St. James Plantation

Nestled just minutes from the historic coastal village of Southport, North Carolina, St. James Plantation offers a refined, resort-style residential environment anchored in the natural beauty of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and surrounding salt marshes.

St. James has been envisioned as more than simply a neighborhood—it’s a comprehensive community built around lifestyle amenities, nature and leisure activities. The community covers thousands of acres: one report notes more than 6,000 acres in total, with four championship golf courses and dozens of distinct neighborhoods.

Within St. James, residents enjoy access to a deep range of amenities. For those drawn to golf, there are multiple 18-hole courses designed to take advantage of the site’s natural contours, and water view. Water-based activities are easily accessible too: a marina perched on the Intracoastal Waterway, nature trails, kayak/canoe launches, and a private ocean-front beach club on nearby Oak Island extend the feeling of living on vacation.

Homes in St. James run the gamut: from townhomes and condominium units to custom estate homes with sweeping views of fairways, ponds or marshland. One of the appealing features is the variety of architectural styles and lot sizes—whether someone is looking for low-maintenance living or larger family-size properties.

The location is another draw: you’re only about four miles from downtown Southport, with its charming shops, waterfront dining and historic atmosphere. Meanwhile, a direct connection to the Intracoastal Waterway and easy access to coastal beaches make the setting particularly appealing for those who value both comfort and outdoor recreation.

Of course, there are a few considerations worth noting. Because of the high level of amenities and the premium location, homes in St. James may carry higher price tags than more conventional suburban developments in the region. Also, being a master-planned community with many social and recreational features, it tends to attract buyers who prioritize lifestyle amenities, leisure and community involvement.