Want the beach life without giving up a reasonable Jacksonville commute? If you work in the city, at Camp Lejeune, or MCAS New River, you have real options along the Topsail corridor that balance salt air with drive-time sanity. In this guide, you’ll compare Sneads Ferry, Holly Ridge, and the three Topsail Island towns so you can weigh commute ranges, routes, seasonal traffic, flood considerations, and what everyday life feels like in each place. You’ll leave with clear next steps and a plan that fits your routine and lifestyle. Let’s dive in.
How far is the coast from Jacksonville?
Below are typical ranges to central Jacksonville and why they vary. Times change with your exact start address, gate choice, and time of day.
- Sneads Ferry: About 25–30 minutes to Jacksonville via US‑17/NC‑210/NC‑172. Many residents choose it for quick access to southern base areas. Routing tools list roughly 19–20 miles and a manageable city commute. Distance examples confirm the range.
- Holly Ridge: About 20–30 minutes to Jacksonville depending on route and traffic, with quick access to Surf City and Topsail beaches. The town is often called the gateway to Topsail thanks to its location just inland of the bridge. Town resources highlight its position on the corridor.
- Surf City: About 30–40 minutes to Jacksonville using the Surf City bridge and NC‑50/US‑17. Expect more time on summer weekends or holidays when bridge traffic increases. Typical drive-time examples land near the mid‑30‑minute mark.
- North Topsail Beach and Topsail Beach: About 30–45 minutes to Jacksonville depending on the neighborhood and route. These ends of the island are quieter and more residential compared with Surf City’s larger commercial core. Routing snapshots support those ranges.
Times shown are estimates. Run a sample route with your exact origin and intended gate at the time you would typically commute to see your real result.
Main routes and what changes your time
- Primary corridors: US‑17 is the spine that connects Jacksonville to Sneads Ferry, Holly Ridge, and the Topsail area, with NC‑210 and NC‑172 handling local links. The Surf City bridge on NC‑50 is the main on‑off point for the island.
- Bridge crossings: Expect delays on the Surf City bridge during summer weekends, holiday peaks, and special events. Build in buffer time if your daily route crosses the bridge. Local visitor resources routinely flag seasonal slowdowns.
- Gate choice for base commutes: Your gate matters. Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River have multiple gates with different hours and congestion patterns. Check official gate hours and plan your route accordingly. Use the base’s gate and access page before you choose a neighborhood.
- Storm and evacuation planning: Barrier‑island towns sit on hurricane evacuation routes, and certain parcels carry higher flood exposure. Review flood maps, elevation certificates, and town guidance during due diligence. Start with North Topsail Beach’s flood hazard page for context.
Town-by-town: what you trade for time
Sneads Ferry: closest beach-adjacent option
- What it feels like: A working waterfront with shrimp boats, small marinas, and a growing local retail scene that still feels laid back. Community resources capture the village character.
- Commute snapshot: About 25–30 minutes to central Jacksonville for city errands; many residents report 5–15 minutes to Stone Bay and other southern gates, depending on start point and gate hours.
- Pros: Short base access on the southern side, coastal vibe without full island logistics, and improving everyday conveniences.
- Considerations: Smaller big‑box retail selection in town. Some areas sit near tidal marshes and backwaters, so you should review flood and insurance details carefully.
Holly Ridge: inland gateway to Topsail
- What it feels like: A small town a few miles from the beach with established subdivisions and new construction, positioned as the inland gateway to Topsail. Town information underscores its convenient location.
- Commute snapshot: About 20–30 minutes to Jacksonville and 20–35 minutes to major gates depending on route and time of day.
- Pros: Fast beach access without daily bridge living, neighborhood variety, and often more value per square foot than the island.
- Considerations: You will still drive for larger shopping or medical services, either into Jacksonville or across to Surf City.
Surf City: island hub with the most services
- What it feels like: The commercial center of Topsail Island with groceries, restaurants, a fishing pier, and year‑round activity.
- Commute snapshot: About 30–40 minutes to Jacksonville. The single bridge can add time during peak seasons.
- Pros: Strong beach lifestyle with the widest on‑island services.
- Considerations: Seasonal traffic, higher median home values than many mainland options, and typical barrier‑island insurance and flood due diligence.
North Topsail Beach and Topsail Beach: quieter island ends
- What they feel like: More residential and low‑key than Surf City, with many homes used as second homes or short‑term rentals.
