St. James Named One of Ideal-LIVING’s Top 100 Amenity Communities for 2026

There’s a reason so many people choose St. James when they’re looking for their next chapter.

Ideal-LIVING magazine has named St. James one of its Top 100 Amenity Communities for 2026 in the publication’s annual Best Places to Live issue. The list recognizes communities that offer exceptional amenities, an active lifestyle, and a strong sense of community.

For many residents, those qualities are exactly what drew them here in the first place.

Life in St. James offers opportunities to stay active, pursue hobbies, meet new friends, and enjoy the beauty of coastal North Carolina. Residents have access to championship golf, tennis and pickleball, fitness centers, a full-service marina, miles of walking and biking trails, dining options, social clubs, and a private oceanfront beach club on Oak Island.

Of course, amenities are only part of the story.

Ask residents what they love most about St. James, and you’ll often hear the same answer: the people. Whether you’re joining a club, volunteering in the community, attending an event, or simply meeting neighbors on a morning walk, there’s a welcoming spirit here that makes St. James feel special.

For more than 35 years, Ideal-LIVING has helped prospective homebuyers discover communities that fit their lifestyle goals. Being included on this year’s list is an honor and a reflection of what residents experience every day.

If you’ve been considering a move to coastal North Carolina, we’d love to help you discover what makes St. James one of the country’s most desirable places to call home.