Chartered in 1941, the town of Holly Ridge is a predominately residential community surrounding the intersection of Highways 17 and 50, and is located in Onslow County. With a population of 832 in the last census, it has a council-manager form of government, with a mayor and five councilmen who appoint a town manager. The town has nine employees.

At one time in its history (1942-1946) there were up to 110,000 people in the area known as Camp Davis, an artillery-training base of the U.S. Army. The mobilization of that base changed Hollyridge (the old spelling) from a sleepy population of 28 to a bustling military presence. Life slowed down considerably after the closing of Camp Davis.

Today, Holly Ridge is a small town with some businesses and a few industries. Many people maintain second homes here to enjoy seasonal fishing at the nearby coastal facilities. With the acquisition of Camp Davis by the Department of Defense planned for the expansion of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Holly Ridge is expecting new growth.

Holly Ridge hosts an Easter Egg Hunt the Saturday before Easter, a spectacular fireworks display on July 4 and the popular Holly Festival the first Saturday in November.