RHRD: The beach and ocean in the Outer Banks are definitely nicer than in New Jersey, IMHO. We stay in Southern Shores, which tends to be less crowded than the Kitty Hawk/Nags Head area. My REALLY favorite beach isn't in that area but nearby in the Bogue Banks - Emerald Isle. Emerald Isle is a few hours south of the Outer Banks and isn't (yet) as fully-developed as the Outer Banks. The beach on Emerald Isle reminds me more of a tropical beach - if you wade out there's a very slight grade and water usually clear enough to see your feet, even when you are waist-deep. I personally don't like the surf in the Outer Banks because there's a trough just at the point where the wave breaks and it's usually filled with shells that you sink into as you wade out. It gives me the willies not being able to know how deep I'm going to go! I keep picturing doing one of those bouncing clown things - being trapped at the ankles and knocked down by the surf!

Regarding oceanfront vs. oceanview or sound front - if I'm driving 9 hrs. to the beach, I'm staying on the oceanfront!

It really is a matter of opinion on the soundfront vs oceanfront question. We have been renting in Corolla Light or Duck for 16 years and the last few we have chosen the sound. The sunsets viewed from your deck with wine glass in hand can be spectacular. The wildlife is great to watch, and we find it more peaceful.

Our kids are teens now though so they can easily bike down to the beach (or take the trolly in Corolla Light.) When I had small children, I did like the ocean side bettter.

We just rented two oceanfront places the week of 8/11 in Corolla Light for a family reunion. I've never had bad luck with the weather, and I sure hope that this isn't the first year!

IMHO the northern beaches of Pine Island and Ocean Hill are nicer. Be careful staying in the 4WD area as cars travel up and down the beach right in the path of where people tend to sit. Personally, I wouldn't want to stay up there for that reason. Ocean Hill is very nice and is close to some shops, restaurants and the lighthouse.