Rental terms, demystified

If you check a variety of websites before renting a home on the Outer Banks, you will notice that all rental companies use very similar terminology. Once you begin renting in the Outer Banks on a regular basis, you will become familiar with our terms and phrases. However, the terms are largely unfamiliar to first or second timers. I’d like to offer some explanations and clarifications of the most commonly used rental terms.

Oceanfront - No intervening homes or lots between home and ocean. Distance varies and ocean view not guaranteed.


Semi-Ocean Front- Only one lot, house or unit between subject and ocean. Some areas will have a road to cross to get to ocean but still only one property between it and ocean. Distance varies and ocean view not guaranteed.


Ocean Side- Two or more houses between subject property and ocean. No roads to cross, but distance varies greatly. Access to ocean usually direct via dedicated easements and/or private roads.


Between the Highways- House located between the Beach Road (2 lanes) and the main road, (4 lanes) Access to beach by public access areas only!


Soundside- House closer to Sound than Ocean. Sound view is usual, but not guaranteed, and distance to Sound (and ocean) varies.


Sound front- means that you are right on the sound and have access to it. Many soundfront homes have private dock, (great for crabbing)


Master bedroom-bedroom with a private bathroom accessible only by the bedroom. If it has a second door, it is not true master.


Half bath-bathroom with a toilet and sink, no tub or shower


Grills-all grills are charcoal unless otherwise noted, usually they are park grills


Park Grill-stationary grill on a post usually located away from the home, that you see in, well, parks.

Park grill

Brought to you by Kitty Hawk Rentals from the Outer Banks beaches of North Carolina