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the rise of the halfbacks

Kingfish Bay Featured on The Debbie Nigro Show

June 24, 2025

We were thrilled to be featured on The Debbie Nigro Show in a recent episode exploring a growing real estate trend on the East Coast. Debbie’s show spotlights lifestyle shifts, smart moves, and hidden gems, and we were honored to be part of the conversation. During the episode, Debbie spoke with our own Jason Faulkner, General Manager of Kingfish Bay, to discuss why our Calabash community is becoming a top destination for people rethinking where, and how, they want to live.

Being part of a national conversation like this is exciting, especially when it resonates so closely with what we see every day: people discovering that coastal North Carolina just feels like home.

Why Some Floridians Are Heading North

Many homeowners who’ve relocated to Florida over the years are now looking to make a move again. While Florida offers sunshine and beaches, it also comes with downsides: extreme heat, skyrocketing insurance rates, overcrowding, and seasonal traffic that wears thin over time. That’s where North Carolina steps in as a quieter, cooler, and more balanced alternative.

Communities like Kingfish Bay offer a lifestyle that blends the beauty of coastal living with the calm, neighborly feel people often miss in busier areas. The pace is gentler, the cost of living is more manageable, and there’s a deep appreciation for nature, community, and quality construction.

The “Halfback” Movement

As Debbie highlighted in her podcast, this shift has a name: the Halfback trend. It describes people who originally moved from the Northeast or Midwest to Florida, but eventually settle somewhere in between, like the Carolinas. It’s not just a geographic midpoint; it’s a lifestyle compromise. You still get mild winters and sunny skies, but with less congestion, lower insurance, and a stronger sense of community.

At Kingfish Bay, we’ve welcomed many residents who followed this exact path. They’re not looking to go back north, but they’re ready for something that feels a little more grounded. And once they visit Calabash and experience our coastal charm, the decision becomes easy.

Why Calabash, NC?

Known as the “Seafood Capital of the World,” Calabash offers more than just great food, it’s a small town with a big heart. Located right along the North Carolina/South Carolina border, it combines a relaxed coastal atmosphere with close proximity to vibrant destinations like Myrtle Beach and Sunset Beach.

Locals and visitors alike enjoy waterfront dining, charming boutiques, and year-round festivals that celebrate the area’s culture and coastal lifestyle. Calabash is also perfectly situated for those who want access to modern conveniences without sacrificing peace and quiet. Whether you’re casting a line off a dock, playing a round of golf, or enjoying a scenic walk, life in Calabash moves at your pace.

It’s this rare blend of small-town charm and natural beauty that makes Calabash the perfect setting for Kingfish Bay, and a top pick for anyone considering a move to the Carolinas.

Why Kingfish Bay Makes Sense

Here in Kingfish Bay, we offer more than just homes, we offer a way of life. With nature preserves, walking trails, water access, and a private oceanfront clubhouse in Sunset Beach, our community was designed for people who want to enjoy the best parts of the coast without the stress of crowded cities. Plus, we’re just minutes from Myrtle Beach and less than an hour from Wilmington, giving you access to entertainment and travel without giving up peace and quiet.

Whether you’re retiring, relocating, or simply rethinking your environment, we believe Kingfish Bay represents the best of what coastal North Carolina has to offer.

Listen to the Full Interview

Want to hear the full podcast? Click here to listen to the episode of The Debbie Nigro Show and learn more about why so many are discovering the unique lifestyle and value found right here in Calabash.

Ready to Make a Change?

We invite you to explore Kingfish Bay for yourself. Visit our community, take a tour, and see why so many people are choosing to settle in one of the Carolinas’ most thoughtfully designed coastal neighborhoods.