Holly Ridge, NC

Holly Ridge sits right on the mainland side of Topsail Island, making it a favorite landing spot for anyone who wants quick beach access without island real estate prices. The town has grown quickly over the past decade as families, retirees, and military personnel from nearby Camp Lejeune settled in for the quiet pace. Located along Highway 17 between Jacksonville and Wilmington, it offers a laid-back coastal setting with an easy commute to surrounding job hubs.

Daily life here centers on the coast. You will see plenty of boat trailers in driveways, quiet subdivisions tucked off the main highway, and a handful of favorite local seafood spots. Students are served by Onslow County schools like Coastal Elementary and Dixon, and weekend trips across the bridge to Surf City take only a few minutes. It is a friendly, down-to-earth town that lets you enjoy coastal Carolina living on a mainland budget.