-family home on a decent-sized lot without breaking the bank.

But the real story for 2026 isn't just the price tag; it's the potential. Here is why BSL is the smartest "Buy and Hold" play in our region right now.

1. The "Big Refill" Opportunity

If you are an investor or a forward-thinking homeowner, this is the data point that matters: The dams are coming back.

The Context: Since the dams were breached during Hurricane Florence, the city’s namesake lakes have been dry. This temporarily depressed property values, specifically for "lakefront" homes that are currently "grass-front."

The 2026 Status: Construction is now in its advanced stages. While delays from recent storms have pushed the final completion target to Spring 2027, the heavy lifting is happening now. The Upper Dam is nearly complete, and work on the Sanford Dam is accelerating.

The Play: You have a roughly 12-month window to buy these properties at their "dry" value before the water returns. Once the lakes are full in 2027, analysts project an instant equity jump—historically, waterfront homes command a 25% premium over their non-waterfront neighbors. Buying in 2026 allows you to capture that appreciation before the water rises.

2. The Nature Lover’s Paradise

Even without the lakes filled, BSL is a green oasis. The town is physically wrapped around the Boiling Spring Lakes Preserve, a 6,000-acre conservation area owned by the NC Department of Agriculture.

What you’ll find: Miles of hiking trails that wind through longleaf pine savannas.

The "Cool" Factor: This is one of the few places on earth where the Venus Flytrap grows wild. For buyers who value privacy and trees over manicured golf courses, BSL offers a rugged, authentic coastal landscape that can never be developed.

3. The Commute & Convenience

BSL sits in the "Goldilocks" zone of Brunswick County.

To Southport: A 10-12 minute drive down Route 87 puts you right on the Cape Fear River for dinner.

To Wilmington: You are roughly 25 minutes from the bridge, making it a viable commute for city workers who want lower taxes and more land.

To Oak Island: You are less than 15 minutes from the beach. You get the coastal lifestyle without the "island" insurance premiums.

4. Amenities Without the HOA

One of the biggest draws for BSL is freedom. Unlike the strict HOAs of Leland’s mega-communities, many neighborhoods in BSL have no HOA fees.

Community Center: The city runs an active Community Center with a fitness room, classes, and disc golf course that rivals private clubs—but it’s affordable for residents.

Spring Lake Park: Even while the big lakes are under repair, Spring Lake remains full and open for swimming, kayaking, and picnicking, serving as the town’s summer hub.

The Verdict

Boiling Spring Lakes is currently undervalued. It is a town on the verge of a massive restoration event.

At Aspyre Realty Group, we specialize in spotting these "path of progress" opportunities. We know which streets will have the best lake views in 2027 and which lots offer the best privacy backing up to the nature preserve. If you are looking for an affordable entry point into the coastal market with built-in equity potential, let’s take a drive through BSL before the dams are done.