Just north of Wrightsville Beach, across a narrow inlet, is one of the most private places on the North Carolina coast. Figure Eight Island is a residential barrier island with no hotels, no public beach accesses, and no storefronts. For some buyers that’s the whole appeal. For others it’s more seclusion than they want. Here’s what living on Figure Eight Island is actually like and what we’d want any buyer to understand first.
Where Figure Eight Island Is
Figure Eight sits in New Hanover County between two inlets. Mason Inlet separates its south end from the north end of Wrightsville Beach, and Rich Inlet marks its north end. The island is reached by a bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway from the Porters Neck and Ogden side of the mainland, and the homeowners’ association office is at 15 Bridge Road in Wilmington.
The Figure “8” Beach Homeowners’ Association describes the island as “a private residential community” and “a seaside retreat,” and notes that shopping, golf, and Wilmington are a short drive away. In practice, grocery runs, dining out, and appointments happen on the mainland. Porters Neck, Ogden, and the Mayfaire area are the usual stops. Our Porters Neck neighborhood guide covers that side of town.
What “Private Island” Means Day to Day
Controlled access
Figure Eight is a gated community. Owners, their guests, renters, and contractors go through the island’s access procedures, so plan ahead for visiting family, deliveries, and service calls. For many owners the privacy and security are a big reason they chose the island. For others it takes some getting used to.
The homeowners’ association plays a big role
On most of the coast, the town handles roads, beach management, and building approvals. On Figure Eight, the association carries much of that load. Its resource center lists the governing documents buyers should read, including:
- Architectural Review Committee (ARC) guidelines
- Rules and regulations
- Amended and restated bylaws, declaration, and articles of incorporation (2020)
- Contractor rules and regulations (2022)
If you plan to renovate, rebuild, or add a dock or pool, read the ARC guidelines and contractor rules during due diligence, not after closing. Ask the association about current dues, any special assessments being discussed, and how major projects are funded.
Utilities
The association’s site links to the separate Figure 8 Island Utility Co. Ask how water and sewer service work for the specific property, what typical bills look like, and whether any upgrades are planned.
Amenities
The HOA’s site highlights boating, fishing, tennis, water sports, and beachcombing, along with a Yacht Club with a restaurant for members. Club membership is handled separately from buying a home, so ask about current requirements and costs if the club matters to you.
The Shoreline: What Every Buyer Should Understand
Figure Eight’s inlet locations make it beautiful, and they also make its shoreline dynamic. Both ends of the island change over time as the inlets move.
The north end and Rich Inlet
Coastal Review reported on Feb. 27, 2026 that the N.C. Coastal Resources Commission granted owners of 21 north-end properties a variance for a sandbag revetment larger than normally allowed, with a 40-foot-wide base and 12 feet high. According to that report, the north end has eroded rapidly since 2022 because of an unfavorable inlet channel configuration, and storms the previous fall made it worse. Coastal Review also reported that:
- The association has a permit to dredge Nixon Channel, which typically yields about 250,000 cubic yards of beach-compatible sand, and planned to place that sand on the north end in a project expected in November.
- Property owners voted down a special assessment for a terminal groin at Rich Inlet more than a decade ago.
- The association is working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on a supplemental environmental impact statement for a long-term Rich Inlet management plan, including a 30-year beach nourishment permit.
We haven’t independently confirmed the current status of the Nixon Channel work, so check with the association for the latest.
The south end and Mason Inlet
At the other end, New Hanover County is lining up maintenance dredging of Mason Inlet this winter. We covered the details in our post on Mason Inlet dredging.
What to ask about any oceanfront or inlet-side lot
- What’s the erosion history for this stretch, and are there sandbags or other structures in front of the property?
- What is the flood zone and elevation, and what do current flood and wind insurance quotes look like? Our flood zone guide is a good starting point.
- Have there been past or proposed assessments for beach or inlet projects?
- Are there state coastal setback rules that would limit rebuilding if the home were damaged?
Who Figure Eight Island Fits
Figure Eight tends to suit buyers who want privacy, a residential feel, and water access, and who don’t mind driving to the mainland for errands. It’s popular with second-home owners and with full-time residents who like being close to Wilmington without living in town. Buyers who want to walk to restaurants and shops may be happier at Wrightsville Beach or Carolina Beach.
Homes on the island range from older beach houses to large custom homes, with oceanfront, sound-front, and interior lots. Prices vary widely by location and lot type, so look at recent sales of comparable properties rather than island-wide averages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the public visit Figure Eight Island?
Figure Eight is a private, gated community. Access is generally limited to owners, their guests, renters, and authorized contractors under the association’s procedures.
Is Figure Eight Island part of Wilmington?
It’s in New Hanover County and uses a Wilmington mailing address, but it’s a private community. The homeowners’ association handles many services that a town would handle elsewhere.
Are there stores or restaurants on the island?
The island is residential. The association’s Yacht Club has a restaurant for members, and everyday shopping is on the mainland in nearby Porters Neck and Ogden.
What should I review before making an offer?
Read the HOA’s governing documents and ARC guidelines, ask about dues and assessments, confirm utility service, and look into the erosion history, flood zone, and insurance costs for the specific lot.
Curious whether Figure Eight Island is right for you, or how it compares with Wrightsville Beach and Porters Neck? Contact Aspyre Collective and we’ll walk you through the island and the questions to ask.
