Surf City is the busiest town on Topsail Island, and for a lot of buyers it’s the first place they picture when they think about living near the beach in Pender County. It sits on both sides of the Intracoastal Waterway, with a mainland side along N.C. 50 and U.S. 17 and an island side with the oceanfront, the soundfront, and the town’s small commercial core. It’s also one of the few local towns that crosses a county line, with most of it in Pender County and a portion in Onslow County.
If you’re thinking about a year-round home, a second home, or a place to retire, here’s our Aspyre Collective guide to what everyday life in Surf City looks like, what’s been in the news this fall, and what to check before you write an offer.
Getting On and Off the Island
For years, the old swing bridge was the defining feature of a Surf City summer, because every boat opening backed up traffic. That changed when the high-rise bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway opened on December 4, 2018, months ahead of schedule, according to NCDOT. It has 65 feet of clearance for boats, plus a multi-use path and bike lanes, so getting to the island is far more predictable than it used to be.
From the mainland side, Wilmington is a drive down U.S. 17 through Hampstead, and Jacksonville is reachable to the north. That access is a big reason Surf City appeals to people who work on the mainland but want the beach close by.
Everyday Life and Things to Do
The beach and the sound
The island side gives you two waterfronts: the ocean for beach days and fishing, and the sound for kayaking, paddleboarding, and sunsets. Soundside Park is a gathering spot for community events and races. Off-season, the beach gets quiet, which many year-round residents count as a perk.
The sea turtle hospital
One of Surf City’s best-known landmarks is the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center on Tortuga Lane. According to the center’s history page, it moved into its 13,000-plus-square-foot building in Surf City in 2013 after starting in a 900-square-foot space on the island. It’s a point of pride for locals and a popular stop for visiting family.
Shopping and dining
The mainland side along N.C. 50 has grown into a real service hub, with grocery stores, restaurants, medical offices, and everyday shopping, so island residents don’t have to drive to Wilmington for most errands. The island side keeps more of a classic beach-town mix of restaurants, surf shops, and seasonal spots.
Schools Serving Surf City
Surf City Elementary and Surf City Middle share a campus on the mainland side. WWAY reported that the schools opened in August 2018 after a voter-approved school bond, with room for about 1,650 students. High schoolers in the area are generally served by Topsail High School in Hampstead. School assignments can change as Pender County grows, so always confirm the current assignment for a specific address with Pender County Schools.
What’s Been in the News This Fall
A few recent headlines are worth knowing if you’re shopping in Surf City right now:
- Growth decisions on the island. The town council denied a special-use permit for a large 200-boat storage project on the island, StarNews reported on October 13, 2026. It’s a sign the town is weighing the scale of new island projects carefully.
- Water system work. A water main break on October 27 left part of the island, from Roland Avenue south to the Topsail Beach line, without service overnight, with a boil water advisory afterward, WECT reported on October 28, 2026. Town officials said the break wasn’t related to the ongoing Waterline Resilience Project, a longer-term upgrade to island water lines.
- New police chief. The town named Jason Casteen, a retired N.C. State Highway Patrol first sergeant, as its next police chief, starting in November, WWAY reported on October 20, 2026.
What Buyers Should Check Before Making an Offer
Island or mainland
Island homes put you close to the water but come with higher flood and wind exposure, stricter building rules near the oceanfront, and more seasonal traffic. Mainland neighborhoods off N.C. 50 often offer newer construction, more space, and easier errands. Decide which trade-offs matter most before you start touring.
Flood zone and insurance
Many island properties, and some soundside and low-lying mainland lots, are in mapped flood hazard areas. Pull the flood zone for the exact address, ask the seller for an elevation certificate if one exists, and get flood and homeowners insurance quotes early, before your due diligence period runs short.
Which county the home is in
Because Surf City spans Pender and Onslow counties, double-check which county a property sits in. It affects the county tax rate and which county services and school system apply.
Rental plans and HOA rules
If you plan to rent the home part of the year, read any HOA or condo rules closely and check the town’s current requirements before you buy, because rental rules and restrictions vary by community.
FAQ
Is Surf City in Pender County or Onslow County?
Both. Most of the town is in Pender County, and part of it is in Onslow County, so confirm the county for any address you’re considering.
Is Surf City good for year-round living?
Many people live there year-round. The mainland side has the grocery stores, schools, and services that make daily life easy, and the island gets much quieter after the summer season.
Do I need flood insurance in Surf City?
If the home is in a mapped special flood hazard area and you have a federally backed mortgage, your lender will require it. Even outside those zones, it’s worth getting a quote, since flooding can happen anywhere near the coast.
How far is Surf City from Wilmington?
It’s a drive down U.S. 17 through Hampstead. Travel time depends on where you’re headed in Wilmington and the time of day, so test the commute at the hours you’d actually drive it.
Thinking About Surf City?
Whether you want an oceanfront getaway, a soundside home with a dock, or a mainland neighborhood near the schools, Surf City offers a lot of different ways to live near the beach. We know the island, the mainland neighborhoods, and the questions that come up during due diligence here. Talk with Aspyre Collective about buying in Surf City, and we’ll help you find the right fit.
