If you ask a tourist where to stay in Wrightsville Beach, they will point to the oceanfront hotels near the pier. If you ask a local where the best sunset views are, they will point to Cordgrass Bay.

Tucked away on the northern end of the island, this soundfront community sits on a unique curvature of the water locals call The Lollipop. This subtle bend gives Cordgrass Bay something rare: panoramic, unblocked views of the marsh and the Intracoastal Waterway that can rival any oceanfront balcony.

For buyers, Cordgrass Bay offers a polished alternative to the sand-in-your-sheets lifestyle of the oceanfront. It is arguably the most active, amenity-forward complex on the island, but buying here requires understanding a few insider mechanics.

The Lifestyle: Tennis Whites and Boat Shoes

Cordgrass Bay attracts an active buyer. Amenities define the community more than the architecture.

The Tennis Courts: One of the few complexes on the island with on-site courts. This creates a distinct social rhythm—morning rallies, afternoon boat runs, sunset cocktails over the sound.

The Soundside Advantage: You are steps from the ocean, but your HVAC system and sliders won’t be assaulted by direct salt spray. Maintenance cycles here are far gentler than oceanfront buildings just across the street.

Strategic Reality: The Have vs. Have-Not Boat Slips

The biggest value driver in Cordgrass Bay isn’t the square footage—it’s whether your unit has a slip.

The 24-Foot Limit: Slips generally cap out around 24 feet. Perfect for skiffs, pontoons, and small center consoles. Not suitable for larger sportfishers.

Appurtenant Value: Slips are usually “limited common elements” assigned to specific units. You cannot simply buy one. A unit with a slip commands a premium—often $75k to $100k+—over the exact same floor plan without one.

Due Diligence Rule: Slip assignments must be confirmed in the HOA documents. Never rely on the flyer, the listing description, or what a rental manager told you.

Investment Insight: The Weekly Rental Rhythm

This is not a nightly-rental machine. Cordgrass Bay operates on a calmer, more traditional coastal cadence.

Weekly Minimums: The HOA typically enforces Saturday-to-Saturday summer rentals.

The Trade-Off: You sacrifice the high-frequency Airbnb churn you might see in Carolina Beach, but in exchange you get:

• Consistent repeat renters
• Lower turnover costs
• A family-oriented tenant profile that treats the property well

For many owners, predictable income and lower wear easily beat nightly-rental volatility.

Your Next Step

Cordgrass Bay is a micro-market where two units can differ by six figures based solely on slip assignment or view corridor. Understanding that nuance is the key to buying here with confidence.

Aspyre Realty Group doesn’t just open doors; we open the bylaws. We are experts in listening and communicating buyer priorities into properties that work.

Contact Aspyre Realty Group today. Let’s determine whether the quiet, active Lollipop lifestyle fits your goals.