The largest community is Morehead City, with about 10,000 residents, which acts as a bustling hub with a deep-water port, vibrant downtown, shopping, dining, and year-round events. Other key towns include Newport (around 4,500 residents), Emerald Isle (about 4,000), known for its family-friendly beaches and oceanfront appeal, Cape Carteret, Cedar Point, Atlantic Beach, and Pine Knoll Shores. Smaller communities and coastal villages like Harkers Island and those in the “Down East” area add to the county’s unique character with their strong fishing traditions and tight-knit feel.

The county’s population is spread across these towns, barrier islands (notably Bogue Banks), and surrounding rural and waterfront areas. This creates a welcoming mix of coastal living, natural beauty, small-town hospitality, and outdoor recreation. Residents and visitors enjoy boating, fishing, kayaking, and relaxing on pristine beaches, alongside historic sites and a thriving tourism economy.

Whether you’re exploring Beaufort’s historic district and maritime museum, enjoying the lively atmosphere in Morehead City, or unwinding on the beaches of Emerald Isle or Atlantic Beach, Carteret County offers an inviting blend of coastal North Carolina life, rich history, and modern amenities that make it a wonderful place to visit, live, or do business.