To the south, Carolina Beach merges into the
town of Kure Beach. Kure Beach (pronounced "CURE-ee") is a younger
community. Development began in the 1870s when Hans Andersen Kure moved from
Denmark and bought large tracts of land in the middle of the island.
Apparently, things moved slowly because Kure Beach wasn't incorporated until
1947.
Today Kure Beach is overwhelmingly
residential, dotted with modest cottages, new upscale houses and a number of
beach motels. Several condominium buildings cluster together in one area,
but there is little in the way of tall buildings. In fact, new structures
may not be built taller than 35 feet. At the center of town, a popular
fishing pier extends well out over the ocean and there are several
restaurants. A charming boardwalk with benches extends north along the beach
and is lighted at night.
Once upon a time, some of the best real
estate deals could be found in Kure Beach, but today this sleepy beach town
is fast growing in popularity and price. Two of the newest developments,
Kure Beach Village and Beachwalk, feature homes and town homes along with
tennis courts, pools and clubhouses.
You won't find a lot of amusement park–style
entertainment here, although there is an arcade. There is very little in the
way of shopping. A permanent population of 1,500 residents makes for a very
close community, but Kure Beach's small size should not lead visitors to
think they're out in the boondocks. The town maintains its own municipal
services and fire protection, and a local planner describes the community as
being "like any big city, only smaller."
Kure Beach will remain small because it is
completely surrounded. The Fort Fisher State Recreation Area and Historic
Site are on the south side, and the U.S. Government owns the west side as
part of a buffer zone for the military terminal at Sunny Point across the
Cape Fear River. Carolina Beach borders the town on the north. Of course,
the Atlantic Ocean forms the east border
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