Courthouse Square
Beaufort, NC  28516
252.728.8450
www.co.carteret.nc.us

Carteret County encompasses many waterfront communities along the coast, each with its own unique characteristics and qualities, from the mainland to the barrier island of Bogue Banks. A vacation and relocation destination, Carteret County was formed in 1722 from Craven County. It was named in honor of Sir John Carteret, afterwards Earl of Granville, one of the Lords Proprietors. For additional details about Carteret County, contact the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce, 800.622.6278, www.nccoastchamber.com.

Atlantic Beach
Atlantic Beach is the oldest of five communities that dot the 30-mile length of barrier island known as Bogue Banks. Atlantic Beach offers easy public access to its beautiful expanse of beaches and potential residents have their choice of oceanfront, oceanview, soundside and soundview residences.

The seaside community’s easy-going ambiance is why many choose to call it home. Kids of all ages find fun in the sun in Atlantic Beach, while others find the local shopping, restaurants, nightlife, fishing and annual festivals such as the Carolina Kite Fest entertaining. Historic Fort Macon State Park, a year-round treasure with its restored five-sided Civil War fort, is just part of Atlantic Beach’s everlasting attraction. Contact the Town of Atlantic Beach, P.O. Box 10, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512, 252.726.2121, www.atlanticbeach-nc.com. 

Beaufort
Beaufort is North Carolina’s third-oldest town and serves as the seat of Carteret County. Founded in 1709, Beaufort-by-the-Sea was incorporated in 1722 and regally named for Henry Somerset, Duke of Beaufort. Beaufort boasts visits from both pirates and patriots. In fact, the believed wreckage of Blackbeard the Pirate’s flagship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge, lies just offshore.

Historic homes grace the tree-lined streets, and Beaufort’s waterfront area provides spectacular views of international yachts as well as graceful wild ponies on nearby Carrot Island. Small shops, fine restaurants, tour and charter boats, and a wealth of fine artisans enhance Beaufort’s coastal charm. The town is also home to attractions such as the Beaufort Historic Site and the North Carolina Maritime Museum. Contact the Town of Beaufort, P.O. Box 390, Beaufort, NC 28516, 252.728.2141, www.beaufortnc.org. 

Down East
Down East encompasses the communities of Atlantic, Bettie, Cedar
Island, Davis, Gloucester, Harkers Island, Lola, Marshallberg, Otway, Sea Level, Smyrna, Stacy, Straits and Williston. Those living in Down East communities enjoy a true coastal lifestyle that celebrates the area’s longstanding maritime traditions. You’ll find these represented in wonderful style at the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center on Harkers Island, the community where private ferries take locals and visitors to Cape Lookout National Seashore for some of the best fishing and shelling around.

The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is one of North Carolina’s seven renowned lighthouses, with a distinctive black-and-white diamond pattern. This much-visited Down East attraction has been a navigational aid to seafarers since 1859. It is a towering figure in both height and local legend, and is a trademark of Eastern North Carolina’s Crystal Coast area. This area, and the communities that make up Down East, boast a rustic charm, and food prepared Down-East-style is some of the best around. Details, www.theoriginaldowneast.com. 

Emerald Isle
Emerald Isle is the largest of the communities on Bogue Banks, a barrier island part of the Southern Outer Banks. Originally settled by nomadic Native Americans and whalers, the area known as Emerald Isle was largely uninhabited until the 1950s when it was purchased by a group of developers. While contemplating the investment, the developers hired a consultant who was flown over the area for a visual survey. Viewing the undeveloped green forest set against the sparkling blue of the Atlantic, he suggested the area be named “Emerald Isle.” Noted for its family-oriented beaches, beautiful beach homes are available in the area, many with relaxing water views.

Driving across the bridge from Emerald Isle to the mainland, you’ll also discover the communities of Cape Carteret and Cedar Point. These charming areas offer attractive soundside living and a treasure trove of fine antique shops, as well as major shopping venues. Contact the Town of Emerald Isle, 7500 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle, NC 28594, 252.354.3424, www.emeraldisle-nc.org. 

