Surf City’s Commercial Expansion Accelerates
New Retailers, Hotels, and Housing on Both Mainland and Island
Surf City, long known for its laid-back beach town charm, is undergoing one of the most significant periods of commercial expansion in its history. From national retailers and new service-based businesses to luxury lodging and large-scale residential projects, development activity has increased across both the mainland and Topsail Island portions of town.
For Surf City Town Manager Kyle Breuer, the surge is impossible to miss—literally. From the window of his office at the municipal complex, Breuer watches new construction unfold daily.
“As we speak, I look out of my window and they are unloading materials for a new PetSmart directly in front of Town Hall,” Breuer said. “And then on the corner in front of Publix, you’ve got a brand-new car wash going in. Across the street we’ve got a new candy store that’s supposed to be built.”
Farther past the Walmart Neighborhood Market, crews are actively preparing land where new apartments will rise—another sign of Surf City’s ongoing growth in residential demand.
A Shift Toward Year-Round Demand
While Surf City has historically experienced large seasonal swings—growing from roughly 3,800 year-round residents to nearly 30,000 people in summer months—local leaders say that dynamic is changing. The town is increasingly becoming a full-time community.
“I think Surf City certainly serves as a commercial hub,” Breuer said. “There’s really no offseason anymore. It’s more of a year-round population, and people demand those goods and services that new commercial businesses can provide.”
This growth is fueled not only by Topsail Island visitors but also by residents from neighboring communities such as Sneads Ferry and Holly Ridge in Onslow County, who frequently travel to Surf City for shopping, dining, and recreation.
Saltwater Suites: A New Luxury Addition to the Island
One of the most visible examples of recent development is Saltwater Suites, which opened during Memorial Day weekend at 605 N. Topsail Drive on the island side of Surf City. The 48-room, 84-bed resort offers condo-style accommodations and was designed to deliver what the developers describe as “five-star hospitality.”
Developer Richard Stroupe, who also owns the historic Loggerhead Inn and Suites, said the new resort was the product of more than a year of construction and strong community support.
“We are extremely proud of what our team has accomplished over the past 15 months of construction,” Stroupe said. “The Topsail Island community has been nothing but supportive. We’re grateful for the opportunity to introduce Saltwater Suites to them.”
Stroupe’s renovation of the Loggerhead Inn in 2020 strongly influenced his vision for Saltwater Suites, expanding the town’s lodging options and elevating the island’s hospitality offerings.
Retail, Recreation, and Service Businesses on the Rise
Along the main commercial corridor near Walmart, Publix, and the municipal complex, dozens of new service-oriented and retail businesses continue to emerge. National brands such as PetSmart are joining local shops, boutique businesses, and coastal-themed retailers.
Additions include:
- A new full-service PetSmart
- A car wash at the Publix intersection
- A planned candy store
- Active residential development beyond Walmart
These investments reflect Surf City’s growing status as a central commercial destination for both Pender and Onslow County residents.
Planning for the Future: Surf City’s Updated Land Use Strategy
As growth accelerates, Surf City is reevaluating its long-range development goals. The town is now working with the Cape Fear Council of Governments to complete a full update to its land use plan, a key strategic document that guides zoning, development patterns, and infrastructure priorities.
The current land use plan was last updated in 2005, long before the town experienced its recent surge in population and commercial expansion.
“A lot of the mainland growth and development really wasn’t here back then,” Breuer said. “This update gives us the opportunity to take a serious look at what Surf City could become over the next 20 or 30 years.”
The updated plan is expected to address:
- Future commercial corridor expansion
- Traffic and transportation needs
- Infrastructure planning
- Preservation of coastal and environmental resources
- Housing development patterns
- Mixed-use commercial zones
A Transforming Coastal Community
From luxury hotels to national retailers and new residential developments, Surf City is evolving from a seasonal beach town into a vibrant, full-time community with a thriving commercial sector. The surge in development demonstrates not only growing population trends but also strong investor confidence in Surf City’s long-term economic future.
Whether driven by year-round residents, seasonal visitors, or neighboring commuters, demand for services continues to shape the town into one of coastal North Carolina’s most dynamic growth centers.
About the Author
Written by J.L. Wells, a longtime Topsail Island resident with firsthand experience exploring the island’s beaches, restaurants, local businesses, and coastal activities throughout the year. Drawing on lived local knowledge, J.L. Wells provides practical insight to help readers understand what Topsail Island offers visitors and residents alike.