Our 9 Best Neighborhoods in Wilmington, NC

Historic Wilmington, NC, has a lot to offer its residents. Buildings from before the US was established, massive naval ships, and a nationally acclaimed Boardwalk are the start of life in this waterfront community. UNC-Wilmington adds a college vibe, while the waterfront and beaches firmly make it a coastal community. For those looking at the best neighborhoods in Wilmington, NC, you’ll have plenty of choices.

Wherever you choose to put down your roots, find a thriving community with many restaurants, stores, marinas, and resorts. North Carolina’s best beaches are a short drive away. For all these reasons and more, Wilmington often appears among the top places to live in North Carolina.

Each Wilmington neighborhood has a unique history and amenities. The right one will depend on what you’re looking for. As you’ll see from these top picks, there’s a lot of diversity regarding the best areas to live in Wilmington.

Wilmington Historic District

If you want to be in the heart of it all, the historic downtown district is for you! Be awed by the 18th and 19th-century architecture, cobblestone streets, gas lamps, and mature shade tree-lined streets.

A stroll through the historic district transports you to a simpler time. A 90 Walk Score reflects how easy it is to stroll to the nearby restaurants, shops, and galleries. Gain exceptional access to the free Cape Fear Riverwalk, a 2.5-mile-long path with a mile right on the riverfront. Imagine spending evenings with a sunset stroll down to your favorite waterfront restaurant or bar. Being close to the waterfront makes this an active community.

Naturally, Wilmington’s top historical attractions are here. This is one of the original neighborhoods, after all. Check out the Cotton Exchange or the USS North Carolina, accessible off the Riverwalk.

Besides the Riverwalk, Historic District residents are part of the 300-block downtown. Find even more eclectic shops, sports bars, and entertainment choices. Both areas host popular street fairs, from the weekly downtown Farmer’s Market to the RiverFest. For those who want to be in the center of the action, living in the historic district is the place to be.

Some of the city’s most historic homes are here. Local architectural styles span the Italianate, Colonial, American Craftsmanship, and Victorian periods. While historic and protected by ordinances, owners have refurbished many homes over the years.

The median price in May 2024 was $699,000, with 15 homes on the market. The prices ranged from $249,000 to $2.43 million.

Water Street

Water Street, also known as the Riverfront or Riverwalk area, has a prime location. This neighborhood east of downtown is a popular area in Wilmington and another of the original neighborhoods. Residents can walk downtown to its many shops and restaurants.

The famous mile-long Wilmington Riverwalk runs beside the neighborhood. That means residents can access breathtaking Cape Fear River views and popular attractions. Most strikingly, the Battleship North Carolina sits across from Water Street. Other attractions include the Burgwin-Wright House and Garden, the Museum of the Bizarre, and the Children’s Museum of Wilmington.

Historic homes and condos line the residential blocks. The median price for Water Street in April 2022 was $372,000, with six homes on the market. The prices ranged from $349,000 to $615,000.

Carolina Place

Historic Carolina Place charms with majestic oak tree-lined streets and beautiful homes. This neighborhood is south of downtown off Market Street. Locals consider it among the best places to live in Wilmington, NC, because it hits so many checkmarks. Established in 1906, it was Wilmington’s first suburban residential neighborhood.

Adjacent is Wallace Park, a green space with a creek and cypress trees. The neighborhood center has a pocket park with a playground for the kids. Access to downtown, the antique district, and Wilmington Farmer’s Market is a reasonable bicycle ride away. Cape Fear Museum of Natural Science and History and a YMCA are attractions off Market Street. New Hanover High School is a few blocks away.

Neighborhood homes include classic examples of bungalows or classical revival architecture. Expect to see sidewalks leading up to sprawling porches and historic homes. The neighborhood association aims to preserve the “front porch culture” with social events throughout the year.

The median price for Carolina Place/Ardmore in May 2024 was $467,000, with nine homes on the market.

Mayfaire

If you’re looking for a more contemporary suburban feel, Mayfaire is the perfect location to check out. This Wilmington, NC, neighborhood lies west of downtown, adjacent to Landfall and Wrightsville Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Wilmington. Thanks to Interstate 40 and Military Cutoff Road, locals have an easy commute to the rest of the city. But the main attraction is its access to amenities, particularly retail.

Mayfaire Town Center is Wilmington’s shopping destination, with over 100 stores and restaurants in an upscale outdoor mall. The Town Center was designed to feel like a walkable downtown by mixing retail and residential.

As for outdoor activities, Mayfaire residents have Ogden Park and Wrightsville Beach Park. You’ll love being close to the beautiful beaches if you’re an outdoor enthusiast. Head down Eastwood Drive to be at the sandy beaches and surf school within minutes. Two golf courses are on either side of Mayfaire for more recreation options: Island Greens Park and Public Course and the Country Club of Landfall.

Developments inside Mayfaire include Inland Greens, Mayfaire Townview, Northwood Estates, Eastport, Seaspray Landing, and The Village at Mayfaire. May 2024 had eight homes for sale in Mayfaire with a median price of $590,000.

