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We are already looking ahead to a reunion in Duck, NC for next summer....a couple of questions for those that have been. Is being on the Ocean and not on the Sound Side worth the extra $500 or so a week? It seems that when I have looked at prices, that is about the difference. Also, Are there any management companies that specialize in Duck vacation rentals? We will need at least 5 bedrooms, and a home that will allow our wonderful dog...thank so much! P.S. When is the right time to book for next summer?
Ocean Front Worth In Outer Banks Worth It
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Opps-sorry about the title. Should have read, Is Ocean Front Worth It In Outer Banks...
Not sure anyone can answer this for you. To me, yes $500 would be worth it, especially if I had kids that would need to go between beach and house often. Frankly, I'm surprised the difference is only $500/week.
We also take our dog to the beach - just be warned that you're only going to have about 5% of rentals be pet friendly. We start by choosing a beach that allows dogs on the beach - you'll need to check each individual town's beach rules. Then we use vrbo.com to find a house. We find that there are usually more pet friendly options on vrbo.com than from realty companies. Good luck.
I think you'll find oceanfront much less buggy than the sound side. That's worth $500 to me.
The only thing I'd say is if you want to get oceanfront, make sure there are pictures of the place (or better yet, a video tour) that show you that oceanfront means what you have in mind. Oceanfront really means there is nothing between the house and the ocean, not necessarliy that you step out back and there's the ocean in front of you. It may be well back behind dunes, so make sure you see a picture clearly taken from the deck or something like that that fits with what you have in mind.
Most places on the OBX rent using terms like oceanfront, semi-oceanfront, 1 row back, etc. Seaside Vacation Rentals specializes mainly in Northern OBX Beach rentals - and you can search their website for pet friendly accommodations - also you can check their specials online as well - I do know that staying at Duck or Corolla tends to be more expensive than staying at Avon - so unless you just have a special desire to stay at Duck you may want to check out Outer Beaches Realty, Midgett Realty, Sun Realty or Hatteras Realty which specializes in rentals on the Southern end of OBX. You can search their online sites and specify pet friendly, oceanfront, etc. as well as specials. The later you can wait to book your reservation the greater the possibility you will be able to get a discounted rate - most rental owners will reduce their rates by as much as 20% if their units aren't rented and that makes for some really good rental deals. Staying around Avon will put you about half way between the Northern Beaches and the extreme Southern Beaches (Hatteras, Ocracoke).
MyBailey - I don't know how far you have to drive to get to the Outer Banks, but I've always thought staying oceanfront was my reward for driving nine hours!
I'll be in Southern Shores for a week three weeks from now (not that I'm counting it down or anything....)
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I totally agree with Judy-------if there's not a breeze, the mosquitoes can be bad if you stay on the Sound side.
You asked about booking time...NOW, if you want OCEAN FRONT. The popular ocean front homes book early, esp if they are smaller (5-6 bedrooms) and priced well. Ocean SIDE homes can vary in their proximity to the beach--ask for distance to beach. In OBX terms, ocean SIDE is simply on the east side of the highway (NC 12) which runs north/south thru the island. Depending on the neighborhood, can still be a bit of a walk, just not crossing a highway. Ocean front means no buildings between you and ocean. I have a 6 BR house in Corolla. We are not ocean front, about 300feet from the walkway over the dunes. Neighborhood is Crown Point. There are a number of homes in here with ocean front property the size you mention. You'll find that lots of the ocean front houses are quite large and may rent for 10k or more a week! Depending, you can find a great ocean SIDE house which is only a couple minutes walk away from the beach. Not sure your budget, but happy hunting. Our management company is www.outerbanksblue.com They are great and have a number of well-maintained homes all along the Outer Banks.