Learn more about Avon

Avon, in the Outer Banks region of North Carolina is a census-designated place in Dare County. Avon is governed by the Dare County Board of Commissioners and is a member of District 4 like many of its neighboring communities. Tourism is the main industry of Avon, but as Avon is considered by some to be the "Center of Hatteras Island" the economy is a bit more diverse. Avon is home to the islands only chain grocery store, two fast food establishments, a medical center and more. Despite being more modern in those regards the beaches and waters of Avon remain unspoiled and often uncrowded.

Originally the community was known as Kinnakeet, a name that a native local tribe gave to the area. When the postal service was established in the community in 1883 the settlement was renamed Avon and has remained so since though many locals still refer to it as Kinnakeet. In the later half of the 1800s, two lifesaving stations were established in Kinnakeet and Little Kinnakeet and they operated until 1915 and officially decommissioned by the Coast Guard in 1954. Though the station at Kinnakeet is gone visitors can still visit the Little Kinnakeet station and it is currently undergoing restoration efforts by the National Park Service.

Avon is well known for its surf fishing and big game fishing and also for the rustic charms of the community. Water sport lovers from around the globe flock to Avon yearly, but it is especially popular with our neighbors from the north, Canada, due to frozen lakes in their own beloved home and Avon's warm free moving southern waters. Due to the mild climate, beautiful beaches and warm ocean waters, locals and visitors alike can enjoy the sun, surf and catch of the day lifestyle for which the Outer Banks is known.

Development didn't truly begin in the area until the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge opened in 1962 , but then by the late 1960s developers had discovered the area and small beach houses began to spring up along the coast. Today Avon is home to a variety stores for antiques, gifts and more, as well as tourism related businesses such as charter boats and board rentals, in addition to museums and galleries. Much of the communities real estate are beach rental houses aimed at meeting the demands of local tourism. However, there are a number of permanent single family homes for sale and rent as well. Local real estate agents await to help you find the home or summer home of your dreams in charming Avon.