For good reason: in North Carolina’s beautiful coastal region, Wilmington is one of the state’s top places to live. Waterfront views will take your breath away, and the adorable historic downtown area, filled with shops and restaurants, will delight you. If you’re considering moving here or buying a house for investment purposes (or both!), read our guide first!
The Appeal of Wilmington
Wilmington has over 120,000 residents and caters to all tastes: pristine beaches and historic landmarks. Who can resist the tasty local crab? Find out more on why Wilmington might be just the place for you!

Finding a better quality of life than in Wilmington, North Carolina, is challenging. This city has something for everyone: beautiful beaches, an attractive downtown area, and lots going on culturally. But there is more! The city boasts excellent schools, such as Hoggard High School and Pine Valley Elementary School, and lively parks, like Hugh MacRae Park and Greenfield Lake Park, where the family can take a day out.
Economic Opportunities
Wilmington, NC, offers a slew of employment opportunities—it’s a place with lots of promise. The area thrives, thanks partly to big players like General Electric and New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
Healthcare, tourism, and education are the major sources of employment here. But it’s not only these that keep the local labor market buoyant; Fortune 500 corporations such as Live Oak Bank and Corning Inc. also play their part! Wilmington’s unemployment rate is only 3.7%, one of the lowest in the US. This shows that the city is stable and would be a great place for young professionals or even investors.
The Real Estate Market in Wilmington is Growing

Affordability and Value
When people consider purchasing property in Wilmington, two things that come to mind are affordability and value. This port city offers various properties for sale at great prices, so you can get more bang for your buck here than in many other places. It’s no wonder homebuyers and investors alike find it appealing!
Some of the most sought-after neighborhoods in this city include:
- Carolina Place is a lovely neighborhood of mid-century houses with tree-filled roads. It’s ideal for young professionals and families—it’s well-priced and centrally positioned.
- Parkside is perfect for those who want more modern conveniences in their newer homes or townhouses. It is close to highways, shopping centers, and restaurants.
- Carriage Hills: This suburban neighborhood has large detached houses in lots of green space. It offers a peaceful retreat from urban life while still being convenient.
- Landfall: In Wilmington, Landfall is considered very upmarket. This gated community has lots of luxurious properties with big gardens. There are some great facilities here, too—like golf courses and tennis courts—which is why it attracts wealthy retirees.
Real Estate Market Insights
According to Zillow, the real estate market in Wilmington is doing very well: The average home is priced at $406,043– a rise of 3.9% over the past year Plus, they’re not staying on the market long; it takes 18 days for the sale to be agreed upon!
This market has something for everyone– whether you’re a homeowner or an investor seeking steady demand and supply drivers. Plus, future development projects like RiverLights and The Avenue could increase property values further—perfect if you’re after growth potential!
Living in Wilmington

Cultural and Recreational Activities
Wilmington offers many cultural and leisure activities. At Cameron Art Museum, you can engage with local art or learn about the past at Cape Fear Museum. If you are a nature lover, your options are infinite: kayak next to the stunning Riverwalk or mountain biking at Blue Clay Bike Park. Those who appreciate the outdoors can visit Airlie Gardens and Masonboro Island Reserve for birdwatching and hiking. You can also visit popular gardens like Greenfield Lake Park and Ogden Park and walk through Carolina Beach State Park. Wilmington has it all!
Education and Healthcare
Wilmington is a stunning seaside town that provides great education and healthcare facilities. Some great schools in the area, including Forest Hills Global Elementary and Isaac Bear Early College High School, ranked among the best at the state level in the public and private sectors.
When it comes to higher learning, UNC Wilmington offers some of the best programs on a national level. Healthcare facilities in Wilmington are also top-notch, and famous hospitals such as New Hanover Regional Medical Center and Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center are easy to reach. Residents can rest assured they are closely served by quality medical care!
Community and Lifestyle

The people of Wilmington come from different backgrounds but are very friendly. The residents of this area have very intimate relationships and a strong community identity. People here typically gather for celebrations around the Azalea Festival and Riverfest that bring out the best in Wilmington’s cultural scenery.
The city offers a wide range of options for eating out and shopping. There is a variety of choices available, starting from locally owned coffee joints like Bitty & Beau’s Coffee to some of the biggest eateries like Dock Street Oyster Bar. Conversely, shopping fanatics have plenty of choices, including local boutiques such as Edge of Urge and Mayfaire Town Center, two of the biggest malls.
Transportation and Accessibility
There are various means of getting around and moving from one place to another in Wilmington, North Carolina. You can easily get into the city by using the I-40 or I-95 interstates, which connect to most other roads. Wilmington International Airport and Amtrak train services are available to people from far away. In addition, the Wave Transit bus system is easy to use for moving around town. Traffic congestion is quite common; however, they are nothing compared to other large metropolises.
Overall Conclusion on Living and Buying Real Estate in Wilmington

To conclude, Wilmington, North Carolina, is a great place to live because it offers a high quality of life, is extremely affordable, and has a strong sense of community. This city offers many jobs to young professionals, while families and elderly people can expect to live safely here. With its appealing attributes and prospects of appreciation in property markets, Wilmington is a prime investment destination where one can have a satisfying life. Therefore, visit this lovely city and experience it all!