A single main road runs parallel to the ocean along the length of this narrow island, with side streets running from the ocean to the sound or Intracoastal Waterway. In a few instances on the wider parts of the island, you will find an additional smaller street or two running parallel to the ocean. There is only one traffic light on the whole island strand. Topsail's summer population swells up to 35,000, as compared to the 3,500 year-round residents, consisting mostly of retirees. The convenient location between the cities of Jacksonville and Wilmington makes Topsail a desirable place to live.
Residents here enjoy a relatively inexpensive, quiet lifestyle on the beach.
North Topsail Beach, the northernmost town, is a residential community with oceanfront resort condominium complexes and rental cottages. With only one restaurant, a pizza shop and small convenience store, North Topsail Beach's visitors depend on Surf City or Sneads Ferry for most of their shopping and entertainment. Surf City, located on both the island and mainland, is in the center of the island. It is the commercial hub with an array of restaurants and retail establishments. A variety of vacation rental homes, condominiums and motels are also found here, along with the most year-round residents.