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Wilmington

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Name: Melanie Cameron
Phone: (910) 233-2840 Office: (910) 202-2546 Fax: (910) 795-4723 Email: [email protected]
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Living in Wilmington, NC at a Glance

  • Location: Coastal city in southeastern North Carolina along the Cape Fear River, just minutes from Atlantic barrier-island beaches.

  • Population: Approximately 125,000 residents in the city and more than 450,000 in the surrounding metro area.

  • Nearby Beaches: Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach are all a short drive away.

  • Drive Times: Roughly 2 hours to Raleigh and about 1.5 hours to Myrtle Beach.

  • Climate: Humid subtropical climate with mild winters and warm, sunny summers.

  • Key Industries: Healthcare, education, port and logistics, tourism, and film/television production.

  • Local Highlights: Historic riverfront downtown, vibrant arts and food scene, active outdoor lifestyle, and strong coastal identity.

Learn more about Wilmington

Wilmington, North Carolina, fondly known as the Port City, is a gem nestled on the eastern coast of the United States. Its unique blend of historical charm, coastal allure, and economic vitality makes it an attractive destination for those considering a move. Whether you are drawn by the whispers of the Atlantic Ocean, the serenity of the Cape Fear River, the promise of robust employment opportunities, or the growing lifestyle trends, Wilmington has a place for you.

What is the history of Wilmington, NC?

Wilmington’s history is as rich and colorful as the waters that hug its shores. Established in the 1730s, the city’s past is a mosaic of colonial narratives, maritime tales, and architectural grandeur. Walking through the streets of the historic downtown, you are transported back in time, with every brick and cobblestone telling a story. The city played a pivotal role during the Civil War and has since evolved while preserving its historical significance. The beautifully restored antebellum homes, the USS North Carolina Battleship, and the historic Thalian Hall are not just tourist attractions but landmarks that encapsulate the spirit and resilience of Wilmington. 

Where is Wilmington, NC, located and what is nearby?

Wilmington’s geography is a treasure trove for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Poised gracefully by the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River, the city offers an unparalleled coastal living experience. The scenic Riverwalk, a 1.75-mile boardwalk lining the Cape Fear River, is a testament to the city’s commitment to celebrating its natural endowments. The proximity to Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach means that sandy shores, rolling waves, and ocean adventures are just a short drive away. The mild climate further enhances the outdoor lifestyle, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy a plethora of activities year-round. 

What are the major employers and industries in Wilmington, NC?

Wilmington’s economy is as dynamic as its landscapes. Top employment industries in the area include healthcare, education, film production, and service sectors. The city is home to institutions like Novant New Hanover Regional Medical Center and the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), both of which are significant contributors to the local economy and community well-being. The Wilmington Business Development (WBD) consistently works towards attracting new businesses and supporting existing ones, ensuring a fertile ground for economic growth and job opportunities. The presence of the North Carolina Port also adds to the economic fabric of the city, making it a hub for commerce and trade. 

What is it like to live in Wilmington, NC, today?

Wilmington is not just a place to work and live; it’s a space to thrive and indulge in life. The city has been catching the eye of young professionals, families, and retirees alike, thanks to its growing lifestyle trends. The downtown area is a vibrant mix of art, culture, and entertainment, with galleries, theaters, and live music venues dotting the landscape. The culinary scene in Wilmington is nothing short of a culinary adventure, offering everything from fresh seafood to global cuisines. The city also hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating everything from film and music to food and wine, ensuring that there’s always something to look forward to. To learn more about why people are moving to the Wilmington area, read our in-depth guide on why people are moving to Wilmington, North Carolina.

Why is Wilmington known as “Hollywood East”?

One of Wilmington’s most compelling attributes is its diverse and scenic landscape, offering filmmakers a myriad of backdrop options. From the charming historic downtown streets to the serene beaches, and the mysterious allure of the nearby marshes and forests, Wilmington provides a canvas that can depict a multitude of settings. This versatility has made it a favorite for productions ranging from small independent films to large blockbuster movies and popular television series. 

Notable Productions and Economic Impact 

Wilmington’s filmography is as diverse as it is impressive. The city has played host to a slew of high-profile productions. Films such as “Iron Man 3,” “The Conjuring,” and “Blue Velvet,” and television series like “Dawson’s Creek,” “One Tree Hill,” and “Under the Dome” have all been filmed in the streets and studios of Wilmington. This influx of productions has not only put Wilmington on the cinematic map but has also had a significant economic impact on the region. The film industry has created numerous jobs, stimulated local businesses, and attracted tourism, contributing to the city’s economic dynamism. 