Indian Beach/Salter Path
With a permanent population around 200, Indian Beach is a cozy community that attracts an annual swell of vacationers. Interestingly enough, this quaint beach town surrounds the community of Salter Path on both east and west. Play on the beach, kayak on the sound or watch the shrimp boats come in. Salter Path and Indian Beach offer a variety of residential choices including homes along the water and condominiums, many shaded by lush maritime forest. Contact the Town of Indian Beach, P.O. Box 306, Indian Beach, NC  28575, 252.247.3344, www.indianbeach.org.

Morehead City
From its downtown shops to its lively waterfront, Morehead City is fast growing with much to offer. With its famous boat-to-table seafood restaurants and a charter fishing fleet to boot, Morehead City is an example of coastal living at its best. Enjoy fresh North Carolina fare at area restaurants or purchase fresh seafood from local markets to prepare at home.           

In Morehead City, the commercial hub of Carteret County, you’ll find specialty shops to suit every whim and fancy, along with a burgeoning selection of art galleries. Morehead City is also home to the county’s growing offering of medical services. From family practice to dental and emergency care, to the bounty of services offered through Carteret General Hospital, you’ll find it here in Morehead City.            

The community is also home to one of the state’s two deep-water ports where ships dock from all over the world. In Morehead City, you’ll find a delightful mixture of coastal cottages, waterfront homes, contemporary homes, townhouses, apartments and more, all just a short drive from the beach. Contact the Town of Morehead City, 706 Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC 28557, 252.726.6848, www.townofmorehead.com.

Newport
Many newcomers and military retirees choose Newport for its hometown qualities and close proximity to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. For the military or those retired from the military, Newport is a viable option for those who want to be close to base but not live on base or in a community with a majority of military residents. Sometimes you just have to get away from work, right? For those who grew up in small towns, Newport is the close-knit community you are used to, but with waterfront views. Contact the Town of Newport, P.O. Box 1869, Newport, NC 28570, 252.223.4749, www.townofnewport.com.

Pine Knoll Shores
Pine Knoll Shores is a peaceful, thoughtfully developed residential community tucked into the maritime forest between the oceanside dunes and shores of Bogue Sound. It was developed by children of Theodore Roosevelt who were heirs of Alice Hoffman, who owned property on the island of Bogue Banks from Atlantic Beach to near Emerald Isle. The early owners’ priorities for minimal disturbance of the island dynamics in its development make Pine Knoll Shores one of the state’s most ecologically sensitive towns and a sanctuary for sea turtles and coastal birds.

Pine Knoll Shores is also home to the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, attracting visitors from across the nation. Contact the Town of Pine Knoll Shores, 100 Municipal Circle, Pine Knoll Shores, NC 28512, 252.247.4353, www.townofpks.com. 

Education
Public Schools, K-12
Carteret County Public School System
107 Safrit Drive, Beaufort, NC 28516
252.728.4583  
www.carteretcountyschools.org

The Carteret County Public School System serves the students of Carteret County, located on the beautiful Crystal Coast of Eastern North Carolina. From Cedar Point to Cedar Island, there are 17 public schools that are committed to creating opportunities for all students to do their best and to succeed. The school system employs approximately 1,200 individuals and is the largest employer in the county. The system’s approximate student enrollment for the 2007-08 school year is 8,100. Information for all Carteret County schools is found on the school system’s website.

Higher Education
Carteret Community College
3505 Arendell Street
Morehead City, NC 28557
252.222.6000
www.carteret.cc.nc.us

Carteret Community College is located on the shores of beautiful Bogue Sound – part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. With more than 100 courses to choose from, students can pursue programs leading to a certificate, diploma or associate degree. Courses of study are listed on the community college’s website.

The college transfer curriculum is one of the most popular programs and enables students to obtain an associate in arts or associate in science degree and transfer to a four-year institution. Additionally, the college offers a variety of corporate and community education courses to provide general education opportunities for upgrading job skills, gaining certification and satisfying personal interests. The student body consists of approximately 1,900 curriculum and 4,500 continuing education students, reflecting a rich diversity of age, income, ethnicity and educational background.