1200 Saint Joseph St

Forest by the Sea is a low-rise, waterfront townhouse community in Carolina Beach built in 1980 and arranged predominantly as two-story, 2–3 bedroom end-unit residences. Architecturally the complex reads as traditional coastal townhomes with screened porches, stacked outdoor decks and functional hurricane shutters. Interiors commonly feature hardwood or tile floors in main living areas, eat-in kitchens with solid-surface or granite counters, stainless appliances, built-in bookcases, ceiling fans, walk-in closets, and utility hookups for washer/dryer; some homes include gas-log fireplaces and generator wiring. Private outdoor elements are prominent: screened waterfront porches, sun decks off master suites, outdoor showers, and assigned 30–33' boat slips with finger piers directly accessible from many units. Community amenities center on marina life and socializing — a saltwater swimming pool with gazebo, a screened clubhouse, picnic grounds and guest parking set among mature oak landscaping. Practical conveniences include one-car garages for most units, cluster mailboxes, irrigation systems, and hurricane-ready doors and shutters. The development sits on a quiet street near supermarkets, dining, the Carolina Beach boardwalk and state park, offering direct water access to the Intracoastal Waterway, Cape Fear River and Atlantic Ocean for boating-focused lifestyles.