OBX Real Estate Lingo Explained
Have you ever found yourself puzzled by the unique jargon used in the Outer Banks real estate market?
Perhaps you've been part of a conversation where someone casually dropped the term "beach box", or possibly mentioned that a certain property was located "between the highways".
These phrases, while common in the local real estate scene, can often be confusing for those unfamiliar with the area or the industry. But don't worry, you're not alone in your confusion! It's common for those new to the Outer Banks real estate market to find the lingo a bit perplexing.
So let's take a moment to clarify these terms.
Oceanfront:
This is the term we use to refer to homes that are actually along the ocean - not to be confused with semi-oceanfront and oceanside homes, which will have at least one lot or road between them and the ocean.
Soundfront:
This term is use to refer to homes that are waterfront along a sound (or bay) as opposed to the ocean. In the Outer Banks, these are along the west side of the barrier island.
Between the highways:
We use this phrase to designate properties located between the beach road and the bypass (Rt. 158) in Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, or Nags Head.
Beach box:
This is a type of Outer Banks home that is comprised of a single story elevated on pilings. It is usually less than 2000 square feet, and typically has 3 bedrooms or less. It is often designed with the central living spaces up front and bedrooms/bathrooms in the back, and many will have a dry entry under the house.
Historic homes:
There are a small number of special homes in the Outer Banks that date back to the 1800’s. Many of them have been updated with modern comforts, but they still have that old Outer Banks charm. These homes often come with additional restrictions to protect their historic attributes.
Mileposts:
You may have seen milepost markers along the main roads here in the Outer Banks! When the US 158 bypass was constructed parallel to the beach road, more attractions, restaurants and shops popped up - along with mile markers indicating where, along the bypass, a driver was located. The mile markers start at 1, located on the island just after the Wright Memorial Bridge, and technically extends all the way to the edge of Hatteras Village on Hatteras Island. Currently, the mile marker designation is most prevalent in the Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk areas - and you’ll often hear folks using them to help folks who aren’t familiar with road names to more easily find different homes & businesses!
