Sometimes, you know you’re ready for a change, but have no idea where to take it. If you’ve decided moving is the change you need, but don’t know where you want to move to, consider a place where you feel living would be ideal.
For some people, that’s tucked away in nature, possibly near a national park or a place with great parks. Others might be looking for a place that has great beaches for days where you just want to get away. Possibly, a more inviting destination is a place full of history that you can interact with. If any of these options spoke to you, then Wilmington NC has what you need. Let’s check out the best neighborhoods in Wilmington, NC for moving.
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About Wilmington NC
Wilmington is located on the coast of North Carolina, a small city with a rich history. Playing a critical role in the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and World War II. The city still has many historical sites to see.
The area also has many beaches great for a relaxing day at the beach. There are many local shops and restaurants in the downtown district or riverfront.
Wilmington’s population as of 2021 is 117, 643. The population increased by 1.5% from 2019-2020. The median household income is $51,197. It is the 18th most popular city in the United States.
Its city center has that bustling city vibe, but the surrounding neighborhoods capture that small community charm. This creates a welcoming feel for visitors and those who live there.
Water Street
There are many Wilmington, NC neighborhoods, but Water Street sets itself apart in many ways. Water Street, also known as the Riverwalk or Riverfront, is home to a bustling area of unique shops and restaurants. This adds charm other neighborhoods may not have with small businesses, boutiques, and non-chain restaurants.
The neighborhood is near the center of Wilmington. Water Street boasts the river walk, which is popular with tourists and locals alike. Many people run or walk the boardwalk regularly, which is perfect if you want an exercise experience unlike the rest.
There is plenty to do in the area for a fun day out. From the river walk, you can also see the S.S. North Carolina battleship. This adds an element of history that few other communities have.
Water Street is perfect for young couples or those entering the workforce with popular spots for nightlife.
The median price of homes sits around $372,000 in 2022. Prices of homes range from $349,000 to $615,000.
Sentry Oaks
Sentry Oaks is an excellent place for families. The neighborhood in Wilmington, NC has a pond in the center that is a trademark of the community. It creates a welcoming atmosphere for families to partake in all that the area has to offer.
The neighborhood also has an HOA, so if that’s not your speed, consider other neighborhoods on this list.
Families find education accessible with a private school and The Halyburton School complex nearby. Both of these schools are considered to be better education options in Wilmington.
The homes sit near Pleasure Island beaches, which attracts many families to the neighborhood as well. These beaches serve those that want a day at the beach or an evening stroll along the shore.
Many of the buildings have large plots of land, which is also suitable for families or those with pets.
Mayfaire
If you want a more suburban-style family neighborhood near Wilmington, NC, Mayfaire may be for you. The community resides by Landfall and Wrightsville beach, which again is ideal for a family beach day.
It is also ideal for traveling around the city as it is located next to Interstate 40 and Military Cutoff Road. These roads connect to almost every area of Wilmington. If you know you have a commute to another part of the city, move this neighborhood to the top of your list.
Mayfaire additionally has an outdoor mall that many visit regularly. This replaces the shops that Riverwalk and the Historic District have. The only downside is the mall is more likely to have more big corporations. If sustainability and thrifting are your jam, consider another community.
They boast many luxury homes and townhomes with a median sale range of $450,000.
Historical District
If you’re looking for a neighborhood with character, but with the benefits of downtown, then the Historic District is perfect for you. The neighborhood boasts several restaurants and shops that are unique to the area. The Riverwalk sits close by and is easily accessible.
The diversity of things to do in the neighborhood reflects the people who live there as well. The neighborhood has a diverse population and a relatively low cost of living, which makes it accessible to all walks of life. Most of the homes come from antiquity, which gives the area the feeling of stepping back in time too.
There are also historic tours in the area that give some insight into the history of downtown Wilmington.
Riverlights
The Riverlights community fits young families and those entering the workforce perfectly. The area has many places for people to get active and socialize, making it feel like a bustling community with small-town charm.
This Wilmington NC neighborhood boasts many parks for people to visit. At these parks, you can partake in hiking, kayaking, and many other outdoor activities.
The views also attract many people due to the location on the Cape Fear River. The community has apartments, townhomes, and family homes for all kinds of needs.
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Sea Breeze
This suburb of Wilmington has great ratings everywhere. The cost of living is affordable, and the schools are rated highly in the area. The pros outweigh any cons here. The only thing that may be a deterrent is the level of tourism in the area.
The neighborhood has many tourist attractions, restaurants, and parks in the area that people visit often. Carolina Beach National Park sits nearby and has many things to do. The beach has an aquarium, rides like a Ferris Wheel, and other attractions for all ages. The beach also hosts events regularly outside of the regular attractions they typically have. This is a very family-friendly place.
This neighborhood is best for families looking to settle down with many large homes.
Wilmington NC Neighborhoods
Now that you are caught up to speed on some of the best neighborhoods in Wilmington NC, you can feel confident in making a decision about where to go house hunting. The next step can look different for everyone. For some, it may look like finding a realtor. Others may see it as they need to start figuring out moving details. Regardless, hopefully, this guide narrowed things down for you. Best of luck finding your perfect neighborhood in Wilmington, NC.
Maura De Cicco attends the University of Iowa as a Journalism and Anthropology student. She plans to pursue a strategic communications track when it comes to writing, and an archaeology track when it comes to Anthropology.
