Wilmington, NC is a historic port town on the southern shores of North Carolina, known for its laid-back coastal style, place in U.S. history, and of course, beautiful beaches. This low-key town has actually been in the spotlight (literally) over the years as its picturesque neighborhoods and scenic landscapes have been the backdrop of productions such Matlock, Dawson’s Creek, and Iron Man 3. Let’s take a look at why Wilmington’s population has grown by 18% in the last 10 years, and why people continue to move there today.
Reasons to Move to Wilmington, NC
1) Beautiful Beaches
Beaches in Wilmington always have just the right amount of people to make them feel lively but never overcrowded. Charming bungalows and local hotels give way to scenic dunes and white sand beaches, where swimming, surfing, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and diving are among the locals’ favorite pastimes. Kure Beach, Carolina Beach, and Wrightsville Beach are premier destinations for travelers from throughout the region.
2) History and Culture
Wilmington’s history dates all the way back to 1524, when it was first explored by the Italian navigator Verrazano. It was first settled in 1725 and experienced important milestones through the 20th century. Today, there are many museums and cultural landmarks to visit and learn about this area’s important role as one of America’s first port cities. Visitors and locals alike love soaking up history at The Burgwin-Wright House, Latimer House Museum, Bellamy Mansion Museum, Wrightsville Beach Museum of History, Fort Fisher State Historic Site, and others.
3) Low-Cost Coastal Living
Wilmington is one of North Carolina’s most affordable cities. It’s in line with the average cost of living in the U.S., which is significant considering its prime coastal location. You’ll save most on transportation, since much of the area is walkable and the city’s footprint is small if you do need to drive, followed by utilities and housing.
4) Career Opportunities
Thanks to large education institutions like New Hanover County Schools and the University of North Carolina Wilmington (two of the area’s biggest employers), Wilmington is poised for strong job growth over the next 10 years. The city boasts a lower unemployment rate than the national average, and above-average future job growth. Healthcare, retail, hospitality, and manufacturing are other major employment sectors.
5) New Homes for Sale
You can find beautiful new homes for sale in Wilmington in our communities throughout the area. Woodlands Grove at Echo Farms boasts a central location between Wrightsville and Carolina beaches and is close to shopping, parks, trails, golf courses, and more. Homes range from 2 to 5 bedrooms and are priced from the $320s. Summer Bay Villas are a collection of modern, 2-story townhomes just minutes from shopping, dining and retail in Leland, NC. Only two opportunities remain from the $240s!
If you’re thinking of making the move to Wilmington, contact us to learn more about our new homes and beautiful communities built for you to enjoy the city’s cool coastal style.