Ocean Ridge Plantation: Brunswick County's Gem

Ocean Ridge Plantation is a coastal golf community in Brunswick County, North Carolina. It is located near Sunset Beach, between Wilmington, NC, and Myrtle Beach, SC. The area offers a desirable coastal lifestyle with small-town charm and modern city luxuries. In February 2021, Ocean Ridge Plantation made headlines when a devastating tornado tore through the community, causing extensive damage, trapping residents, and resulting in fatalities.

Ocean Ridge Plantation is near Sunset Beach, NC

Ocean Ridge Plantation is a golf and beach community in Brunswick County, North Carolina, just minutes away from Sunset Beach. It is nestled between Wilmington, NC, and Myrtle Beach, SC, offering a desirable coastal lifestyle with small-town charm and modern city luxuries.

Sunset Beach, located just a three-minute drive from the Ocean Ridge community, was voted the number one barrier island in North Carolina by Duke University researchers. It boasts pristine beaches and a relaxed way of life, with the unique south-facing direction providing direct views of the ocean and more clement tides.

Ocean Ridge Plantation is easily accessible and offers a convenient base to explore the surrounding areas. The 250-year-old port city of Wilmington is just a 45-minute drive north, while the excitement of Myrtle Beach's famous "Grand Strand" is only 25 minutes south.

The community of Ocean Ridge Plantation experienced a devastating tornado in February 2021, which caused extensive damage, injuries, and fatalities. The tornado ripped through the area with winds of up to 160 mph, leaving a trail of destruction and requiring a long recovery process.

The area has year-round moderate temperatures

Ocean Ridge Plantation is located in Brunswick County, North Carolina. The area enjoys year-round moderate temperatures, with an average temperature of 73°F. This pleasant climate, along with its pristine beaches, boating, fishing, and local attractions, makes it a desirable destination for those seeking a coastal lifestyle with a small-town charm and modern city luxuries.

The moderate temperatures in the region can be attributed to its proximity to the coast and the influence of the Gulf Stream. The nearby Sunset Beach, voted the number one barrier island in North Carolina, offers a unique south-facing orientation. This direction provides sunbathers with direct views of the ocean, avoiding the harsh glare of the sun often experienced on traditional east-facing coastlines. Moreover, the island's orientation results in more clement tides and allows for a better position to benefit from the warming effects of the Gulf Stream.

The comfortable temperatures throughout the year make Ocean Ridge Plantation an ideal place to visit or live. The average high temperatures in the summer months typically reach the upper 80s to low 90s (°F), while winters have average highs in the 50s and 60s (°F). These mild conditions allow for a variety of outdoor activities and a thriving local culture.

The combination of moderate temperatures, natural beauty, and cultural offerings makes Ocean Ridge Plantation and Brunswick County a sought-after destination for those seeking a balanced and enjoyable coastal lifestyle. The area's climate contributes to its appeal, ensuring that residents and visitors can take advantage of the many attractions the region has to offer throughout the year.

It is close to the city of Wilmington, NC

Ocean Ridge Plantation is located in Brunswick County, North Carolina. It is close to the city of Wilmington, NC, which is just 45 minutes north. Wilmington is a 250-year-old port city known for its charming streets, lined with 18th and 19th-century homes, and its meandering waters. The city offers a wealth of modern amenities, a flourishing artistic community, and a vibrant downtown district with historic tours, restaurants, and retail stores.

The proximity to Wilmington, a cultural hub, enhances the appeal of Ocean Ridge Plantation and the surrounding area. Brunswick County itself offers a range of attractions, including pristine beaches, boating, fishing, and local attractions. Sunset Beach, just a three-minute drive from Ocean Ridge, has been voted the number one barrier island in North Carolina and is known for its uncrowded and relaxed atmosphere.

The location of Ocean Ridge Plantation provides the best of both worlds: the charm of a small town and the luxuries of modern city life. Wilmington's cultural and recreational offerings, combined with the natural beauty and leisure activities of Brunswick County, create a desirable destination for visitors and residents alike.

In addition to its cultural and natural attractions, the Wilmington area, including Brunswick County, has a thriving economy. The region has experienced significant population growth, with a nominal growth rate of approximately 47% between 2000 and 2020. This growth has been driven partly by the in-migration of retirees, contributing to a diverse and vibrant community.

The economic ties between Brunswick County and Wilmington are strong, with Wilmington's metropolitan area influencing the social and economic landscape of the county. The real estate market in the region is thriving, and Wilmington's urban amenities and cultural offerings make it a desirable location for those seeking a combination of history, charm, and modern conveniences.

It is also near Myrtle Beach, SC

Ocean Ridge Plantation in Brunswick County is just 25 minutes away from the excitement of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Founded in 1938, Myrtle Beach is a resort city on the East Coast of the United States, located in Horry County, South Carolina. It is considered the #1 Family Beach in America and is one of the most popular destinations on the East Coast.

Myrtle Beach offers a wide range of entertainment options, including musical entertainment, restaurants, shopping, amusement parks, excellent medical facilities, and more than 100 golf courses. The city attracts over 20 million visitors each year with its warm subtropical climate, 60 miles of sandy beaches, and abundant attractions.

The city is also known for its thriving live theatre industry, with venues such as the Alabama Theatre, Dolly Parton's Pirates Voyage, the Carolina Opry, and the House of Blues. The area is further enhanced by its oceanfront luxury hotels, resorts, and spas.

In addition to its modern amenities, Myrtle Beach has a rich history. The region was once home to the Waccamaw tribe, and the name "Myrtle Beach" was chosen in a naming contest in 1900 to honour the abundant local wax myrtle shrub.

With its convenient location, Ocean Ridge Plantation residents and visitors can easily access the excitement and attractions of Myrtle Beach, making it a desirable destination for those seeking a combination of coastal relaxation and urban exploration.

Ocean Ridge Plantation was hit by a tornado in 2021

Ocean Ridge Plantation, a beach community in Brunswick County, North Carolina, was hit by a tornado in February 2021. The county's southernmost area, Ocean Ridge Plantation is nestled between Wilmington, North Carolina, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, about 40-45 miles from each.

The tornado ripped through the area late on a Monday night, killing three people and injuring ten. It left a 22-mile path of destruction in its wake, damaging dozens of homes and causing power outages for thousands of residents. The storm scattered debris and sucked the contents out of homes, with one resident reporting that their neighbour's roof had been completely blown off.

Search and rescue teams were deployed to locate missing people and those trapped in their homes. The teams had to be pulled out of the Ocean Ridge community temporarily due to propane leaks. The Red Cross arrived on Tuesday morning to begin sending help to the area.

The National Weather Service conducted a survey on Tuesday morning to learn more about the tornado. The tornado warning was issued around 11:45 p.m. on Monday, and the tornado touched down shortly after, with little time to respond. The storm was described as a "`freak storm` that intensified too quickly.

The Ocean Ridge Plantation community is known for its luxurious homes, golf courses, and beach club amenities. The area is also susceptible to natural disasters, with Hurricane Isaias hitting in August 2020, bringing strong winds, fires, flooding, and severe damage.

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