Outer Banks, NC
Manteo Homes For Sale
The Dare County seat on historic Roanoke Island — a walkable waterfront downtown near Fort Raleigh, the Elizabethan Gardens, and the story of the 1580s Roanoke colony, distinct in character from the barrier-island beach towns.
Founded 1865, incorporated 1899
Established
~1,600 year-round
Population
Dare County Seat · Roanoke Island
County
On The Map
Where Manteo sits on the Outer Banks.
42 mi
Elizabeth City
as the crow flies
73 mi
Norfolk, VA
as the crow flies
Distances are straight-line (“as the crow flies”), not driving times.
Live Listings
Homes for sale in Manteo.
Real-time listings from the MLS, updated around the clock and scoped to Manteo, NC.
IDX listings are provided by the Outer Banks Association of Realtors and HIVE MLS. Data is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
A Local's Perspective
Life in Manteo.
Manteo sits on Roanoke Island rather than the barrier-island beach strip, giving it a different feel entirely — a historic, walkable downtown on the water, founded in 1865 and incorporated in 1899, and named for Manteo, a Croatan leader who traveled to London with the English in 1584.
As the Dare County seat, Manteo anchors the area's civic and cultural life, from Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and the Elizabethan Gardens to the gated marina community of Pirate's Cove between downtown and Nags Head.
At A Glance
- Established
- Founded 1865, incorporated 1899
- Population
- ~1,600 year-round
- County
- Dare County Seat · Roanoke Island
- HOA Norm
- Mixed
Highlights
What defines Manteo.
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
The site of the 1580s "Lost Colony" settlement attempt, at Roanoke Island's north end.
Elizabethan Gardens
Formal gardens within Fort Raleigh, a longtime Manteo landmark.
Pirate's Cove
A gated waterfront and marina community known for its annual billfish tournament.
Neighborhoods
Where to look in Manteo.
Pirate's Cove
A gated waterfront/marina community between downtown Manteo and Nags Head.
Heritage Point
A north-end Roanoke Island community with a marina and tennis courts.
Mother Vineyard
A residential area on Baum Point.
Lifestyle
Around Manteo.
Manteo's lifestyle is walkable and historic — a downtown waterfront built around Roanoke Island's 1580s colonial story.
Roanoke Island Festival Park — a 25-acre park telling the story of the 1585 first English settlement attempt.
The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island.
Elizabethan Gardens and Fort Raleigh National Historic Site.
The reconstructed Roanoke Marshes Light on the downtown waterfront.
Schools
Schools serving Manteo.
Part of Dare County Schools.
Elementary
- Manteo Elementary School
Middle School
- Manteo Middle School
High School
- Manteo High School
School attendance zones are address-specific and change over time. Always verify enrollment eligibility directly with the district before making a purchase decision.
HOAs & POAs
Manteo HOA norms
Pirate's Cove is a gated, HOA-governed marina community; downtown Manteo and most of the historic town is traditional non-HOA single-family in-town housing. Confirm on a per-listing basis.
New Construction
Building in Manteo
Manteo is a largely historic, built-out small town — new activity is mostly infill or within Pirate's Cove rather than large new subdivisions.
Straight Answers
Manteo buyer questions, answered.
Is Manteo on the beach?
No — Manteo sits on Roanoke Island, between the mainland and the barrier-island beach towns, giving it a walkable, historic waterfront character distinct from the oceanfront communities.
What is Manteo known for historically?
Manteo is the Dare County seat and sits near Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, the location of the 1580s "Lost Colony" settlement attempt, along with the Elizabethan Gardens and Roanoke Island Festival Park.
What schools serve Manteo?
Manteo is zoned to Dare County Schools, home to Manteo Elementary, Manteo Middle, and Manteo High School.
Make Your Move
Ready to find your Manteo home?
Buying or selling in Manteo — Sarah and The Spencer Team know it block by block. One call away.