Author: O.K. Hogan | REALTOR®/BROKER, CCIM, SFR

Beaufort, North Carolina feels like a place built for everyday joy. It blends walkable streets, centuries of history, and a true waterfront lifestyle. Here, daily life moves with the tides. You’ll see familiar faces on Front Street, boats leaving at sunrise, and quiet evenings on the boardwalk.

I’ve seen Beaufort from two sides. I first visited for more than 30 years before moving here full-time in 2000. That long view taught me something important. Beaufort isn’t a weekend experience. It’s a rhythm. It grows on you, street by street, tide by tide, and neighbor by neighbor.

If you’re considering a move, a vacation home, or a lifestyle change, Beaufort offers a rare mix of charm, history, and coastal energy. Many of the qualities people love about Beaufort are common across the Crystal Coast. If you're exploring the region, you can also compare other coastal communities through our Crystal Coast homes for sale page.

Key Takeaways: What Makes Beaufort Special

• Walkable historic core along the waterfront, with shops, parks, restaurants, and marinas.
• 300+ years of history, with the town surveyed in 1713 and incorporated in 1723, making it one of North Carolina’s oldest towns and the long-time seat of Carteret County. The Historic Beaufort Association notes Beaufort as the state’s third-oldest town.
• Waterfront lifestyle with easy access to boating, ferries, and barrier islands like Cape Lookout and Shackleford Banks.
• Small-town scale with about 4,613 residents in 2023 and a median age of 50.5, reflecting an older, lifestyle-focused population. DataUSA’s Beaufort, NC profile documents these recent demographics.
• Tourism-supported coastal economy, with Carteret County visitors spending more than $732 million in 2023.

Getting to Know Beaufort, NC

Where Beaufort Sits on the Crystal Coast

Beaufort sits at the heart of the Crystal Coast. It’s the county seat of Carteret County and one of the oldest towns in North Carolina. The Historic Beaufort Association notes that the town was settled in 1709, surveyed in 1713, and incorporated in 1723 as the seat of Carteret County.

Downtown Beaufort faces Taylor’s Creek and the islands of the Rachel Carson Reserve. Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, and Cape Lookout Lighthouse are a short drive or boat ride away. The location keeps you closely tied to the islands and the open water, even when you’re standing in town.

The location matters. You feel connected to the islands and the open water, even when standing in town. The waterfront isn’t a backdrop. It’s the front door. Many buyers who fall in love with this part of the coast eventually search for Beaufort, NC homes for sale as a way to live near the water.

Small Town, Big Character

Beaufort has a small population and a relaxed pace. In 2023, the town had about 4,613 residents with a median age of 50.5 and a median household income of $48,111, according to the latest data from DataUSA’s Beaufort, NC profile.

That age profile is older than the national median, which fits the lifestyle. Many residents are retired professionals, second-home owners, boaters, and long-time locals. I meet more people each year who moved here for a change in rhythm. They want walkable mornings, water views, and a friendly town center. Some work remotely. Others are starting their next chapter after raising families elsewhere.

If you’re still exploring whether coastal life fits your goals, our regional guide Is Coastal Living Right for You? offers a helpful comparison of communities, lifestyles, and expectations.

Pro Tip: If you want to live within walking distance of shops and restaurants, look for homes within the historic district or near Front Street, Turner Street, Ann Street, or Queen Street.

A Walkable Historic Waterfront Town

How Walkable is Beaufort?

When people ask about Beaufort’s walkability, I answer honestly. The historic waterfront district is walkable. Much of the surrounding town is not.

Downtown you can walk to dinner, coffee, small markets, and boutiques. The boardwalk connects the waterfront. Shade trees line the side streets. The town’s core still follows the “Plan of Beaufort Towne” laid out in 1713, a 12-block area now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as noted by the Town of Beaufort’s official history page.

Outside the historic core, Beaufort spreads into quiet neighborhoods where a car makes life easier. Even then, distances are short. The town wasn’t built around cars, and that early plan still shapes today’s walkable grid.

What It Feels Like to Walk Downtown

Walking downtown Beaufort is simple. Start at the North Carolina Maritime Museum, cross to Front Street, and follow the boardwalk along Taylor’s Creek. You’ll pass sailboats, charter boats, and often a group waiting for the ferry to Shackleford Banks or Cape Lookout.

A few blocks back from the water, the streets are quiet. You’ll find historic homes with wide porches, small gardens, and old trees. Locals walk dogs, ride bikes, and stop for conversation.

