The Outer Banks in North Carolina are famous for their stunning beaches and the Netflix series that put them on the map.
But behind the postcard-perfect scenery, two beachfront homes in Rodanthe are teetering on the edge—literally.
Hurricane Erin’s recent pounding of the coastline has pushed these houses to the brink of collapse, threatening to send them crashing into the Atlantic in the coming days.
A History of Erosion and Vulnerability
Rodanthe is a tiny village of just 200 people, stretching farther into the ocean than any other part of the state.
This makes it particularly vulnerable to erosion and storms.
Since 2020, at least 11 neighboring homes have already been swallowed by the sea, according to the National Park Service.
These two-story houses sit on stilts directly in the surf, with waves continuously battering their support beams.
Experts say it’s no shock these structures are at risk.
Barrier islands like the Outer Banks are naturally dynamic, shifting landscapes.
David Hallac, superintendent of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, explained that building permanent homes on these moving sands always carried a risk. Even the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse had to be moved over half a mile inland in 1999 to escape erosion.
The Bigger Picture of Coastal Risk
The National Park Service reports some sections of the Outer Banks lose as much as 15 feet of beach annually.
And the danger isn’t just structural; a collapsing home can scatter debris for miles along the coast, clogging beaches with broken timber and waste.
A state report warns that about 750 of nearly 8,800 oceanfront structures in North Carolina are at risk, and with sea levels rising, the problem is only expected to get worse.
Hallac said “dozens” of homes are currently fragile, with the two in Rodanthe potentially collapsing as soon as Wednesday.
He also recommends homeowners consider demolishing at-risk homes themselves, though many don’t take that step.
When a house is in imminent danger, authorities sometimes close surrounding beach areas to create a safety buffer.
Locals Offer a Different Perspective
Not everyone shares the doom-and-gloom narrative. Local realtor Tim Lancsek points out that the trouble is isolated to small stretches.
“They take one little section of a 120-mile island and make it sound like it’s happening everywhere,” he told the Daily Mail.
Most of the Outer Banks, he said, is stable and even thriving.
Newcomers may worry about erosion, but seasoned buyers and visitors see opportunity.
Homes in fragile spots can still generate substantial rental income, even if they only last a few years.
“If someone wants to roll the dice, they can pick one up for $500,000 and generate $100,000 a year in rentals,” Lancsek noted.
Popularity Surges Despite Risks
Interest in the Outer Banks has surged since the Netflix series debuted in 2020, and the area’s popularity shows no signs of slowing.
From special-edition cars to booming tourism, the region has become a destination for both adventure seekers and investors.
Lancsek emphasizes that while erosion is a concern, it hasn’t stopped people from appreciating the beauty and uniqueness of the Outer Banks.
“People still want to be here,” he said. “It’s beautiful, it’s special, and the Outer Banks brand has exploded.”