In South Eastern North Carolina, the ultimate status symbol isn’t a luxury SUV in the driveway—it’s a custom lifted E-Z-GO in the garage.

From Southport to Surf City, the Golf Cart Lifestyle has transcended the fairway. For many residents in Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender counties, the golf cart is the primary vehicle for grocery runs, dinner dates, and school drop-offs. But not all neighborhoods are created equal, and not all carts are legal on the road.

If you are dreaming of a life where you only fill your gas tank once a month, here is your insider guide to the best golf cart communities on the coast—and the laws you need to know to avoid a hefty ticket.

The "Big Three" of Brunswick County

Brunswick County is the undisputed capital of golf cart living. Here, entire towns are designed with the 25-mph lifestyle in mind.

St. James Plantation (Southport): This is the gold standard. With over 81 holes of golf, a marina, and a private beach club, St. James has a vibrant cart culture. It’s not just about transit; it’s social. The community hosts famous Golf Cart Parades for the Fourth of July and Mardi Gras, where residents deck out their carts with elaborate floats.

Compass Pointe (Leland): As a newer gated community, Compass Pointe was engineered for carts. It features dedicated wide multi-use paths that connect the Grand Lanai, the pool, and the golf club, keeping you safely separated from car traffic.

Oak Island: This is one of the few public towns where the cart culture rivals private communities. However, you’ll need to be street-legal (more on that below) to hop between the beach access and the grocery store.

The Up-and-Comers: Pender & New Hanover

While Wilmington has more traffic, specific pockets are haven for cart enthusiasts.

Salters Haven (Hampstead): This newer waterfront community in Pender County is quickly becoming a cart hotspot. The neighborhood is designed to connect homes to the 75-slip marina and clubhouse, making the cooler and fishing rod commute effortless.

River Bluffs (Castle Hayne): Tucked along the Cape Fear River, this gated community feels like a nature preserve. Residents use carts to zip down to Porches Cafe for lunch or to the marina to watch the sunset, all without leaving the gates.

Landfall (Wilmington): While Wilmington city streets are generally not cart-friendly, Landfall’s private roads are the exception. You can drive from your home to the Dye Course or the Sports Center, but be aware: Landfall has strict internal rules regarding cart appearance and registration.

Myth vs. Reality: The "LSV" Trap

This is the single most important insider tip for new buyers. There is a massive legal difference between a Golf Cart and a Low Speed Vehicle (LSV).

The Myth: I can just slap a slow-moving vehicle triangle on my cart and drive it to the beach.

The Reality: In towns like Surf City, Wrightsville Beach, and North Topsail, if you are on a public road, your cart must be a registered LSV.

Must Have: VIN number, license plate, seat belts, turn signals, windshield wipers, and liability insurance.

The Rule: You can generally drive an LSV on any road with a speed limit of 35 MPH or less.

The Risk: Driving a standard, unregistered golf cart on a public road in these towns can result in the same citations as driving an unregistered car—including points on your license.

Your Next Step

Buying a home in a golf cart community isn't just about the house; it's about the connectivity. You need to know if that short ride to the beach actually requires a street-legal LSV or if you can cruise on a private path.

Aspyre Realty Group are experts in listening and communicating people's wants into homes that work for them. We know which neighborhoods have the best cart paths, which HOAs allow separate cart garages, and where the Golf Cart Parade is the social event of the season. Let's connect and find the neighborhood that matches your speed.