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Swansboro Real Estate

Swansboro is located along the banks of the White Oak River, nearby the towns of Cedar Point and Emerald Isle, a short boat drive away from the Atlantic Ocean and Hammocks Beach State Park.  First incorporated in 1783, the town has a rich history and a variety of real estate available, from waterfront properties and new home communities to vacation rental properties, condominiums, historic residences and single family homes. 

Part of the reason Swansboro has been popular for centuries is that it is protected by the barrier islands of Bogue Island and Hammocks Beach, as well as the fact that it is nestled on calm waters that offer easy access to a large network of deserted interior islands.  Today, some of these islands are protected natural areas.  Together with the surrounding waterways, these islands make Swansboro perfect for nature enthusiasts or anyone who loves to be on or near the water.  

Fishing Boat

Some of the top activities in Swansboro include kayaking, bird watching, exploring nature, boating and fishing.  Not surprisingly, there are a number of marinas and yacht clubs available to serve the needs of boaters.  There is also a historic commercial district with many local boutiques, dining and shopping options, plus a number of waterfront restaurants with private docks that allow boaters to dock there. 

Taking a trip to the nearby Croatan National Forest is also a favorite for both Swansboro locals and visitors.  Walking or biking the historic portion of the town is another popular activity, as are checking out the annual Mullet Festival (named for the fish), Swansboro by Candlelight, and the Holiday Flotilla.

Swansboro is also home to a number of parks, including the Swansboro Municipal Park, which has a dog park and a playground, Pirates Den Park, Riverview Park and Bicentennial Park, making it a great place to live or vacation.

History of Swansboro

The town of Swansboro was built around the plantation of Theophilus Weeks, an early British settler who fought in the French and Indian War, back when North Carolina was still a colony of the British Empire.  The name, which was initially Swannsborough, was in homage to Samuel Swann, an Onslow County resident whose career included serving as Speaker in the North Carolina House of Commons.

One of the most interesting and notable early residents was Otway Burns, a privateer who captured many vessels along with his partner/financier Edward Pasteur, a physician from New Bern, during the War of 1812.  Burns eventually had a notable political career in the North Carolina Senate, managed a tap room on his property, built the first steam ship in North Carolina, and was the co-owner of the brick kilns that were used to construct Fort Macon, located nearby in Atlantic Beach.

Swansboro is in a convenient location, as Camp Lejeune, Jacksonville, Emerald Isle, Morehead City and Atlantic Beach are all a short drive away.   Call me today for assistance with the marketing and sale of a Swansboro-area historic home, waterfront property or vacation rental.

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