Wilmington NC News | Set Your Compass South to Coastal North Carolina

Published on August 10, 2018

Resort style retirement communities are becoming the norm for avid home shoppers looking for the top places to retire in North Carolina. Baby Boomers want to find the ideal location to enjoy the rest of their lives that provides not only exceptional housing options but a location that offers a rich and fulfilling lifestyle. Wilmington NC retirement provides an exceptional choice when it comes to coastal living. This historic seaport town is one of the most happening spots to life in the state and is quickly becoming a prime destination for Baby Boomers seeking nirvana in their post work years.

Wilmington is an eclectic blend of rich history with Spanish-moss draped oaks lining brick paved streets, horse-drawn carriages, Antebellum architecture, museums alongside modern developments that house art galleries, great shopping, spectacular eateries and 230 blocks downtown registered on the National Historic Districts. The town is bordered by the Cape Fear River where the Riverwalk (considered one of the best in the country) offers additional restaurants, live entertainment, unique boutiques and outdoor activities that keep this happening city alive. Fun filled festivals are offered year-round and has put Wilmington on the map as one of the top places to retire in North Carolina. Add the fact that there are favorable temperatures throughout the seasons and pristine beaches only 30 minutes away, and folks are quickly discovering this coastal wonderland is indeed the perfect place to retire and enjoy the finest that life has to offer.

When it comes to resort style retirement communities, Compass Pointe in Leland, North Carolina offers it all! Located just 10 minutes from Wilmington, this premier community is built on a 2,200-acre Audubon International Gold Signature property with 870 acres of preserved wildlife sanctuaries in alliance with Audubon International. The vision of the developer Bobby Harrelson was to create exceptional living spaces incorporating the natural beauty of this prime piece of real estate into the ultimate coastal community. That vision has become a reality. In 2016, Compass Pointe was awarded the Bliss Award for “Best North Carolina Community of the Year,” and there is a reason why.

Whether it is a cottage, village or single-family home, there is a wide array of housing choices at Compass Pointe. Add first-class amenities and you have the perfect combination for an enriched retirement. This gated golf resort and retirement community offers an 18-hole golf course, tennis and fitness facilities, resort-style pool, great food at a first-class restaurant, dog park and a white-sand beach fronting a private freshwater lake. For the ultimate experience in retirement living, Compass Pointe is the ideal choice. Here are the amenities residents enjoy in this resort style community:

The Grand Lanai Amenities Center has an open-air fireplace and lounge, 2 fully stocked bars, a catering kitchen with a cooking school, TV viewing area and a lush covered garden.
Resort Oasis Pool offers a vacation feel with palm trees and cabanas and a 6-lane swimming pool that is accessible year-round due to the mild subtropical weather.
Compass Pointe Golf Club is a showcase designed by Rick Robbins who is the former President of the American Society of Golf Course Architects. Opened in 2016, this greenway is built incorporating natural landscaping with intricate challenges for all levels. The course features a professional driving range, practice area and a lighted putting green as well as an 18-hole putting course. Golfers love this amazing amenity which keeps them entertained year-round.
Tennis buffs can enjoy two lighted tennis courts. For competitive folks seeking more of a challenge, an aggressive singles or double match provides great exercise and a nice way to spend the day with family and friends. There is a highly active social club at Compass Pointe keeping seniors active and engaged.
Staying fit is a priority for Boomers. The Pointe Wellness Center features a 7,000 square foot workout arena offering state-of-art strength equipment, cardio machines, free weights, kettle balls and group fitness classes. Zumba, Pilates, yoga and spinning classes keep residents at Compass Pointe healthy and youthful. The indoor pool provides the perfect place to swim laps and after a steam or sauna provides the perfect finish to any workout.
Outdoor enthusiasts love the walking & biking trails that meander throughout the community while enjoying the naturally preserved landscaping that embraces Compass Pointe. Discerning home shoppers realize the importance of choosing a retirement home where both the climate and the surroundings allow outdoor activities year-round. Compass Pointe is that place.
For good and healthy food, the Latitudes Restaurant is found adjacent to the Compass Pointe Golf Club and offers a full-service brunch, lunch and dinner menu. Try a grilled veggie sandwich or maybe a mouth-watering Black Angus burger whatever choice you make the food is delicious, convenient and always an option at Latitudes. Maybe a fresh fruit smoothie or healthy salad after a workout, or a cocktail to just sit back and relax while watching their favorite sporting event, adjust your compass to Latitudes is ideal whatever the occasion.
Dogs romp at Compass Pointe which has 2 fenced areas to separate larger dogs, older breeds and more aggressive canines from the younger, smaller and mild pups. Neighbors love having the option to let their pets frolic and spend time with fellow four-legged companions adding pleasure to this close-knit community.

Compass Pointe is ideally situated between the hip coastal town of Wilmington and the austere beaches of Brunswick County. It is the perfect equation for a life full of eternal bliss. While the amenities and lifestyle offered at this stellar community is enough to keep residents busy, having the option to getaway to the city or the beach is the perfect combination for a fulfilled retirement making this tropical oasis one of the best Wilmington NC retirement communities.