Pro Tip: Visit at sunset. The light reflects across the water toward Carrot Island in the Rachel Carson Reserve, part of the state’s coastal reserve system.

Everyday Errands on Foot

The walkable part of Beaufort works best for dining, coffee, galleries, and small shopping. Restaurants and shops line Front Street. A few local markets serve everyday needs. For larger errands, medical services, and big-box shopping, residents use Morehead City, which serves as the regional commercial hub.

Many retirees see this balance as ideal—walk to everything personal, drive for everything big. If you’re planning retirement in a coastal town, compare Beaufort to other destinations through Best North Carolina Coastal Towns to Retire Comfortably.

History You Can See Every Day

Three Centuries of Stories

Beaufort’s story begins more than 300 years ago. The town was surveyed in 1713 and incorporated in 1723, making it one of North Carolina’s oldest towns and the long-standing seat of Carteret County government. This is documented by both the Historic Beaufort Association and the Town of Beaufort’s official history.

The Beaufort Historic District is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. It encompasses historic homes, churches, and public buildings with architecture ranging from Greek Revival and Queen Anne to Gothic Revival, as noted in the National Register nomination for the Beaufort Historic District.

Pro Tip: Spend time in the Old Burying Ground and the Beaufort Historic Site. The Old Burying Ground, established in the early 1700s, is one of the oldest cemeteries in the state, highlighted by the Beaufort Historic Association. Go early in the morning for a peaceful experience.

History in Everyday Life

History lives in the rhythm of the town. School groups visit the Maritime Museum. Neighbors walk past buildings that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Articles like this 2023 feature in Coastal Review on Beaufort’s “quiet but rich history” describe how historic homes and streets remain part of daily life, not just set pieces.

You might see a living-history event on a Saturday morning and a boat parade that night. In Beaufort, past and present are never far apart.

If you love historic towns with real walkability, getting early access to new listings helps. For that, consider using our VIP Home Search service so you never miss a home in the historic district.

Waterfront Life: Boats, Boardwalks & Barrier Islands

Views That Never Get Old

The Beaufort waterfront faces the Rachel Carson Reserve, a protected estuarine complex of islands and marshes. The view is always changing. Tides shift. Clouds move fast over the islands. Coastal birds and occasional wild horses appear on Carrot Island and adjacent areas, all part of the reserve.

Living here means you notice the details. The sound of gulls. The soft waves against the docks. The look of marsh grass in different seasons. Ferries come and go at regular times, and sailboats return in the evening.

Getting on the Water

Getting on the water is easy. You can rent a kayak, join a sailing trip, or take a ferry to Shackleford Banks and Cape Lookout National Seashore.

Local guides offer fishing trips, nature tours, and sunset cruises. Many residents own boats, but you don’t need one to enjoy the water. A full day can include a museum visit, a boat ride, and dinner overlooking Taylor’s Creek.

Pro Tip: Take the ferry to Cape Lookout Lighthouse on a clear day. Bring a packed lunch, sunscreen, and time. The lighthouse and undeveloped beaches make it one of the most memorable spots on the North Carolina coast.

Wildlife and Conservation

The Rachel Carson Reserve and Shackleford Banks are known for wild horses, coastal birds, and marine habitats. Conservation plays an important role here.

Volunteers support environmental groups, sea turtle programs, and local education. Many residents choose Beaufort for this connection to nature. Some visitors decide to buy property here after a boat tour or a day spent on the islands. You can explore that possibility through Elite Relocation Assistance in Coastal NC.

Tourism, Local Economy & Community

A Waterfront Town With Momentum

Tourism brings energy into Beaufort and the wider Crystal Coast. In 2023, domestic and international visitors to and within North Carolina spent $34.6 billion, and that number climbed to $36.7 billion in 2024, according to the N.C. Department of Commerce’s tourism report.

At the county level, visitors spent about $732.29 million in Carteret County in 2023, a 5.3% increase over 2022, based on a Visit NC–commissioned study summarized by the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce.

That visitor spending supports local jobs in hospitality, boating, retail, and restaurants. Weekends can feel lively in the summer, while late fall through early spring brings a quieter pace that many locals appreciate.

Small Businesses and Local Favorites

The business community shapes the town’s character. Restaurants serve local seafood. Galleries feature regional artists. Small shops sell unique items you won’t find in big-box stores.

