About The Community

The Preserve is located on the Intracoastal waterway in between Southport and Oak Island.

Southport is a quaint historic fishing town that offers numerous attractions, restaurants, shops and historic sites. It is located where the Cape Fear River meets the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal waterway. Southport can be reached from The Preserve by car within 10 minutes and even faster by boat from a nearby marina.

Southport has a long history as it was established in 1792 when the town of Smithville was created. Afterwards, the town was renamed Southport. This community saw the establishment of North Carolinas first fort, Fort Johnston in 1754. Today, Southport hosts the North Carolina's official 4th of July Festival when in excess of 60,000 people come to celebrate this great day on her streets. Citizens converge at Forth Johnston and observe a 13 gun military salute to the original 13 states. Southport is listed in the National Register of historic places. It is also ranked by Rand McNally and Kiplinger as one of the most desirable places in the united states to retire. For a glimpse of Southport, read local author Robert Ruark's novel, The Old Man and the Boy. Southport is also home to the US Open King Mackerel Tournament.

Southport is the place we call home. Come and visit and you will see why!

Oak Island is the most populated and largest of the Brunswick County barrier islands, it is home to more than 5,000 residents. Live Oaks and Yaupon trees, the Intracoastal waterway, beautiful beaches and nature trails make this a nature lover’s paradise.

A community defined by its dedication to family-friendly activities, Oak Island is a great place to live or visit. It has over ten miles of southern facing beaches, the island offers more than 50 public beach accesses, several public boat ramps, picnic areas, extensive sidewalks, nature centers, parks and walking trails. Activities include golf at the Oak Island Golf Club, fishing charters, boating, crabbing, claming, shelling, walking on nature trails or just plain relaxing on the beach. Visitors and residents appreciate the many colorful shops and restaurant options also found here and in Southport. Situated midway between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach Oak Island is close to a host of cultural and entertainment activities, while maintaining the hospitality and warmth of a small town.

Oak Island is 12.6 miles long and averages about one mile across, It consists of the Town of Oak Island and the Town of Caswell Beach with areas of salt marsh, freshwater wetlands, maritime forests and miles of beach strand. With a complex ecosystem, the island is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life. Loggerhead, Green and Kemp Ridley sea turtles, considered to be some of the island’s most important residents, return annually to lay their eggs.

The beaches of Oak Island are within 5 to 10 minutes right across the bridge adjacent to The Preserve.