Holly Ridge is the “Gateway to Topsail Island” and one of the fastest-growing small towns in North Carolina — a WWII boom town experiencing its second explosive growth with thousands of new homes under development.
Holly Ridge, North Carolina is a small but rapidly expanding town in Onslow County (ZIP 28445) with a population of approximately 5,766 — up 594% since 2000. Located at the intersection of US-17 and NC-210, Holly Ridge is the last mainland stop before crossing the bridge to Topsail Island, earning its nickname as the “Gateway to Topsail Island.” The town has a remarkable history: during WWII, the construction of Camp Davis transformed Holly Ridge overnight from a hamlet of 28 people to a military installation of 110,000, earning it the nickname “Boom Town.” Today, the town is experiencing its second boom, anchored by the 1,500-acre Project Ajax development adding 2,750 new residential units.
Whether you're a new homeowner looking for a builder, a beachgoer stocking up on supplies before crossing to the island, or a resident searching for local services — this page features the best-rated businesses serving Holly Ridge and the surrounding Topsail area communities.
Video reviews of the best-rated local businesses in Holly Ridge, NC.
The best-rated businesses serving Holly Ridge and the Topsail Island area, organized by category.
Holly Ridge is ground zero for the Topsail area's residential construction boom. The 1,500-acre Project Ajax development is adding 2,750 new units, and multiple other subdivisions are under active construction. National builders, regional firms, and local contractors are all active here. If you're building a new home in Holly Ridge, you'll find builders ranging from entry-level to custom construction, with many experienced in serving military families relocating to the Camp Lejeune area.
New construction from entry-level to custom homes
Renovations, additions & commercial buildout
New construction landscaping & yard maintenance
Building materials & hardware stores
As the gateway to Topsail Island, Holly Ridge provides the last opportunity for beachgoers to fill up on gas, grab groceries, and pick up supplies before crossing the bridge. The US-17 corridor has a growing commercial presence with gas stations, grocery stores, dollar stores, convenience stores, and an increasing number of fast food and retail options. The town's rapid residential growth is driving steady commercial expansion.
Last fuel stop before Topsail Island
Grocery stores, dollar stores & quick stops
Self-storage units for residents & military families
Mechanics, tire shops & vehicle services
The wave of new construction in Holly Ridge has created strong demand for all home service trades. HVAC installation for new builds, electrical wiring, plumbing, and roofing contractors all have active workloads in the area. For existing homeowners, maintenance services, pest control, and home improvement contractors are readily available along the US-17 corridor.
New installation & service for heating & cooling
New construction & residential electrical
Installation, repair & emergency service
Family practice & veterinary services
Holly Ridge's dining scene is expanding alongside its population. The US-17 corridor has a mix of fast food chains, local restaurants, and casual dining options. While the selection is still growing compared to Surf City or Hampstead, new restaurants continue to open as the residential base expands. Many residents also make the short drive to Surf City for island dining or to Hampstead and Jacksonville for wider options.
Holly Ridge real estate is dominated by new construction and subdivision development. Home prices are generally more affordable than beachfront communities, attracting first-time buyers, military families from Camp Lejeune, and people who want to live near Topsail Island without paying island prices. Real estate agents in this market specialize in new builds, lot purchases, and the various communities under development throughout town.
Holly Ridge is located on US-17 at the intersection with NC-210 — the road to Topsail Island. It's the last mainland town before crossing the bridge to the beach. From Wilmington, take US-17 North for about 35 minutes. From Jacksonville, take US-17 South or NC-210 for about 25 minutes. The nearest commercial airport is Wilmington International Airport (ILM), approximately 40 minutes south.
Holly Ridge has one of the most dramatic small-town histories in North Carolina. In 1940, the U.S. Army began building Camp Davis near the tiny hamlet, which had a population of just 28 people. By 1943, the military installation had swelled the area to approximately 110,000 — earning Holly Ridge the nickname “Boom Town.” Camp Davis served as a major antiaircraft training facility hosting artillery units, Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs), Black soldiers in segregated units, and Dutch Marines. After the war, the camp was decommissioned, and Holly Ridge shrank back to a quiet crossroads town — until the early 2000s, when its second boom began with explosive residential development that continues today.
Holly Ridge is the Gateway to Topsail Island, sitting at the US-17 and NC-210 crossroads. The town offers gas stations, grocery stores, fast food, convenience stores, and retail — it's the last stop for supplies before crossing the bridge. You can also visit the Historical Society of Topsail Island at 720 Channel Blvd, learn about the fascinating Camp Davis WWII history, and explore the growing commercial corridor along US-17.
Holly Ridge has grown 594% since 2000, driven by its gateway location to Topsail Island, proximity to Camp Lejeune, affordable land, and massive developments like the 1,500-acre Project Ajax adding 2,750 residential units. Military families, first-time buyers, and people wanting beach-area living at mainland prices are fueling one of North Carolina's fastest small-town growth rates at approximately 11% annually.
Camp Davis was a massive U.S. Army antiaircraft training facility built near Holly Ridge starting in 1940. The camp exploded the town's population from 28 to approximately 110,000, earning it the nickname "Boom Town." It hosted artillery training, Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs), Black soldiers, and Dutch Marines. The Historical Society of Topsail Island at 720 Channel Blvd preserves this history.
Holly Ridge is one of the most active new construction markets in the Topsail area. National builders, regional firms, and local contractors are all building in the multiple subdivisions under development. The Project Ajax development alone is adding 2,750 units. Builders range from entry-level to custom construction, with many experienced in serving military families relocating to the Camp Lejeune area.
Holly Ridge attracts buyers seeking affordable new-construction homes near Topsail Island beaches with easy access to Camp Lejeune and Jacksonville. The town offers a small-town feel with a growing commercial base, newer homes at lower price points than beach communities, and a central location between Wilmington and Jacksonville. Residents drive to Surf City for beach access and to Hampstead or Jacksonville for wider shopping and dining options.
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