I am trying to plan a week-long family vacation (6 adults ages 34-65, plus a toddler) to the beach in late summer. We're looking to rent a 3 or 4 bedroom house or duplex (not condo in large building), oceanfront, on a low-key beach. By low-key, I mean that I'm looking for area that won't be too crazy or busy, with a beach that won't be packed, but that still has some restaurants/bars we could check out, a grocery store, etc. Half of us will be driving (from DC area and NY), so ideally we'd like to find a place in NC, but we might consider SC as well (or VA if there is something that feels far enough away and isn't VA beach

). Two people will be flying, so an airport within an hour or so would be really helpful too.
Any suggestions for specific beaches based on those criteria? I have been looking at rentals in Wrightsville and Kure beaches in NC because they seem like they'd be a good fit for us, but I'd love to check out other places as well if anyone has any suggestions.
Thank you!