Landfall

Gain peace of mind when you live in Landfall, a gated community with three guarded gates. Its 2,200 acres were carefully master-planned into a lush neighborhood that includes over 300 acres set aside for conservation. Come home to peaceful, tree-lined streets. The mature trees and preserved Temple Gardens add to its lush look.

Part of Landfall’s appeal is its location. The shops at Mayfair are next door, while Wrightsville Beach access awaits just over Causeway Drive.

Residents benefit from even more in-neighborhood perks. Golfers have the Country Club of Landfall, with golf courses designed by prized architects Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus. The Cliff Drysdale Sports Complex, basketball court, soccer, volleyball, and baseball fields provide recreation space and organized sports for all ages. Kids have a playground.

Among the landscaped communities are options for waterfront properties on the Intracoastal or any of Landfall’s reservoirs. Sub-neighborhoods include The Villas, Bay Colony, Prestwick, and Giovanni Point.  Homes in May 2024 had a median price of $1.3 million, with 47 homes for sale.

Marsh Oaks

For something less urban, check out Marsh Oaks. This amenity-rich suburban neighborhood on the outskirts of town is north of Wilmington near Ogden. Jump on NC Business 17 and NC 140 to commute into Wilmington for work or play, or to drive back to your peaceful home.

Landscaped common areas and towering live oaks shade the winding streets, giving Marsh Oaks a classic southern appeal. Modern amenities include tennis and pickleball courts, a junior Olympic-size swimming pool, and a Lowcountry-style clubhouse. The swimming pool has a swim team. Its homeowner association develops a sense of community with events like neighborhood runs.

The neighborhood includes luxury houses, homesites, and townhomes. Developments inside Marsh Oaks are Plantation Estates, The Reserve at Marsh Oaks, and Braelock.

RiverLights

Looking for a new construction home in Wilmington? Try RiverLights, a neighborhood along the Cape Fear River south of Wilmington and east of Carolina Beach Road. Thanks to its small-town coastal village charm and incredible upscale amenities, the master-planned community is popular with families with kids and retirees.

This community’s coastal lifestyle encourages you to park your car and enjoy life to the maximum. Marina Village is the town center, a retail and business district with local restaurants, fashion boutiques, and a central event park. At the Lakehouse, find a fitness center, pool with lap lanes and a slide, and common areas for gathering with friends. our-footed family members have an off-leash dog park just for them! An active association runs events throughout the year for residents to meet their friendly neighbors.

Being against the Cape Fear River gives it coastal living vibes. Enjoy nature trails and a 38-acre lake with paddlecraft access. A fishing and crabbing pier stretches into the peaceful marshes.

As for your beach access, it’s easy to head to the beach towns off Carolina Beach Rd. It’s your main route in and out of Wilmington, NC.

RiverLights mixes luxury condos and townhomes, 55+ communities, and single-family houses. The median price for a home in RiverLights was $558,000 in May 2024, with 116 homes on the market.

The Cape

Naturally, some of the best places to live in the Wilmington, NC, area are right on the beach. If you want a beautiful neighborhood near the coast, check out The Cape. South of RiverLights, your access to Kure Beach, Carolina Beach, and Fort Fisher awaits a mile away over the Snow’s Cut Bridge. As a place to live, find quiet, tree-lined streets perfect for walking the dog or a morning run.

The Cape neighborhood is convenient to the seashore attractions. Visit the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the North Carolina Maritime Museum, and the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area on your schedule. You’ll enjoy being close to the water if you love the outdoors.

There are luxury houses, homesites, and townhomes for sale inside The Cape. Sub-neighborhoods include Ocean Dunes, Linksider, and Fairways at the Cape. Homes in The Cape had a median list price of $512,000, with 16 for sale in May 2024. Enjoy coastal living with the beachfront property price tag.

Sentry Oaks

Sentry Oaks is a popular community near Monkey Junction that’s great for families. The Halyburton School Complex, part of the New Hanover Public School System, and a gifted private school are nearby.

In addition to the school access, many families enjoy living in Sentry Oaks because it is close to Pleasure Island beaches for surfing and sunset walks. And it doesn’t compromise on the essentials, as the College Road junction has a shopping center with a grocery store, hardware store, and fast-casual dining.

The community pond is on the main road off Ambleside Drive. Otherwise, homeowner association fees go to common areas and not amenities, keeping the fees low.

Over 150 homes are on Sentry Oaks’ tree-lined streets. Find them on above-average lot sizes, some on almost an acre of land.

Best Neighborhoods in Wilmington, NC

As you’ll find when moving to Wilmington, there’s a lifestyle to please all. Best of all, the cost of coastal living in this community comes in under the national average! So whether you’re looking for a family-friendly community or a perfect active adult neighborhood, Wilmington has it! Best of all, you live near prized oceanfront destinations like Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Topsail Island. Consult a local real estate agent to find your Wilmington, NC, home.

Updated July 2024