Locals support these businesses year-round. That support keeps downtown active and resilient, even as visitor numbers rise and fall with the seasons.

Pro Tip: Ask a local where they eat. You’ll find spots that rarely advertise but stay busy year after year.

Living the Waterfront Life Year-Round

Homes Near the Action

Homes in the historic district and near the waterfront offer access to everything you can walk to. Inventory is limited, and many properties are historic, with pricing that reflects both character and location.

A few blocks away, neighborhoods offer quiet streets, larger lots, and more modern homes. Both options keep you close to the water, and your choice often comes down to how much you want to be in the middle of the action versus just outside it.

Who Thrives in Beaufort

This town attracts people who value simplicity. They enjoy friendly neighbors, boat access, and small-town charm. They like walking to dinner and seeing familiar faces.

Remote workers appreciate the pace. Retirees appreciate the culture and community. Families enjoy the safety and outdoor options. For seniors comparing different housing paths, our guide on Senior Citizen Housing Options on the NC Coast can help weigh options.

How to Experience Beaufort Like a Local

One Perfect Walkable Day

Morning: Breakfast at a local café, walk to the North Carolina Maritime Museum, and stroll the boardwalk. The museum is part of the state system documented on the NC Maritime Museums site.

Afternoon: Ferry ride to the islands. Walk the beach or explore the reserve. 

Evening: Dinner on Front Street. Watch the sunset from the boardwalk.

A Weekend for History Lovers

Tour the Historic Site. Walk the Old Burying Ground. Visit the museum exhibits. Look for local events. Enjoy dinner in a restored historic building.

If you travel here intending to explore real estate during your trip, partnering with a local Realtor in Beaufort, NC ensures you learn about neighborhoods, flood zones, and property history before making decisions.

A Weekend for Boaters

Start early. Take a fishing trip or a sailing excursion. Stop at the reserve. Return for oysters or fresh seafood downtown.

You’ll see Beaufort from the water, which is how it’s meant to be experienced. Some boaters eventually invest in property here for rental income or seasonal use. To learn more about investment strategies, review our guide Best Cities on the NC Coast for Buying Investment Properties.

Is Beaufort, NC Right for You?

Who Feels at Home Here

People who love Beaufort value connection. They want neighbors who know their names. They enjoy the mix of maritime history, walkable streets, and easy access to water. They don’t expect big-city shopping on every corner.

They want a lifestyle built around water, time outside, and real community.

When to Visit, When to Buy

Spring and fall often show the town at its best, with comfortable temperatures and a steady calendar of events. Summer brings energy and activity as vacationers arrive. Winter is quiet, reflective, and peaceful.

If you’re comparing buying now versus waiting, you can learn about timing, local demand cycles, and off-season advantages in our complete guide to buying a vacation rental in North Carolina.

FAQs

Is Beaufort, NC walkable? 

The historic core is walkable. You can reach restaurants, shops, the Maritime Museum, and the boardwalk on foot. Most neighborhoods beyond the waterfront are car-dependent, which is typical for small coastal towns.

What is Beaufort known for? 

Beaufort is known for its 300-year history, maritime culture, preserved historic district, and access to barrier islands like Cape Lookout and Shackleford Banks. Coastal Review and Historic Beaufort Association both highlight its historic significance.

Is Beaufort good for retirement? 

Yes. The pace is slower, the waterfront lifestyle is active, and the community is welcoming. An older median age and modest town size, shown in DataUSA’s Beaufort profile, reflect a population that values lifestyle and connection. Major medical services and larger shopping options are close by in Morehead City.

How does Beaufort compare to Morehead City? 

Beaufort offers a historic, walkable core and quieter, village-like feel. Morehead City provides larger commercial areas, shopping, and services for the region. Many residents use both towns as part of daily life.

Final Thoughts

Beaufort is more than a destination. It’s a way of life shaped by water, history, and community. The walkable waterfront, preserved historic district, and easy access to the islands create a rare experience.

If Beaufort feels like the right place for your next chapter, view our curated Beaufort, NC homes for sale to get a deeper sense of the neighborhoods, waterfront options, and property styles that define this coastal town.

At Star Team Real Estate, we live this life every day. Our team combines local knowledge with financial insight to help you make confident decisions. Whether you’re exploring a move, a second home, or investment opportunities, we’re here to guide you.

Call (252) 727-5656 to start the conversation. We look forward to welcoming you to Beaufort.