Best Neighborhoods in Kill Devil Hills for Families

Kill Devil Hills sits near the center of the Outer Banks, which makes it one of the more practical places to buy on the beach. If you're researching the best neighborhoods in Kill Devil Hills, a few distinct areas stand out based on lot size, proximity to schools, park access, and beach access.

Neighborhoods in Kill Devil Hills: A Breakdown by Area

Kill Devil Hills runs roughly from the Wright Brothers National Memorial south to Nags Head, with the Bypass (US-158) dividing the soundside from the oceanside. Most neighborhoods fall into one of three zones: oceanside, soundside/westside, and the mid-town corridor near Bay Drive.

Bay Drive and the Soundside: Bay Drive runs along Kitty Hawk Bay and includes a multi-use path that stretches for several miles. Homes here are primarily three- and four-bedroom single-family properties with direct or near-direct sound access. The path is used year-round for cycling and walking. Lots tend to be larger than oceanside properties, and prices are generally lower per square foot.

Colington Harbour: Located about 1.5 miles west off the Bypass, Colington Harbour is a gated community with a community pool, boat ramp, and tennis courts. It sits on Colington Island and has a distinct neighborhood feel separate from the main beach strip. Homes range from modest three-bedroom cottages to larger waterfront properties. The gate and the water access make it one of the more self-contained areas in town.

Oceanside Blocks (Croatan and Avalon Beach areas): The oceanside streets between the Bypass and the beach tend to be narrower lots with higher prices. Several streets in the Avalon Beach and Croatan sections have deeded beach access. These blocks are within about 0.5 miles of the oceanfront and within a short drive of both Kill Devil Hills Elementary and First Flight Middle School.

Schools: Kill Devil Hills is served by Dare County Schools. Kill Devil Hills Elementary School is rated 4/10 by GreatSchools.org as of 2024. First Flight Middle School is rated 5/10, and First Flight High School is rated 6/10. All three schools are located in Kill Devil Hills, which means most students in the town are not riding buses long distances.

What This Means For You

• Bay Drive gives you the most recreational infrastructure per dollar, with the multi-use path and sound access built in.

• Colington Harbour adds community amenities and a more secluded setting, but you're trading beach proximity for them.

• Oceanside blocks cost more but put you closer to the beach and within easy reach of all three Dare County schools.

• If school ratings matter to your decision, compare the specific addresses you're considering against GreatSchools data, since ratings can shift year to year.

The best neighborhoods in Kill Devil Hills come down to what you're optimizing for: water access, community amenities, school proximity, or price per square foot. None of these areas is a clear winner on every measure, which is why it's worth visiting each one before you decide.

For more on what's available across the northern beaches, browse the Kitty Hawk and Nags Head community pages to compare your options.