Figure 8 Island: Wilmington NC’s Most Prestigious Private Oceanfront Community

If you’re drawn to coastal living and a setting that feels intentionally removed from the everyday hustle and bustle of life, Figure 8 Island is sure to rise to the top of your list. Tucked away just north of Wrightsville Beach, this private barrier island is known as one of the most prestigious addresses in all of coastal North Carolina.

Figure Eight Island is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway, and peaceful tidal marshes. It offers a setting where natural beauty, space, and a slower pace of life come together effortlessly. This combination is simply unmatched anywhere else. 

With no commercial development, only 475 privately owned residences, and only one way to access the island by a single gated bridge, life here feels intentionally quaint a place where quiet beaches, open space, and privacy draw buyers in.

Often called “The Hamptons of the South,” the 1,300 acre Figure Eight Island is known for its spacious oceanfront homes, large lots, and natural elegance. Although it feels private, the island is just minutes from Greenville Sound Gardens, Wrightsville Beach, Porters Neck, and all the dining, shopping, and amenities Wilmington has to offer.

At Haven Realty, we know and love Figure Eight Island. Buyers return again and again, drawn by how the island feels… peaceful, unhurried, and special no matter how long you’ve lived here.

Read on to discover what makes Figure Eight Island one of the most remarkable places to live on the North Carolina coast.

Figure 8 Island Real Estate & Luxury Homes

Figure Eight Island real estate is the epitome of coastal luxury living. Homes here are often custom-designed by top architects and builders, featuring expansive floor plans and refined coastal finishes throughout.

Many properties include:

• Gourmet custom kitchens
• Cathedral ceilings with exposed beams
• Spacious great rooms designed for entertaining
• Architectural details such as exotic woods, built-in wet bars, stacked stone fireplaces, and statement lighting
• Multi-level, rooftop, and ocean-view decks
• Private pools and spas
• Guest quarters and elevator access
• Private docks with boat lifts on soundfront properties

The island’s layout allows for some of the largest oceanfront lots on the North Carolina coast, creating a rare sense of openness that’s sometimes hard to find in a beachfront setting. Whether oceanfront, soundfront, or marshfront, homes on Figure Eight Island offer privacy, stunning views, and craftsmanship that consistently set them apart.

Homes for sale on Figure Eight Island are rarely listed under $1 million. Even properties under 2,000 square feet have sold well above that mark, reflecting how highly buyers value the island’s location and limited inventory. 

With only 475 residences and no opportunities for new development, real estate here is tightly held and always in demand. On Figure Eight Island, location is everything, and buyers recognize the long-term value of owning property in one of the most exclusive oceanfront communities on the East Coast.

Figure 8 Island Yacht Club & Amenities

One of the biggest draws to the community is the Figure Eight Island Yacht Club, a private, member-only club that serves as both an amenity and a gathering place for homeowners. The club offers a full-service marina, clubhouse, swimming pool, and racquet club.

For many residents, the Yacht Club enhances daily life on the island. Boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing are woven into the lifestyle here, whether setting off from a private dock in the backyard or spending afternoons on the water with neighbors and guests. The marina provides convenient access to the Intracoastal Waterway and nearby inlets, making it easy to enjoy everything that coastal living has to offer.

Beyond the water, the Yacht Club fosters a strong sense of community while still preserving the island’s privacy. Social gatherings, casual pool days, and time spent on the courts create opportunities to connect without ever feeling crowded. It’s a place where relationships are naturally built and life just feels… good. 

Why Buyers Love Figure 8 Island

Figure Eight Island offers a level of privacy and coastal elegance that’s nearly impossible to replicate anywhere else in the Wilmington, NC area. Life here feels unhurried (in the best way). 

Residents enjoy:

• A private, gated island accessible by a single bridge, creating a true sense of arrival
• No commercial development, preserving the island’s quiet, residential-only atmosphere
• Expansive oceanfront, soundfront, and marshfront properties with unobstructed water views
• Some of the largest oceanfront lots on the North Carolina coast
• Direct access to boating, paddleboarding, and kayaking through private docks and the island marina
• Membership access to the Figure Eight Island Yacht Club, featuring a marina, clubhouse, pool, and racquet facilities
• The island’s homeowners’ association’s commitment to environmental preservation

Fun fact: For decades, Figure Eight Island has attracted celebrities and high-net-worth buyers seeking a luxurious lifestyle away from the spotlight, adding to the island’s mystique. Among those who have owned homes or rented private residences in the area are: Jennifer Aniston, Alec Baldwin, Robert Downey Jr. and wife Susan, Richard Gere, Ben Stiller, Kathy Bates, and more. 

It truly is a star-studded location!

Is Figure 8 Island Right for You?

Figure Eight Island is ideal for buyers seeking elite oceanfront living, privacy, and a true retreat-style lifestyle without sacrificing proximity to Wilmington’s top-notch amenities. 

Whether as a primary residence or legacy coastal estate, owning a home here is a rare opportunity to be part of one of North Carolina’s most exclusive communities.

To explore other top communities in the Wilmington, NC area, visit our complete guide to the
Best Neighborhoods in Wilmington, NC.

Explore Figure 8 Island Real Estate with Haven Realty

If Figure Eight Island feels like the kind of place you’d want to call home, our team would be honored to help you explore opportunities within this exceptional coastal community. With limited inventory and many homes trading quietly behind the scenes, having a knowledgeable local real estate expert makes all the difference.

At Haven Realty, we specialize in Wilmington’s most sought-after luxury neighborhoods, including Figure Eight Island. We bring deep local insight, discretion, and a personalized approach to every client relationship, ensuring your experience is seamless from first showing to closing.

We believe a home is more than a transaction… it’s the setting where life unfolds, traditions are created, and memories are built over time. We’d love to be part of your journey and help you find a home that truly feels like your haven.

Looking for homes for sale on Figure Eight Island, NC? Contact Haven Realty today to begin your search for your own luxury coastal oasis.