How is Wilmington, NC ranked and recognized nationally?

The allure of Wilmington has not gone unnoticed. The city has received numerous accolades, reinforcing its status as a desirable place to live. Recognitions such as “Best American Riverfront” by USA Today and consistent rankings in lists of best places to live and retire highlight the quality of life that Wilmington offers. The city’s commitment to preserving its history, celebrating its culture, and fostering a thriving economic environment makes it more than just a coastal city; it’s a community where life unfolds beautifully. 

In conclusion, Wilmington, North Carolina, is a tapestry of historical elegance, natural beauty, economic vitality, and lifestyle richness. It’s a city that respects its past, celebrates its present, and is optimistic about its future. For those considering a move, Wilmington is not just a new address; it’s a new chapter in the story of life, promising an experience that is as enriching as the waters that caress its shores. Whether you are seeking a career opportunity, a family-friendly environment, or a retirement haven, Wilmington beckons with open arms and a promise of a life well-lived.

Wilmington Accolades

World War II Heritage City (The First in the USA)
See even more at the local tourism development website.

Real Estate Snapshot for Wilmington, NC

Wilmington’s housing market has seen consistent long-term growth, reflecting strong demand driven by the area’s coastal lifestyle, employment opportunities, and quality of life. While inventory levels have fluctuated over recent years, buyers generally encounter a range of home styles from historic downtown cottages to newer subdivisions and coastal properties.

Recent trends show moderate inventory compared with the rapid run-up in home values seen earlier in the decade. This has translated into continued price appreciation, though at a more measured pace than during the peak market surge. Housing options vary across neighborhoods, with single-family homes dominating most price segments and condominiums or townhomes providing alternatives closer to the beach or in walkable urban areas.

For sellers, favorable conditions persist in well-priced homes that appeal to today’s buyers. For buyers, Wilmington’s market offers diversity in property types and lifestyles, from riverfront living to suburban communities with easy access to schools and amenities.

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Wilmington
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Visit Wilmington

Get to know Wilmington better through featured images and videos.

406 S 3rd St, Wilmington, NC 28401 406 S 3rd St, Wilmington, NC 28401 Battleship North Carolina Museum Cape Fear Bridge Historic District - Downtown Wilmington Sign Federal Courthouse in Wilmington Downtown Wilmington Stores Downtown Wilmington Stores Corner of Water and Market Streets End of Wilmington Riverwalk Fat Tonys in Wilmington The Murchison Building Diligence Landing Wilmington Riverwalk Towards The Hilton Wilmington Riverwalk Le Catalan Post Office Downtown The George and Pilot House Riverwalk Garden First Presbyterian Church in Wilmington First Presbyterian Church in Wilmington Historic District - Example Home Graystone Inn Historic District - The Latimer House Wilmington Historic District Homes Historic District - Example Home Historic District - Example Homes Historic District - Example Home
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Schools In The Area

