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 The primary industries on Topsail Island is tourism and real estate. While the area boasts a solid population growth and a good base of permanent residents, the Island itself swells with an invasion of vacationing families wishing to spend a quiet week or two enjoying our pristine beaches. Every summer the Topsail Island population bulges with thousands of tourists and vacationers. As such, the vacation real estate rental business is one of the primary sources of income for many property owners.
Topsail Island offers several amenities to the vacationing public. The chief draw for families is the fact that commercial development has been kept to a minimum on the Island. Most supporting business development occurs just off-island on the mainland side of Surf City. Topsail reserves most of its beach front properties for housing - both single-family residences and condominiums. This make Topsail Island desirable as a family-oriented vacation destination. Many who vacation on Topsail consider it to be the ultimate in relaxation.
Several real estate and property management companies offer vacation rentals. Most of these are private beach homes and condos made available during the summer months. Searching on Google will return a great many of these company's web sites where one can select from a vast pool of homes to rent.
There is also a vast selection of properties available For Rent by Owner (FRBO). FRBOs are privately owned and managed beach and island properties offered to vacationers by their owners. Those considering renting a vacation cottage or beach house on Topsail Island are encouraged to check into FRBOs for rental bargains.
 Along with the influx of vacationers, area businesses also are at your service to provide you with fun and necessities while you're here. On Topsail Island you'll find a variety of restaurants, sporting goods stores, gift shops, clothing, and more. By far, most of the business establishments are locally owned and operated by folks who are quick to help, answer your questions, and exude that friendly, southern charm.
Topsail Island offers many attractions of interest to visitors. While in the town of Topsail Beach, check out the State's one and only Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center where sick and injured sea turtles are brought back to health. Nearby is the Assembly Building which used to be used as a central location for the assembly of test rockets first developed on Topsail Island and the precursor of today's national Aeronautics and Space Administration. Here where our nation took its first steps into the space age.
The business community and residents alike are proud of the fact that Topsail Island is NOT a Myrtle Beach. However, those who wish to venture into more exciting territory, Myrtle Beach, SC is only about a 2 hour drive from Topsail. Many vacationers often make a day-trip to Myrtle to check out the action with our vacationing neighbors to the south.
About 30 minutes away lies the historic city of Wilmington on the Cape Fear River. Among Wilmington's many attractions are an historic riverfront park, complete with an outstanding boardwalk, shopping, and entertainment district. Across the river, the USS North Carolina is anchored and now serves as an historic museum. Self-guided tours are available of the battle ship for a reasonable fee.
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