Situated on the southern end of North Carolina’s picturesque coastline, the Town of Oak Island encompasses nearly 20 square miles; offering 10 miles of beachfront, along the 12-mile-long island from which the Town derives its name. The island itself is marked by the Atlantic Ocean to the south, and the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) to the north. With approximately 8,400 residents year-round, the Town boasts a summertime population that swells to nearly 50,000 visitors and seasonal residents alike. However, the Town works hard at successfully maintaining a balance of its bustling, vibrant tourism, with the traditional, quiet charm of a small southern town.