NC coastal town is among the best in the nation, USA Today says. Where is it?
USA Today just named a North Carolina community as one of the best small towns along the coast in the country.
The town of Duck, located at the northernmost point of the Outer Banks, landed at No. 8 on USA Today’s 10Best coastal small towns in the U.S.
“Named and famed for the massive flocks of ducks that migrate through the region, Duck has been a paradise for hunting and fishing enthusiasts since the early 20th century,” USA Today says. “Today, it’s better known for its 7-mile beach, sophisticated beachfront rental homes, and its beloved culinary scene.”
Duck is a relatively small town, with an official population of just 662 residents, according to Census data.
According to the town’s website, it’s also the newest community in the Outer Banks. Duck was initially established as a North Carolina Beautification District in 1984, but after a lengthy process to become an officially recognized town, Duck was incorporated as the sixth town in Dare County in 2002.
Duck among best southern beach towns
The USA Today ranking comes just weeks after Southern Living named Duck the 39th-best beach town in the South, The Charlotte Observer previously reported.
“A town as quaint as its name, Duck — home to fewer than 1,000 residents — is abundant in both waterfowl and welcoming charm,” Southern Living’s report says. “Lovely vistas unfold at every turn on the isle that’s tucked between the Atlantic Ocean and Currituck Sound. A 1-mile-long boardwalk captures the essence of the place, with a variety of stores and restaurants (don’t miss The Blue Point), as well as opportunities to observe wildlife and sunsets.”
Eight other North Carolina beach towns were included in Southern Living’s ranking:
Wrightsville Beach (No. 28)
Nags Head (No. 32)
Emerald Isle (No. 35)
Beaufort (No. 38)
Duck (No. 39)
Ocracoke (No. 43)
Topsail Beach (No. 46)
Hatteras Island (No. 48)
Oak Island (No. 50)
How much does it cost to live in Duck?
You’ll need deep pockets if you want to live in Duck.
According to Zillow, the average home value in Duck is just shy of $1 million. That’s nearly three times the average home value in North Carolina.
This story was originally published April 23, 2025 at 11:40 AM with the headline "NC coastal town is among the best in the nation, USA Today says. Where is it?."