Browse local schools, complete with ratings and contact info.
Edwin A Anderson Elementary School 910-798-3311 Public KG-5
Roland-Grise Middle School 910-350-2136 Public 6-8
Myrtle Grove Middle School 910-350-2100 Public 6-8
John T Hoggard High School 910-350-2072 Public 9-12
Edwin A Anderson Elementary School 910-798-3311 Public KG-5
Bradley Creek Elementary School 910-350-2051 Public KG-5
Porters Neck Elementary School 910-251-2975 Public KG-5
Masonboro Elementary School 910-790-2355 Public KG-5
Heyward C Bellamy Elementary School 910-350-2039 Public KG-5
Murrayville Elementary School 910-790-5067 Public KG-5
The International School at Gregory 910-251-6185 Public KG-8
Winter Park Elementary School 910-350-2159 Public KG-5
Holly Tree Elementary School 910-790-2250 Public KG-5
Dr Hubert Eaton Sr Elementary School 910-397-1544 Public KG-5
Wilmington Preparatory Academy 910-799-6776 Public KG-8
Dr John Codington Elementary School 910-790-2236 Public KG-5
John J Blair Elementary School 910-350-2045 Public KG-5
Pine Valley Elementary School 910-350-2121 Public KG-5
Edwin A Alderman Elementary School 910-350-2031 Public KG-5
Island Montessori Charter School 910-795-4860 Public KG-8
Ogden Elementary School 910-686-6464 Public KG-5
Mary C Williams Elementary School 910-350-2150 Public KG-5
Wilmington School of the Arts 910-399-3712 Public KG-2
College Park Elementary School 910-350-2058 Public KG-5
Coastal Preparatory Academy 910-839-0012 Public KG-8
Sunset Park Elementary School 910-815-6948 Public KG-5
Cape Fear Center for Inquiry 910-362-0000 Public KG-8
Douglass Academy 910-763-1976 Public KG-5
Rachel Freeman School of Engineering 910-251-6011 Public KG-5
D.C. Virgo Preparatory Academy 910-251-6150 Public KG-8
Annie H Snipes Academy of Arts & Design 910-251-6175 Public KG-5
Forest Hills Global Elementary School 910-251-6190 Public KG-5
Providence Preparatory Academy 910-644-0558 Private KG-10
St Mark Catholic School 910-398-6532 Private PK-8
Friends School of Wilmington 910-792-1811 Private PK-8
Peace Rose Montessori 910-769-2812 Private PK-8
Calvary Christian School 910-343-1565 Private PK-12
Lake Forest Academy 910-772-2515 Public KG-8
Pine Valley United Methodist Church Wee Care Preschool & Kindergarten 910-791-9824 Private PK-KG
Wilmington Christian Academy 910-791-4248 Private PK-12
New Horizons Elementary School 910-392-5209 Private KG-5
Cape Fear Academy 910-791-0287 Private PK-12
Peace Rose Montessori School 910-769-2812 Private PK-8
College Road Early Childhood Center 910-350-7860 Public PK-KG
Southeastern Autism Academy 910-769-4586 Private KG-12
Edwin A Anderson Elementary School 910-798-3311 Public KG-5
Roland-Grise Middle School 910-350-2136 Public 6-8
Murrayville Elementary School 910-790-5067 Public KG-5
Heyward C Bellamy Elementary School 910-350-2039 Public KG-5
Masonboro Elementary School 910-790-2355 Public KG-5
Myrtle Grove Middle School 910-350-2100 Public 6-8
Porters Neck Elementary School 910-251-2975 Public KG-5
Bradley Creek Elementary School 910-350-2051 Public KG-5
Holly Tree Elementary School 910-790-2250 Public KG-5
Winter Park Elementary School 910-350-2159 Public KG-5
MCS Noble Middle School 910-350-2112 Public 6-8
Emma B. Trask Middle School 910-350-2142 Public 6-8
Dr Hubert Eaton Sr Elementary School 910-397-1544 Public KG-5
The International School at Gregory 910-251-6185 Public KG-8
Charles P. Murray Middle School 910-790-2363 Public 6-8
Wilmington Preparatory Academy 910-799-6776 Public KG-8
John J Blair Elementary School 910-350-2045 Public KG-5
Dr John Codington Elementary School 910-790-2236 Public KG-5
Pine Valley Elementary School 910-350-2121 Public KG-5
Edwin A Alderman Elementary School 910-350-2031 Public KG-5
Ogden Elementary School 910-686-6464 Public KG-5
Island Montessori Charter School 910-795-4860 Public KG-8
Mary C Williams Elementary School 910-350-2150 Public KG-5
Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington 910-338-5258 Public 6-10
Career Readiness Academy at Mosley Plc 910-251-6161 Public 6-12
Coastal Preparatory Academy 910-839-0012 Public KG-8
Wilmington School of the Arts 910-399-3712 Public KG-2
College Park Elementary School 910-350-2058 Public KG-5
Sunset Park Elementary School 910-815-6948 Public KG-5
Douglass Academy 910-763-1976 Public KG-5
Cape Fear Center for Inquiry 910-362-0000 Public KG-8
Rachel Freeman School of Engineering 910-251-6011 Public KG-5
D.C. Virgo Preparatory Academy 910-251-6150 Public KG-8
Williston Middle School 910-815-6906 Public 6-8
Forest Hills Global Elementary School 910-251-6190 Public KG-5
Annie H Snipes Academy of Arts & Design 910-251-6175 Public KG-5
J. C. Roe Center 910-395-4472 Public 6-12
Hill School of Wilmington 910-685-3734 Private 1-8
Providence Preparatory Academy 910-644-0558 Private KG-10
St Mark Catholic School 910-398-6532 Private PK-8
Friends School of Wilmington 910-792-1811 Private PK-8
Peace Rose Montessori 910-769-2812 Private PK-8
Calvary Christian School 910-343-1565 Private PK-12
Lake Forest Academy 910-772-2515 Public KG-8
New Horizons Elementary School 910-392-5209 Private KG-5
Wilmington Christian Academy 910-791-4248 Private PK-12
Cape Fear Academy 910-791-0287 Private PK-12
Waterview Learning Academy 910-777-7564 Private 6-12
Innovative Academy 910-769-4133 Private 1-7
Peace Rose Montessori School 910-769-2812 Private PK-8
Myrtle Grove Middle School 910-350-2100 Public 6-8
Roland-Grise Middle School 910-350-2136 Public 6-8
The International School at Gregory 910-251-6185 Public KG-8
MCS Noble Middle School 910-350-2112 Public 6-8
Emma B. Trask Middle School 910-350-2142 Public 6-8
Charles P. Murray Middle School 910-790-2363 Public 6-8
Wilmington Preparatory Academy 910-799-6776 Public KG-8
Island Montessori Charter School 910-795-4860 Public KG-8
Career Readiness Academy at Mosley Plc 910-251-6161 Public 6-12
Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington 910-338-5258 Public 6-10
Coastal Preparatory Academy 910-839-0012 Public KG-8
Cape Fear Center for Inquiry 910-362-0000 Public KG-8
D.C. Virgo Preparatory Academy 910-251-6150 Public KG-8
Williston Middle School 910-815-6906 Public 6-8
J. C. Roe Center 910-395-4472 Public 6-12
Hill School of Wilmington 910-685-3734 Private 1-8
Pathways Middle and High School 910-343-3321 Private 5-12
Southeastern Autism Academy 910-769-4586 Private KG-12
Peace Rose Montessori School 910-769-2812 Private PK-8
Calvary Christian School 910-343-1565 Private PK-12
Lake Forest Academy 910-772-2515 Public KG-8
Providence Preparatory Academy 910-644-0558 Private KG-10
St Mark Catholic School 910-398-6532 Private PK-8
Friends School of Wilmington 910-792-1811 Private PK-8
Cape Fear Academy 910-791-0287 Private PK-12
Waterview Learning Academy 910-777-7564 Private 6-12
Wilmington Christian Academy 910-791-4248 Private PK-12
Innovative Academy 910-769-4133 Private 1-7
Peace Rose Montessori 910-769-2812 Private PK-8
Wilmington Academy of Arts & Sciences 910-392-3139 Private 4-8
John T Hoggard High School 910-350-2072 Public 9-12
Isaac M Bear Early College High School 910-350-1387 Public 9-12
Eugene Ashley High School 910-790-2360 Public 9-12
Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington 910-338-5258 Public 6-10
Career Readiness Academy at Mosley Plc 910-251-6161 Public 6-12
New Hanover High School 910-251-6100 Public 9-12
Emsley A Laney High School 910-350-2089 Public 9-12
J. C. Roe Center 910-395-4472 Public 6-12
Southeastern Autism Academy 910-769-4586 Private KG-12
Coastal Christian High School 910-395-9995 Private 9-12
Providence Preparatory Academy 910-644-0558 Private KG-10
Wilmington Christian Academy 910-791-4248 Private PK-12
Waterview Learning Academy 910-777-7564 Private 6-12
Cape Fear Academy 910-791-0287 Private PK-12
Calvary Christian School 910-343-1565 Private PK-12
Pathways Middle and High School 910-343-3321 Private 5-12