- Commute snapshot: About 30–45 minutes to Jacksonville, depending on the neighborhood and route.
- Pros: A calmer, beach‑first environment with beautiful shoreline access.
- Considerations: Higher prices are common for ocean‑proximate homes, plus seasonal traffic patterns and flood considerations typical of barrier islands. Market pages show generally higher island pricing.
Military commute quick guide
- Gate access matters: Two households in the same town can have very different commutes based on which gate they use and gate hours. Check official hours and test your exact route before you commit. Start with the base access page for current info.
- Typical ranges to consider:
- Sneads Ferry: Commonly 5–15 minutes to Stone Bay and southern‑side access points, and about 25–30 minutes to central Jacksonville. Travel‑time tools illustrate short Sneads Ferry to Camp Lejeune runs.
- Holly Ridge and Surf City: Often 20–40 minutes depending on your gate, bridge timing, and time of day.
- MCAS New River note: The air station sits just south of downtown Jacksonville, which can shift drive times relative to Camp Lejeune depending on where you live and where you report.
- School boundaries: Onslow County and Pender County school assignments differ by address. Always confirm with the district for the property you are considering.
Times shown are estimates. Run a live test with your exact origin and reporting time to get the most accurate result.
What homes cost today
Pricing moves with the market, property type, and proximity to the water. Aggregator snapshots help you set general expectations. As of Feb 2026:
- Jacksonville overall home values often track around the mid‑$200s. See current Jacksonville trends on Zillow.
- Sneads Ferry frequently shows medians in the low to mid‑$300s, varying by neighborhood and age of construction.
- Topsail Island towns commonly trend higher, with many areas at $500k and above, especially near the ocean or with rental potential. Explore an island market snapshot here.
Use these as orientation, not final pricing. Your specific home’s condition, flood zone, elevation certificate, rental rules, and location on or off the island will move the number. Ask for a tailored market read before you set your search budget.
Quick decision guide
Use these prompts to sort what matters most for you.
- Shortest daily drive to southern base areas: Start with Sneads Ferry.
- Inland value with fast beach access: Consider Holly Ridge.
- Walk to more on‑island amenities: Look at Surf City.
- Quieter, beach‑first setting: Explore Topsail Beach and North Topsail Beach.
- Lowest flood exposure potential: Focus on inland or higher‑elevation parcels and review flood maps early. This flood page is a good local starting point.
How to test your personal commute
- Pick your likely neighborhood and your actual reporting gate.
- Run the route during your typical commute time on a weekday.
- Add 10–15 minutes if your path crosses the Surf City bridge during peak seasons.
- Repeat the test from your workplace back home during evening traffic.
Small differences in address or gate choice can swing your result by 10–20 minutes. A quick test can save you hours each week.
Ready to compare properties?
If you want coastal living with a commute that works for your routine, you have good options around Jacksonville. Whether you are moving for work, PCS orders, or a lifestyle reset, you deserve clear numbers, transparent flood and insurance guidance, and a plan that matches your timeline. Schedule a free consultation with Joseph Zuba to map your move and tour neighborhoods that fit your day‑to‑day.
FAQs
Which Jacksonville-area coastal town has the shortest commute to Camp Lejeune?
- For southern training areas and Stone Bay access, many residents find Sneads Ferry offers the shortest door‑to‑gate times, often in the 5–15 minute range depending on the exact address and gate hours.
Is living on Topsail Island realistic for a daily Jacksonville commute?
- Yes for many buyers, but plan for 30–45 minutes and account for the Surf City bridge, which can add time during summer weekends and holidays.
How do seasonal traffic and the Surf City bridge affect drive time?
- Bridge approaches and island entries slow down during peak seasons and events, so add buffer time on weekends and holidays and consider off‑peak travel for errands when possible.
What should I check about flood risk before buying near the coast?
- Review flood maps, elevation certificates, and insurance needs during due diligence, and start with local resources like North Topsail Beach’s flood hazard page for orientation.
How do home prices compare between Jacksonville, Sneads Ferry, and Topsail Island?
- Jacksonville often trends in the mid‑$200s, Sneads Ferry commonly in the low to mid‑$300s, and many Topsail Island homes run $500k and above, with exact values driven by proximity to the ocean, elevation, and property type.
