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Topsail Island, a little over twenty-six miles long, is an appealing strike of land encapsulated in pristine shoreline and married to the mainland by only two bridges. Whether you enjoy the excitement of the crashing waves on the oceanfront or the peaceful serenity of sound waters, having a residence on Topsail Island, or the surrounding area, is like living in paradise.
Topsail Island is a family-oriented community with a minimum of commercial interests. As such, the vast majority of the Island proper consists primarily of private, single-family homes. Condominium complexes also dot the island providing additional residences for retirees and small families. Many of these homes are owned by local citizens and permanent members of the Topsail community. Others serve as investment properties for both local and remote owners who make their properties available as summer vacation rentals.
As a family-oriented community, Topsail Island offers many amenities many people will find attractive. With the lack of commercialism on the Island, the communities of Topsail Island provide an opportunity for middle income families who wish to avoid the hustle and bustle of big city life. The main attraction, of course, are the beaches both on the ocean side and the sound side.
To say that Topsail is commercially undeveloped does not mean residents are far removed from convenience. Many commercial interests have sprung up the past 3 years that have eased local residents from travelling to Wilmington or Jacksonville to obtain necessities. Most commercial development exists on the mainland alongside main roads leading to the Island. In 2006, a Lowe's Home Improvement store opened at the intersection of S.R. 210 and Hwy 17 - just 4 miles from Surf City. More commercial development is scheduled to begin soon in the area surrounding Lowe's that will include a new Harris Teeter grocery and several restaurants. Other shops are also rumored to be considering the Lowe's area.
Northern portions of Topsail Island also boast increased residential and commercial development. North Topsail Beach, with its proximity to Camp Lejeune, is becoming a mecca of affordable housing for military families. Just off-island, over the new high-span bridge, new development in the area of Sneeds Ferry is providing additional retail outlets and restaurants for homeowners on that end.
Surf City remains the main business hub for the area with plenty of affordable housing and proximity to shopping and services. The causeway leading to the Surf City swing bridge contains many new shopping strips now housing sales and service companies that were not a part of the community until recently. Throughout the island, and the surrounding communities, new construction in housing and enterprise remains active.
Additional amenities such as family-owned and operated restaurants catering to any taste, seafood shops, parks, recreational activities, golf, abundant fishing, and great schools all come together to make the greater Topsail Island area a wonderful place that many are calling 'home'.
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