FAQ About Wilmington, NC

Where is Wilmington, NC located?

Wilmington is a coastal city in southeastern North Carolina, in New Hanover County. It sits along the Cape Fear River and is just a short drive from barrier-island beaches like Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach. The city anchors the Wilmington metropolitan area on the state’s southeastern coast.

What is Wilmington, NC known for?

Wilmington is known for its historic riverfront downtown, walkable Riverwalk, and nearby Atlantic beaches. It has a long history as a port city and is also recognized for its film and television production industry, earning nicknames like “Hollywood East.” The city regularly appears on lists highlighting charming coastal communities and notable places to visit.

How big is Wilmington, NC?

The City of Wilmington has a population of roughly 125,000 residents based on recent estimates, with the wider metro area home to several hundred thousand people. The region has experienced steady population growth over the last decade as more people relocate to coastal North Carolina for its amenities, climate, and job opportunities.

How far is Wilmington, NC from Raleigh and Myrtle Beach?

Wilmington is approximately 130 miles from Raleigh, which is usually about a two-hour drive depending on traffic and route. It is roughly 75 miles from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with a typical drive time of around an hour and a half. These distances make Wilmington a convenient coastal hub with access to other regional cities.

What kinds of jobs are common in Wilmington, NC?

Wilmington’s economy includes strong employment in healthcare, education, port and logistics, tourism, and film and television production. Major employers include medical centers, higher education institutions, port-related businesses, and companies that support the hospitality, construction, and professional services sectors throughout the region.

Around The Area

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