Once you enter this property with towering palms and spectacular architectural designs, it is apparent that there is true Southern hospitality in this community. The neighborhoods are inviting and there are no strangers. There are plenty of events on the social calendar and lots of clubs to enjoy the interactive lifestyle that makes Compass Pointe rock. The bocce ball club has 160 members and is a favorite pastime for residents. Pickleball, canasta, kayaking and fishing clubs offer additional festivities and active seniors enjoy sharing the good life with neighbors. Thirsty Thursdays at the Grand Lanai, fitness classes at the Wellness Center and monthly “Dance the Night Away” dance lessons offer endless fun and makes Compass Pointe the place to be post retirement.

Residents love a day trip to the white sandy beaches found in nearby Brunswick County. Here are a few found near Compass Pointe:

Wrightsville Beach is the closest in proximity and the most developed with a wide variety of fresh seafood restaurants to choose from as well as Baja Mexican food, gourmet burgers and steakhouses to enjoy fine dining on the beach. For a great workout, the Loop offers a great fitness trail, surfing is an option for adventurers and Johnnie Mercier’s pier is the perfect spot to drop a line for some fresh fish. The dolphin tour is a fun way to spend the day and the many festivals and concerts offer great ways to enjoy this pristine beach destination not far from the front gates of Compass Pointe. With access to sandy beaches and majestic sunsets, its no wonder that Baby Boomers are choosing this location to spend the rest of their lives.
Carolina Beach is another fun filled beach located on the Atlantic Coast of Pleasure Island. The vintage boardwalk is a great spot to eat, drink and be merry. There is always something happening here. Live concerts on the beach, great eateries and the ideal spot to sip a glass of wine watching dolphins frolic in the ocean. Sunsets are captivating, and the beach is always open. The Carolina Beach State Park is nearby and offers another resource for outdoor exploration. Fireworks displays are offered weekly throughout the summer and family friendly movies keeps residents entertained. The Farmer’s Market is the perfect spot to shop for fresh produce and is yet another perk for residents of Compass Pointe. Living by the ocean, is a dream come true.
Another favorite small-town beach, Kure Beach is located on Pleasure Island about 15 minutes away from Wilmington. It is here that anglers can enjoy the “oldest fishing pier on the Atlantic Coast” which spans 712 feet out over the ocean. There is also an oceanfront park, the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher (named one of the best aquariums in the United State by the Travel Channel) as well as a wide selection of delicious spots to enjoy good food and refreshing cocktails. The Fort Fisher State Recreation Area features miles of unspoiled natural beaches, bathhouse showers, a visitor’s center and a concession stand for refreshments. There is a seaside playground for the grandkids at the Ocean Front Park and the Fort Fisher State Historic Site for history buffs. Life is always a vacation on the coastline of North Carolina.

The lucky folks who call Compass Pointe home truly understand why it received the Bliss Award for “Happiest Community of the Year” in 2015. It is time to come and explore the superb living spaces that make this community premier. The craftsmanship of the homes is exquisite, and the plans radiate Southern hospitality with inviting porches, outdoor kitchens and open living designs that complement the lifestyle of living in the great outdoors of this coastal community. Creating the perfect home is a breeze. Whether it is a cottage, villa or single-family dwelling, the impressive builders insure that the building process is seamless. There are several reputable companies that provide exceptional coastal floor plans for creating the ultimate retreat. Currently 8 builders are readily available to choose from: Charter Building Group, Coastal Luxury Homes, Hagood Homes, Horizon Homes, Legacy Homes by Bill Clark, Liberty Homes, Logan Homes and Trusst Builders Group. Each of these companies have incredible resumes and a stellar reputation for creating impeccable homes.

And Compass Pointe is expanding their amenities this summer. Residents are looking forward to 2 new additions to the Grand Lanai Pavilion. Folks can soon drift away in the new relaxing “lazy river” while enjoying the spectacular scenery and warm sea breezes. Or maybe an exhilarating swim in the new indoor pool to revive the soul, Compass Pointe is the ultimate spot for a staycation.

Currently there are homesites available below $100,000 and 2 bedroom/2 bath homes in the low $300k’s. Now is the time to find your home in one of the best resort style retirement communities in Wilmington There are some great opportunities to come and explore Compass Pointe. This weekend will feature the August Property Release – the chance to be the guest at Compass Pointe with a guided tour of the Model Homes and experience the resort lifestyle firsthand. The next release date weekend is planned for October 25th through October 28th. Reserve space now as space is limited!

Only $299 and the Community Event Package includes:

4 Days / 3 nights of Luxury accommodations
Daily transportation to and from the Hotel
Meet and Greet Welcome Reception
Community tour with your community specialist
Wilmington Excursion
Builder Showcase Home Tour
On-site lunches
Developer Dinner

Golfers looking for a summer getaway may enjoy the Golf Getaway Package. Spend the weekend playing the Compass Pointe Golf course, tour the property and enjoy the luxurious amenities with two rounds of golf. Affordable fun and a great way to experience the resort style living at Compass Pointe:

Only $199, the Golf Getaway Package includes:

3 Days / 2 nights of Luxury accommodations
Community tour with your community specialist
Two rounds of golf
Gift Certificate to Dine at Latitudes

Before the summer is over, spend a weekend in Wilmington and tour the property, visit nearby beaches and get the feel of the life of pleasure found at Compass Pointe. This is an incredible value for a weekend full of fun on the coast of North Carolina. Here's another great option!

Only $149, the Discovery Package includes: